History of Olympic Games in Timeline
The modern Olympic Games are a leading international sporting event held every four years, featuring both Summer and Winter sports. Thousands of athletes representing over 200 nations and territories compete. The Games are considered the world's foremost sports competition and often replace world championships in the respective year. Since 1994, the Summer and Winter Olympics alternate every two years within the four-year Olympiad.
1900: Olympic Games held at the Paris Exposition in 1900
The Olympic Games held at the Paris Exposition in 1900 failed to attract much participation or notice.
1900: Women first allowed to compete at the 1900 Summer Olympics
Women were first allowed to compete at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Games.
1904: Use of Strychnine on Olympic Athlete Thomas Hicks in 1904
In 1904, Thomas Hicks, a gold medallist in the marathon, was given strychnine by his coach. At the time, taking different substances was allowed, as there was no data regarding the effect of these substances on a body of an athlete.
1904: Introduction of the three-medal format
In 1904, the current three-medal format (gold, silver, bronze) was introduced at the Olympics. Previously, only the winner and runner-up received medals.
1904: Olympic Games held at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904
The Olympic Games held at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904 failed to attract much participation or notice.
1906: Intercalated Games in Athens
In 1906, the Intercalated Games were held in Athens, attracting a broad international field of participants and generating public interest.
1908: First Official Sponsors of the Olympics
In 1908, Oxo, Odol mouthwash, and Indian Foot Powder became official sponsors of the London Olympic Games.
1908: Figure skating at the Summer Olympics
In 1908, figure skating was featured as an Olympic event at the Summer Olympics, showcasing winter sports during the summer games.
1912: Jim Thorpe Stripped of Medals
In 1912, Olympic champion Jim Thorpe was stripped of his medals after it was discovered that he had played semi-professional baseball before the Olympics.
1912: End of solid gold medals
Until 1912, winners received solid gold medals, after which the medals were made of gilded silver. Today, gold medals are gold-plated silver with at least six grams of pure gold.
1914: Olympic Flag Adopted
In 1914, the Olympic flag was adopted, featuring five coloured rings representing the unity of the five inhabited continents.
1916: Cancellation of the 1916 Olympics
Due to World War I, the 1916 Olympics were cancelled, marking one of the major disruptions in the Games' history.
1916: Cancellation of the 1916 Games due to World War I
In 1916, the Olympic Games were cancelled because of World War I, marking one of three Olympiads that passed without a celebration of the Games due to world wars.
1920: Figure skating and ice hockey at the Summer Olympics
In 1920, figure skating and ice hockey were featured as Olympic events at the Summer Olympics, bridging winter and summer sports.
1920: Establishment of Opening Ceremony Rituals
In 1920, most of the rituals for the Olympic Games opening ceremony were established at the Summer Olympics in Antwerp, framing the event as mandated by the Olympic Charter.
1920: Olympic Flag Flown for the First Time
In 1920, the Olympic flag was flown for the first time at the Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium.
1921: Decision to hold a winter version of the Olympic Games
At the 1921 Olympic Congress in Lausanne, the decision was made to hold a winter version of the Olympic Games.
1924: Olympic Motto Made Official
In 1924, the Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger) was made official, proposed by Pierre de Coubertin.
1924: Beginning of Winter Olympics program
In 1924, the Winter Olympics program started, with cross-country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and speed skating featured at every event since.
1924: First Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix
In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix, France, marking the beginning of the winter games tradition.
1928: Coca-Cola First Sponsored the Summer Olympics
In 1928, Coca-Cola first sponsored the Summer Olympics and has remained an Olympic sponsor ever since, establishing a long-standing relationship.
1928: Soviets Organise Spartakiads
In 1928, starting, the Soviets organised an international sports event called Spartakiads.
1928: The Olympic Flame Became an Olympic Symbol
Since 1928, the Olympic flame has been an Olympic symbol.
1930: Pedestals used at British Empire Games
In 1930, pedestals were used at the British Empire Games which influenced the creation of the medal podiums used at the 1932 Olympics.
1932: Establishment of Olympic Medal Podium Ceremonies
In 1932, the practice of awarding Olympic medals at podium ceremonies was established at the Winter Olympics, based on pedestals used at the 1930 British Empire Games, as proposed by Melville Marks Robinson.
1936: Nazi Germany Hosts Olympics to Promote Ideology
In 1936, Nazi Germany used the Olympic Games to portray the National Socialist Party as benevolent and peace-loving while also displaying Aryan superiority.
