History of Winter Olympic Games in Timeline
The Winter Olympic Games are a major international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring sports played on snow and ice. Inspired by the ancient Olympic Games in Greece, the first Winter Olympics took place in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), founded in 1894, governs the Olympic Movement. Initially held every four years, the Games were interrupted by World War II but resumed in 1948. Until 1992, both Summer and Winter Games occurred in the same year. However, in 1986, the IOC decided to alternate them on separate four-year cycles, resulting in the Winter Olympics shifting to even-numbered years starting in 1994.
1901: Nordic Games First Held
Organized by General Viktor Gustaf Balck, a charter member of the IOC, the Nordic Games, a predecessor to the Winter Olympics, were first held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1901.
1908: Special figures figure skating at the Summer Olympics
The special figures figure skating event was uniquely featured in the 1908 Summer Olympics.
1908: Figure Skating Debuts at the Summer Olympics
Figure skating was included in the Summer Olympics for the first time in 1908, with events held in London.
1912: Proposal for Winter Sports Week at the Summer Olympics
Italian count Eugenio Brunetta d'Usseaux proposed incorporating a week of winter sports into the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, but the idea was rejected due to concerns about logistics and the potential impact on the Nordic Games.
1916: Planned Winter Sports Week at the 1916 Olympics Cancelled
A planned "winter sports week" set to be part of the 1916 Berlin Olympics was canceled due to the outbreak of World War I.
1920: Figure Skating and Ice Hockey at the Summer Olympics
The 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, featured figure skating and an ice hockey tournament. Several countries, including Germany, were banned from participating.
1924: Military patrol as a medal sport
Military patrol, a precursor to the biathlon, was included as a medal sport in the 1924 Winter Olympics.
1924: Success of the First Winter Olympics
The 1924 games in Chamonix were a success, with over 250 athletes from 16 nations participating.
1924: First Winter Olympic Games
The first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix, France in 1924.
1925: Establishment of a Separate Winter Olympics
Recognizing the success of the 1924 Winter Games, the IOC decided to create a separate winter event, retroactively designating the 1924 games in Chamonix as the first Winter Olympics.
1928: 1928 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid
The 1928 Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, New York, marking the first time the Games were held outside of Europe.
1928: Second Winter Olympics Held in St. Moritz
The second Winter Games were held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in 1928, with challenging weather conditions impacting the events.
1928: Skijöring demonstration
Skijöring, a sport involving skiing behind dogs, was a demonstration sport at the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz.
1928: Military patrol demonstration
Military patrol was featured as a demonstration sport at the 1928 Winter Olympics.
1928: Sonja Henie Wins Gold at 15
At the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Sonja Henie from Norway won gold in Ladies' Singles figure skating at the age of 15, a record that stood until 1998.
1932: Sled-dog race
A sled-dog race was held at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, showcasing this unique winter sport.
1932: Gillis Grafström's Figure Skating Legacy
Gillis Grafström's silver medal win in figure skating in 1932 cemented his legacy as a dominant force in the sport.
1932: Winter Olympics Hosted in the United States
The 1932 Winter Olympic Games, marking the first time the event was held in the United States, took place in Lake Placid.
1932: Lake Placid Hosts the Winter Olympics
The 1932 Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, making it the first time the village hosted the Games.
1936: Ice stock sport demonstration
Ice stock sport, a sport similar to curling, was demonstrated at the 1936 Winter Olympics in Germany.
1936: Military patrol demonstration
Military patrol was included as a demonstration sport in the 1936 Winter Olympics.
1936: 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The 1936 Winter Olympics, jointly hosted by Garmisch and Partenkirchen, Germany, marked the last time the Summer and Winter Olympics were held in the same country in the same year. This edition saw the Olympic debut of Alpine skiing.
1940: Cancellation of the 1940 Winter Olympics
The 1940 Winter Olympics, initially planned for Sapporo, Japan, were relocated to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, due to the Japanese invasion of China. However, the Games were ultimately canceled because of the outbreak of World War II following Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939.
1944: Cancellation of the 1944 Winter Olympics
The 1944 Winter Olympics, originally scheduled for Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy, were canceled due to the ongoing World War II.
1948: Winter pentathlon demonstration
A variation of the modern pentathlon adapted for winter, the winter pentathlon, was a demonstration event at the 1948 Winter Olympics in Switzerland.
1948: Germany excluded from Winter Olympics
Germany was barred from competing in the 1948 Winter Olympics due to its role in World War II.
1948: Military patrol demonstration
Military patrol was again a demonstration sport in the 1948 Winter Olympics.
1948: 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz
St. Moritz, Switzerland, hosted the first postwar Winter Olympics in 1948. The Games were notable for the participation of 28 countries, the exclusion of athletes from Germany and Japan, and controversies surrounding the U.S. Olympic hockey representation and the theft of the Olympic flag.
1950: IOC recognizes West German Olympic Committee
In 1950, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially recognized the West German Olympic Committee, paving the way for West Germany's participation in the Olympics.
1952: The People's Republic of China Returns to the Olympics
After last participating in the 1952 Summer Olympics, the People's Republic of China returned to the Olympic stage at the 1980 Winter Games. This marked their debut in the Winter Olympics.
1952: 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo
The 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway, saw the introduction of the Olympic Flame tradition and the inclusion of Bandy as a demonstration sport.