1936: Skiers Boycott Winter Olympics
In 1936, Swiss and Austrian skiers boycotted the Winter Olympics in support of their skiing teachers, who were not allowed to compete because they earned money with their sport and were thus considered professionals.
1936: Olympic Council of Ireland Boycott
In 1936, The Olympic Council of Ireland boycotted the Berlin Games because the IOC insisted its team needed to be restricted to the Irish Free State rather than representing the entire island of Ireland.
1936: Introduction of the Olympic Torch Relay
In 1936, the Olympic torch relay was introduced at the Summer Games to promote the Third Reich.
1936: First Television Broadcast of the Summer Olympics
In 1936, the Summer Olympics in Berlin were the first games to be broadcast on television, though only to local audiences.
1940: Cancellation of 1940 Summer and Winter Games
In 1940, both the summer and winter Olympic Games were cancelled due to World War II, contributing to the three Olympiads missed because of world conflicts.
1940: Cancellation of the 1940 Olympics
In 1940, the Olympic Games were cancelled due to the ongoing World War II, preventing the international sporting event from taking place.
1944: Cancellation of 1944 Summer and Winter Games
In 1944, both the summer and winter Olympic Games were cancelled due to World War II, completing the three Olympiads missed because of world wars.
1944: Cancellation of the 1944 Olympics
The 1944 Olympics were cancelled as a result of World War II, contributing to a period of disruption in the Games' schedule.
1948: Introduction of Olympic diplomas
From 1948 onward, athletes placing fourth, fifth, and sixth in the Olympics have received certificates, officially known as Olympic diplomas.
1948: Stoke Mandeville Games
In 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized a multi-sport event between hospitals known as the Stoke Mandeville Games to coincide with the London Olympics.
1952: Avery Brundage Became President of IOC
In 1952, Avery Brundage became the president of the IOC, rejecting all attempts to link the Olympics with commercial interest.
1952: Soviet Union Participates in Summer Olympics
In 1952, the Soviet Union participated in the Summer Olympics for the first time in Helsinki, marking their entry onto the international sporting stage.
1956: Boycotts of Melbourne Olympics
In 1956, the Melbourne Olympics faced three boycotts: the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland due to the Soviet repression of the Hungarian uprising; Cambodia, Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon over the Suez Crisis; and the People's Republic of China because of Taiwan's participation.
1956: Soviets Emerge as Sporting Superpower
In 1956, the Soviets emerged as a sporting superpower at the Summer Games, leveraging the publicity to promote their political agenda.
1956: First Internationally Televised Olympic Games
In 1956, the Winter Olympics in Italy were the first internationally televised Olympic Games, expanding the reach of the event.
1960: Death of Knud Enemark Jensen due to Amphetamines in 1960
At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen died after falling from his bicycle. A coroner's inquiry found that he was under the influence of amphetamines.
1960: First Paralympics in Rome
In 1960, Guttmann brought 400 athletes to Rome to compete in the "Parallel Olympics", which came to be known as the first Paralympics.
1960: Start date used in Oxford Olympics Study 2016
Since 1960, sports-related costs for the Summer Games were on average US$5.2 billion and for the Winter Games $3.1 billion.
1960: Average overrun for Games since 1960
The average overrun for Games since 1960 is 156% in real terms.
1964: Satellites Used for Broadcasting Live Television Worldwide
In 1964, satellites were used for broadcasting live television worldwide, contributing to increased Olympic viewership.
1967: IOC bans performance-enhancing drugs in 1967
By the mid-1960s, sports federations started banning performance-enhancing drugs and in 1967 the IOC followed suit, formalizing the ban at the Olympic Games.
1968: Black Power Salute at the 1968 Summer Olympics
At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, two American track and field athletes, performed the Black Power salute on the victory stand after the 200 meters race. In response, IOC president Avery Brundage ordered Smith and Carlos suspended from the US team and banned from the Olympic Village. Also, in the gymnastics competition, Czechoslovakian gymnast Věra Čáslavská quietly turned her head down and away during the playing of the Soviet national anthem to protest the recent Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.
1968: Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall disqualified for alcohol use at the 1968 Summer Olympics
At the 1968 Summer Olympics, Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall, a Swedish pentathlete, became the first Olympic athlete to test positive for the use of performance-enhancing drugs, losing his bronze medal for alcohol use.
1968: Introduction of the Olympic Mascot
In 1968, the Olympic mascot, an animal, human, or anthropomorphic figure representing the cultural heritage of the host country, was introduced as part of the Games' identity promotion.
1968: Introduction of Colour Television
In 1968, the introduction of colour television increased Olympic viewership, with an estimated global audience of 600 million for the Mexico City Games.
1969: IIHF Decides to Allow Non-NHL Professionals
In 1969, at the IIHF Congress, the IIHF initially decided to allow Canada to use nine non-NHL professional hockey players at the 1970 World Championships.
January 1970: Decision Reversed on Non-NHL Professionals
In January 1970, the decision to allow Canada to use non-NHL professional hockey players was reversed after Brundage said ice hockey's Olympic status would be in jeopardy.
1972: Avery Brundage Retired as President of IOC
In 1972, Avery Brundage retired as president of the IOC, paving the way for a shift towards commercialization and corporate sponsorship.
1972: African Countries Threaten Boycott
In 1972, a large number of African countries threatened the IOC with a boycott to force them to ban South Africa and Rhodesia because of their segregationist rule.
1972: IOC Began Exploring Television and Advertising Markets
In 1972, after Avery Brundage's retirement, the IOC began exploring the potential of television and advertising markets, shifting towards international sponsors under Juan Antonio Samaranch.
1972: Munich Massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics
In 1972, during the Summer Games in Munich, Germany, eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. Two athletes were killed soon after being taken hostage, and the other nine were killed during a failed liberation attempt, in what became known as the Munich massacre.
1975: Günther Sabetzki becomes president of the IIHF
In 1975, Günther Sabetzki became president of the IIHF and helped to resolve the dispute with the CAHA.
1976: Ambitious Construction for the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal
Ambitious construction for the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal had burdened organizers with expenses greatly in excess of revenues.
1976: IIHF Agrees to Allow Open Competition
In 1976, the IIHF agreed to allow "open competition" between all players in the World Championships, helping to resolve the dispute with the CAHA.
1976: African Boycott of Montreal Games
In 1976, twenty African countries, Guyana, and Iraq boycotted the Montreal Games after the IOC refused to ban New Zealand for its rugby tour of apartheid-ruled South Africa.
1976: Highest cost overrun for Summer Games (Montreal 1976)
Montreal 1976 had the highest cost overrun for Summer Games, and for any Games, at 720%.
1980: Ambitious Construction for the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow
Ambitious construction for the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow had burdened organizers with expenses greatly in excess of revenues.
1980: Boycotts during the Cold War limited participation in the 1980 Olympics
During the Cold War, the 1980 Olympics faced limited participation due to large-scale boycotts, affecting the diversity of the Games.
1980: Juan Antonio Samaranch Elected IOC President
In 1980, Juan Antonio Samaranch was elected IOC president and aimed to make the IOC financially independent, leading to increased corporate sponsorship.
1980: Misha the bear cub reaches stardom
In 1980, the Soviet bear cub Misha, the mascot of the Summer Olympics, achieved international stardom, marking a significant milestone in the use of mascots for promoting the Games.
1980: US and Allies Boycott Moscow Olympics
In 1980, the United States and sixty-five other countries boycotted the Moscow Olympics because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
1980: Widespread Drug Use Allegations at the 1980 Summer Olympics
In the 1980 Summer Olympics, an Australian study claimed widespread drug use among medal winners, suggesting the event should be called the 'Chemists' Games'.
1980: Highest cost overrun for Winter Games (Lake Placid 1980)
Lake Placid 1980 had the highest cost overrun for Winter Games, at 324%.
1983: Jim Thorpe's Medals Posthumously Restored
In 1983, Jim Thorpe's medals were posthumously restored by the IOC after a ruling found that the decision to strip him of his medals fell outside of the 30-day period.
1984: Boycotts during the Cold War limited participation in the 1984 Olympics
During the Cold War, the 1984 Olympics faced limited participation due to large-scale boycotts, affecting the diversity of the Games.
1984: Taiwan Returns as Chinese Taipei
In 1984, athletes from Taiwan returned to the Olympics under the name of Chinese Taipei, with a special flag and anthem.
1984: Los Angeles Games Audience Increased
In 1984, audience number at the Los Angeles Games had increased to 900 million.
1984: Los Angeles Summer Olympics Generated Surplus
In 1984, the Los Angeles Summer Olympics generated a surplus of US$225 million through exclusive sponsorship rights, marking a watershed moment in Olympic history.
1984: Soviet Union Boycotts Los Angeles Olympics
In 1984, the Soviet Union and 15 other nations boycotted the Los Angeles Olympics, leading to a record number of participating nations despite the absence of some Eastern Bloc countries. Romania, a Warsaw Pact country, competed despite Soviet demands, leading to a standing ovation.
1984: Soviet Union's plans for a statewide doping system in track and field in preparation for the 1984 Summer Olympics
In 2016, documents revealed the Soviet Union's plans for a statewide doping system in track and field in preparation for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
1984: Expansion of Olympic diplomas to seventh- and eighth-place finishers
Starting in 1984, Olympic diplomas were also awarded to the seventh- and eighth-place finishers, expanding the recognition for top athletes.
1984: Financially successful 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles
The 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles strictly controlled expenses by using existing facilities and were financially successful.
1985: The Olympic Programme (TOP) Established
In 1985, Samaranch helped establish The Olympic Programme (TOP) to create an Olympic brand, offering exclusive global advertising rights for high fees.
1986: Recognition of the Aruban Olympic Committee
In 1986, the IOC recognized the Aruban Olympic Committee.
1988: Ben Johnson's doping disqualification at the 1988 Summer Olympics
After the 1988 Summer Olympics, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who won the 100-meter dash, tested positive for stanozolol and was disqualified.
1988: NHL Players Allowed in Olympics
In 1988, NHL players were allowed to play in the Olympics due to changes to the IOC's amateur-only policy.
1988: Start of increased Olympic hosting in Asia/Oceania
Since the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, the Olympics have been held in Asia or Oceania four times, marking a sharp increase compared to the previous 92 years of modern Olympic history.
1988: Paralympics held in the same city as the Summer Olympics
Starting with the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, the host city for the Olympics has also played host to the Paralympics.
1989: Establishment of the International Centre for Olympic Studies
In 1989, Bob Barney led efforts to establish the International Centre for Olympic Studies to research the Games and sociocultural impacts.
1989: Publication of Australian Study about drug use in 1989
In 1989, an Australian study alleged that there was widespread drug use among medal winners, at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
1991: Founding of the International Society of Olympic Historians
In 1991, the International Society of Olympic Historians was founded, which publishes the Journal of Olympic History.
1991: Bombing in Vic, Catalonia by ETA
In 1991, the separatist ETA terrorist organisation launched attacks in the region where Barcelona would host the 1992 Summer Olympics, including a bombing in Vic, Catalonia, that killed ten people.
1992: Last year both Winter and Summer Olympics were held in the same year
1992 marked the last year the Winter and Summer Olympic Games were held in the same year before the schedule was adjusted.
1992: 35 Countries Field All-Male Delegations at the 1992 Summer Olympics
At the 1992 Summer Olympics, 35 countries still fielded all-male delegations, highlighting the continued disparity in female representation.
1992: Beginning of Olympika
In 1992, Olympika, the first peer-reviewed academic journal focused on the Olympic Games, began publication.
1992: Barcelona Summer Olympics Audience Increased
In 1992, the Barcelona Summer Olympics audience had swelled to 3.5 billion
1994: Start of alternating Summer and Winter Olympics
Beginning with the 1994 Games, the Winter Olympics were held every four years, two years after each Summer Olympics.
1994: Alternation of Summer and Winter Olympics
In 1994, the Summer and Winter Olympics began to alternate every two years during the four-year Olympiad, providing a more frequent schedule for the games.
1996: Centennial Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta
During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, a bomb detonated at the Centennial Olympic Park, killing two people and injuring 111 others. The bomb was set by Eric Rudolph, an American domestic terrorist.
1998: CBS Paid US$375 Million for American Broadcast Rights for Nagano Games
In 1998, CBS paid US$375 million for the American broadcast rights for the Nagano Games.
1998: IOC members took gifts from Salt Lake City bid committee
In 1998, reports surfaced that several IOC members accepted gifts from the Salt Lake City bid committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics, leading to investigations and reforms.
1999: Nagano Olympic Bid Committee Spent Millions on Entertaining IOC Members
In 1999, it was reported that the Nagano Olympic bid committee spent approximately $14 million entertaining IOC members, with financial records later destroyed.
1999: Formation of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 1999
In 1999, the IOC formed the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in an effort to systematise the research and detection of performance-enhancing drugs.
July 2000: Olympic Historian Comments on IOC Accountability
In July 2000, Olympic historian Bob Barney commented on the IOC's lack of accountability regarding the redistribution of profits from sponsorships and broadcasting rights.
2000: Bahrain Sends First Women Competitors in 2000
In 2000, Bahrain sent two women competitors for the first time: Fatema Hameed Gerashi and Mariam Mohamed Hadi Al Hilli.
2000: NBC Paid US$3.5 Billion for American Rights to Air Every Olympic Games
In 2000, NBC spent US$3.5 billion for the American rights to air every Olympic Games from 2000 to 2012.
2000: Sharp increase in positive drug tests at the 2000 Summer Olympics
There was a sharp increase in positive drug tests at the 2000 Summer Olympics due to improved testing conditions.
2001: Agreement between IOC and IPC
In 2001, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) signed an agreement guaranteeing that host cities would manage both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
2001: Conception of the Youth Olympic Games
In 2001, the Youth Olympic Games were conceived by IOC president Jacques Rogge, marking the start of a new Olympic event.
2002: IOC Limits Summer Games Programme
In 2002, the 114th IOC Session limited the Summer Games programme to a maximum of 28 sports, 301 events, and 10,500 athletes.
2002: Salt Lake City Hosted successful Winter Olympic Games
In 2002, the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City were financially and commercially successful, setting records in broadcasting and marketing and generating a $40 million surplus.
2002: Heightened security at the 2002 Winter Olympics
The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City took place five months after the September 11 attacks, resulting in a higher level of security than ever before provided for an Olympic Games. The opening ceremonies featured symbols relating to 9/11.
2002: Increase in positive drug tests at the 2002 Winter Olympics
The 2002 Winter Olympics saw a sharp increase in positive drug tests due to improved testing conditions. Several medallists in weightlifting and cross-country skiing from post-Soviet states were disqualified.
August 2004: BBC Documentary Alleges Bribery in 2012 Olympics Bidding Process
In August 2004, a BBC documentary reported on alleged bribes in the bidding process for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
November 2004: IOC Establishes Olympic Programme Commission
In November 2004, the IOC established an Olympic Programme Commission, which was tasked with reviewing the sports on the Olympic programme and all non-Olympic recognised sports.
2004: Presentation of olive wreaths to medal winners
At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners were also presented with olive wreaths, adding a traditional element to the awards ceremony.
2004: Unique Parade of Nations in Athens
During the 2004 Summer Olympics, hosted in Athens, Greece, the Greek flag entered the stadium first during the parade of nations, while the Greek delegation entered last.
2004: Afghanistan Sends First Women Competitors in 2004
In 2004, Robina Muqimyar and Fariba Rezayee became the first women to compete for Afghanistan at the Olympics.
2004: South Africa's bid failed for the Olympics
In 2004, South Africa made an unsuccessful attempt to bid for the Olympics.
2004: Iranian Judoka avoids competing against Israeli athlete at the 2004 Summer Olympics
In the 2004 Summer Olympics, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili did not compete against an Israeli athlete. Although officially disqualified for being overweight, he received US$125,000 from the Iranian government, raising suspicions of intentional avoidance in 2004.
July 2005: IOC Session in Singapore Reviews Sports for Inclusion
In July 2005, the IOC General Session in Singapore reviewed sports recommended for inclusion in the Olympic programme, with karate and squash as finalists, but neither gained the required votes.
2006: Controversy Clouds Turin's Bid for 2006 Winter Olympics
In 2006, Turin's bid to host the Winter Olympics was clouded by controversy, with allegations of bribery by members of the Turin Organizing Committee.
August 2008: Georgia Calls for Boycott of Sochi Olympics
In August 2008, the government of Georgia called for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, in response to Russia's participation in the 2008 South Ossetia war.
2008: More medal events for men than women
As of 2008, there were still more medal events for men than women in the Olympics. The equestrian disciplines are the only sports where men and women compete individually against one another.
2008: Swimming Finals Scheduled to Maximize US Television Ratings
During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the finals of swimming events were scheduled in the mornings to coincide with U.S. prime time television.
2008: Beijing Hosted Summer Olympics
In 2008 Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics.
2008: Call for Saudi Arabia's ban from the Games
In 2008, Ali Al-Ahmed called for Saudi Arabia to be barred from the Olympic Games due to its ban on women athletes, citing it as a violation of the International Olympic Committee charter. He highlighted the IOC's reluctance to strongly enforce its laws against gender discrimination.
2008: United Arab Emirates Sends Female Athletes for the First Time in 2008
In 2008, the United Arab Emirates sent female athletes for the first time; Maitha Al Maktoum competed in taekwondo, and Latifa Al Maktoum in equestrian.
2008: Most expensive Summer Games (Beijing 2008)
The Beijing 2008 Summer Games were the most expensive at US$40–44 billion.
2008: Russo-Georgian War erupts during the Beijing Olympics
The Russo-Georgian War erupted on the opening day of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Both President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin were in attendance and discussed the conflict at a luncheon.
2008: Agreement between IOC and IPC went into effect at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing
The agreement between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) went into effect at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.
October 2009: Golf and Rugby Sevens Instated as Olympic Sports
In October 2009, the IOC voted to instate golf and rugby sevens as Olympic sports for the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympic Games.
July 2010: Growing pressure to exclude Saudi Arabia from the Olympics
In July 2010, pressure increased on the International Olympic Committee to exclude Saudi Arabia from the 2012 Olympics, as they were likely to be the only major nation not including women in their team. Protests from equal rights and women's groups threatened to disrupt the Games should Saudi Arabia send a male-only team to London.
August 2010: First Summer Youth Games in Singapore
From August 14 to 26, 2010, the first Summer Youth Games were held in Singapore, providing a chance for athletes between 14 and 18 to compete.
2010: No NOCs for Sint Maarten and Curaçao
In 2010, the IOC did not allow the formation of NOCs for Sint Maarten and Curaçao when they gained the same constitutional status as Aruba.
2010: IOC to press countries to include female athletes in 2010
In 2010, the International Olympic Committee announced it would "press" countries like Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to enable and facilitate the participation of women for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
2010: Agreement between IOC and IPC went into effect at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver
The agreement between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) went into effect at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
2011: Start of Widespread Russian Doping Cover-Up (2011-2015)
From 2011 to 2015, more than a thousand Russian competitors in various sports, including summer, winter, and Paralympic sports, benefited from a cover-up.
2011: NBC Agreed to $4.38 Billion Contract with IOC to Broadcast Olympics
In 2011, NBC agreed to a $4.38 billion contract with the IOC to broadcast the Olympics through the 2020 Games.
2012: Parisian Mayor Accuses London of Breaking Bid Rules for 2012 Games
After being defeated in their bid for the 2012 Games, the Parisian mayor accused the London bid committee of breaking the bid rules.
2012: Every participating nation included female athletes for the first time
At the 2012 Summer Olympics, for the first time in Olympic history, every participating nation included female athletes. Saudi Arabia included two female athletes, Qatar four, and Brunei one. Bahiya al-Hamad of Qatar was its flagbearer, and Maryam Yusuf Jamal of Bahrain won a bronze medal.
2012: Cost per athlete at London 2012
For London 2012, the cost per athlete was $1.4 million.
2012: NBC Paid US$3.5 Billion for American Rights to Air Every Olympic Games
In 2012, NBC continued to spent US$3.5 billion for the American rights to air every Olympic Games from 2000 to 2012.
2012: Exclusion of Baseball and Softball from London Games
In 2012, at the London Games, baseball and softball were excluded from the official programme, resulting in just 26 sports due to a lack of agreement on promoting other sports.
2012: Consideration of sports for inclusion
In 2012, golf, karate, rugby sevens, roller sports and squash were considered as candidates for inclusion in the Olympic games.
2012: Threats of protests at the 2012 Olympics
In 2012, threats of protests from equal rights and women's groups threatened to disrupt the Games should Saudi Arabia send a male-only team to London.
2012: British Olympic Association mentioned Cotswold Games
In its bid for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the British Olympic Association mentioned the Cotswold Games as "the first stirrings of Britain's Olympic beginnings".
2012: Women's boxing added to the Olympic program
In the 2012 Summer Olympics, women's boxing was added to the program, allowing women athletes to compete in all the sports open to men. However, women were still unable to compete in the Nordic combined in the Winter Olympics.
2012: Cost overrun for London 2012
London 2012 had a cost overrun of 76%.
2012: Qatar Olympic Committee to send female athletes in 2012
Shortly after the IOC pressuring countries to send female athletes, the Qatar Olympic Committee announced in 2010, that it "hoped to send up to four female athletes in shooting and fencing" to the 2012 Summer Games.
2012: Athletes from Netherlands Antilles represent either the Netherlands or Aruba
Since 2012, athletes from the former Netherlands Antilles have had the option to represent either the Netherlands or Aruba.
2012: Statement about the Paralympics and Olympics in London
Two years before the 2012 Games, the LOCOG chairman Lord Coe made a statement about the Paralympics and Olympics in London.
May 2014: NBC Extended Contract to Air Olympics Through 2032 for $7.75 Billion
In May 2014, NBC extended its contract to air the Olympics through the 2032 Games for $7.75 billion.
December 2014: Sochi feels like a "ghost town"
In December 2014, eight months after the Sochi Winter Olympics, The Guardian reported that Sochi "now feels like a ghost town" due to unfinished infrastructure and spread-out venues.
2014: Georgia Calls for Boycott of Sochi Olympics
In 2014, the government of Georgia called for a boycott of the Sochi Winter Olympics, in response to Russia's participation in the 2008 South Ossetia war.
2014: Naturalization of athletes by the Russian Olympic Committee
In preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the Russian Olympic Committee naturalized a South Korean-born short-track speed-skater, Ahn Hyun-soo, and an American-born snowboarder, Vic Wild. These athletes won five gold medals and one bronze medal at the Games.
2014: Most expensive Winter Games (Sochi 2014)
The Sochi 2014 Winter Games were the most expensive at US$51 billion.
2015: End of Widespread Russian Doping Cover-Up (2011-2015)
From 2011 to 2015, more than a thousand Russian competitors in various sports, including summer, winter, and Paralympic sports, benefited from a cover-up.
2016: Revelations of Russian Doping Program prior to 2016 Summer Olympics
In 2016, documents revealed the Soviet Union's plans for a statewide doping system in track and field in preparation for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and Sergei Portugalov was also one of the main figures involved in the implementation of the Russian doping programme prior to the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2016: Golf and Rugby Sevens Instated as Olympic Sports
In 2016, golf and rugby sevens were included in the Olympic Games.
2016: Return to Maximum Sports with Rugby and Golf
In 2016, the Games returned to the maximum of 28 sports with the addition of rugby and golf.
2016: Partial Ban of Russia from the 2016 Summer Olympics
Russia was partially banned from the 2016 Summer Olympics due to the state-sponsored doping program.
2016: First Olympics in South America
The 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro marked the first time the Olympics were held in a South American country.
2016: Oxford Olympics Study 2016
The Oxford Olympics Study 2016 found that sports-related costs for the Summer Games were on average US$5.2 billion and for the Winter Games $3.1 billion since 1960.
2017: IOC announces winning bid with longer lead-in time
Beginning with the 2024 and 2028 Olympics selection process in 2017, the IOC has proceeded to announce the winning bid with a longer lead-in time in order to provide time for the winning cities/regions to prepare.
2018: Introduction of mixed curling event
Beginning in 2018, the sport of curling introduced a mixed event where teams of one man and one woman competed in their own tournament for a medal. This marked a recent addition to the games, promoting mixed-gender participation.
2018: Ban of Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics
Russia was banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics due to the state-sponsored doping programme, but was still allowed to participate as the 'Olympic Athletes from Russia'.
December 2019: Russia banned for four years from all major sporting events for systematic doping and lying to WADA in December 2019
In December 2019, Russia was banned for four years from all major sporting events for systematic doping and lying to WADA. The ban was issued by WADA on 9 December 2019.
December 2020: Reduction of total costs of Tokyo 2020 Olympics
In December 2020, total costs for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were reduced by JPY 220.2 billion (US$2 billion) from the announced budget.
December 2020: CAS reduces WADA's penalty for Russia's doping in December 2020
On 17 December 2020, the CAS reduced the penalty that WADA had placed. Instead of banning Russia from sporting events, the ruling allowed Russia to participate at the Olympics and other international events, but for a period of two years, the team cannot use the Russian name, flag, or anthem and must present themselves as "Neutral Athlete" or "Neutral Team".
2020: Participation of all current NOCs in the Summer Olympics
As of the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, all of the current 207 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have participated in at least one edition of the Summer Olympics.
2020: Revised Parade of Nations Order
Beginning with the 2020 Summer Olympics, the succeeding hosts of the respective Olympic Games will enter immediately before the current host in descending order during the parade of nations.
2020: Swimming Finals Scheduled to Maximize US Television Ratings
During the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the finals of swimming events were scheduled in the mornings to coincide with U.S. prime time television.
2020: NBC Broadcasting Contract with IOC to Broadcast Olympics
In 2020, NBC uphold the broadcasting contract with the IOC to broadcast the Olympics.
2020: Golf and Rugby Sevens Instated as Olympic Sports
In 2020, golf and rugby sevens were included in the Olympic Games.
2020: Participants in the 2020 Summer Olympics
In 2020, more than 11,300 competitors representing 206 nations participated in the Summer Olympics.
2020: Maximum Sports with Rugby and Golf
In 2020, the Games featured the maximum of 28 sports with the addition of rugby and golf.
2020: Postponement of the 2020 Olympics
The 2020 Olympics were postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, leading to a one-year delay in the international sporting event.
December 2021: Reduction of total costs of Tokyo 2020 Olympics
In December 2021, total costs for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were reduced by JPY 29.2 billion (US$0.3 billion) from the estimated budget.
2021: Olympics held four times in Asia or Oceania
As of 2021, since the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, the Olympics have been held four times in Asia or Oceania.
2021: Held the postponed 2020 Olympics
In 2021, the postponed 2020 Olympics were finally held following a one-year delay due to COVID-19 restrictions.
February 2022: Kamila Valieva's doping case at the Beijing Olympics in February 2022
In February 2022, during the Beijing Olympics, Kamila Valieva's positive test for trimetazidine was officially confirmed. Her sample, taken on 25 December 2021, was not analyzed until 8 February 2022, one day after the team event concluded.
October 2022: RUSADA and WADA decisions on Valieva's case in October 2022
In mid-October 2022, RUSADA issued a decision, endorsed by WADA, to keep the details of the Kamila Valieva hearing confidential. Valieva has continued to compete within Russian borders as recently as the Russian Grand Prix held in October 2022.
2022: Participants in the 2022 Winter Olympics
In 2022, Beijing hosted 2,971 athletes from 91 nations in the Winter Olympics.
2022: Cities withdrew bids for the 2022 Winter Olympics
In 2022, at least four cities withdrew their bids for the Winter Olympics due to high costs or lack of local support, leaving only Almaty and Beijing in the race.
2022: Diplomatic Boycotts of Beijing Winter Olympics
In 2022, continuing human rights violations in China led to "diplomatic boycotts" of the Beijing Winter Olympics by several countries, most notably the United States.
2022: IOC recommends no participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in 2022
In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the IOC recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials not participate under their country's name.
October 2023: IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee
In October 2023, the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee.
November 2023: IOC approved nationality changes for five athletes in November 2023
In November 2023 the IOC Executive Board approved changes of nationality for athletes from Russia to another country.
2023: IOC allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate under certain conditions in 2023
In 2023, the IOC announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes could participate in the Olympics under certain conditions, such as competing under a neutral flag and uniform, and not representing their country.
February 2024: CAS upheld suspension of ROC
In February 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the IOC's suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.
March 2024: IOC approved nationality changes for five athletes in March 2024
In March 2024 the IOC Executive Board approved changes of nationality for athletes from Russia to another country.
2024: Men included in artistic swimming
After men were included in artistic swimming at the Paris 2024 games, the only remaining Olympic event in which male athletes may not compete is rhythmic gymnastics. Despite being eligible to qualify for the 2024 Paris games, no men were included on any artistic swimming team.
2024: 13 mixed medal events in the 2024 Paris games
As of the 2024 Paris games, there are now 13 mixed medal events across 11 disciplines at the summer games, highlighting the growing trend of mixed-gender competitions in the Olympics.
2024: IOC announces winning bid with longer lead-in time
Beginning with the 2024 and 2028 Olympics selection process in 2017, the IOC has proceeded to announce the winning bid with a longer lead-in time in order to provide time for the winning cities/regions to prepare.
2024: Paris Awarded 2024 Summer Olympics
In 2024, the Summer Olympics were awarded to Paris due to high technical plans and innovative facility use.
2024: Paris Olympics Mascot
In 2024, the mascot for the Paris Olympic Games is an anthropomorphic Phrygian cap based on the one Marianne wore at the time of the French Revolution.
2028: IOC announces winning bid with longer lead-in time
Beginning with the 2024 and 2028 Olympics selection process in 2017, the IOC has proceeded to announce the winning bid with a longer lead-in time in order to provide time for the winning cities/regions to prepare.
2028: Los Angeles Awarded 2028 Summer Olympics
In 2028, the Summer Olympics were awarded to Los Angeles due to high technical plans and innovative facility use.
2032: Hosting by 47 cities in 23 countries by 2032
By 2032, the Olympic Games will have been hosted by 47 cities in 23 countries, indicating the global expansion of the Games.
2032: NBC Broadcasting Contract with IOC to Broadcast Olympics
In 2032, NBC uphold the broadcasting contract with the IOC to broadcast the Olympics.