1952: Oslo Hosts Winter Olympics
The 1952 Winter Olympics were held in Oslo, Norway. This was the first time the Winter Games were held in Norway.
1952: 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo
The 1952 Winter Olympics, held in Oslo, Norway, saw the host nation achieve a record-breaking gold medal count.
1952: East and West Germany invited to compete as a unified team
The IOC invited both East and West Germany to participate as a unified team in the 1952 Winter Games, but East Germany declined.
1952: China absent from the Olympics
The People's Republic of China did not participate in the Olympic Games between 1952 and 1980.
1955: Soviet Union recognizes East Germany
The Soviet Union officially recognized East Germany as a sovereign state in 1955, lending credence to East Germany's efforts to participate independently in international events.
1956: 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, which marked the first Winter Games to be televised and broadcast internationally, though television rights were not yet sold.
1956: Soviet Union first joins the Winter Olympics
In 1956, the Soviet Union joined the Winter Olympics for the first time, which had implications for the games as an ideological front in the Cold War.
1956: Soviet Union's Winter Olympics Debut
The Soviet Union participated in the Winter Olympics for the first time in 1956, marking the beginning of their consistent presence in the top medal rankings.
1960: Biathlon becomes an official sport
Biathlon, which evolved from military patrol, officially became an Olympic sport in 1960.
1960: 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley
The 1960 Winter Olympics were held in Squaw Valley, United States, a then-undeveloped resort. The Games were notable for being the first to have a dedicated athletes' village, use a computer for tabulation, feature female speed skating events, and have opening and closing ceremonies produced by Walt Disney Company. However, bobsleigh competitions were absent due to insufficient participation and high track construction costs.
1961: Berlin Wall Constructed
The construction of the Berlin Wall by East Germany in 1961 heightened political tensions and led to Western European nations refusing visas to East German athletes.
1964: Last Time Germany Competed as a Unified Nation
The 1964 Winter Olympics, predating the 1992 Albertville Games, marked the last time Germany competed as a single, unified nation until the Berlin Wall fell.
1964: Previous Winter Olympics Held in Innsbruck
The 1964 Winter Olympics were also held in Innsbruck, Austria. The infrastructure from these games was maintained and used for the 1976 Games.
1964: 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck
The 1964 Winter Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria, marked by the first time the Olympic torch was lit at the traditional ritual in Olympia, Greece. Unforeseen warm weather caused snow shortages, necessitating snow and ice transport from other locations. This edition saw the debut of Luge, which faced negative publicity due to a competitor's death during a pre-Olympic training run.
1964: Ice stock sport demonstration
Ice stock sport was demonstrated again at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Austria.
1967: IOC Implements Drug Testing
Recognizing the growing concern of performance-enhancing drugs, the IOC introduced drug testing protocols in 1967, marking a pivotal moment in sports history.
1968: First Drug Tests at Winter Olympics
The 1968 Winter Olympics witnessed the implementation of random drug testing on athletes, signifying the beginning of efforts to maintain fair play in the Games.
1968: 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble
The 1968 Winter Olympics, held in Grenoble, France, marked the first to be broadcast in color. The Games involved 1,158 athletes from 37 nations competing in 35 events. The organizing committee's decision to decentralize the Games for cost-saving reasons led to the creation of three Olympic Villages across long distances, a move criticized for prioritizing television broadcasts over athletes' convenience.
1968: East and West German teams split
The IOC made the decision to separate the East and West German teams for the 1968 Grenoble Games, ending the uneasy compromise of a unified team and marking a significant moment in Olympic history.
November 1972: Denver Public Votes Against Winter Olympics Funding
In November 1972, the citizens of Denver, Colorado, voted against using public funds for the 1976 Winter Olympics by a 3:2 margin, leading to the city withdrawing its bid to host the Games.
1972: 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo
Sapporo, Japan, hosted the 1972 Winter Games, marking the first time the Games were held in Asia. The issue of professionalism was a major point of contention, leading to the exclusion of Austrian skier Karl Schranz from competition. Canada boycotted the ice hockey tournaments in protest of the inability to use professional players and accusations of the Soviet Union using state-sponsored athletes.
February 1973: Innsbruck Selected to Host 1976 Winter Olympics
In February 1973, Innsbruck was chosen to host the 1976 Winter Olympics after Denver withdrew. The Games were notable for using existing infrastructure from the 1964 Games and featuring the first combined bobsleigh-and-luge track.
1976: 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal
The 1976 Summer Olympics, hosted in Montreal, Canada, saw Canada unable to secure a gold medal on home ground.
1976: 1976 Winter Olympics Held in Innsbruck
The 1976 Winter Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria. It was the second time the town hosted the Winter Games.
1980: Taiwan boycotts Winter Olympics
Taiwan decided to boycott the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid following a dispute with the IOC over the country's name, flag, and anthem, marking the only national team boycott in Winter Olympics history.
1980: 1980 Winter Olympics Held in Lake Placid
The 1980 Winter Olympics marked a return to Lake Placid, which had previously hosted in 1932. This edition saw the Olympic debuts of Cyprus, the People's Republic of China, and Costa Rica. The Republic of China boycotted these Games due to a dispute over its name and recognition.
1984: 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo
The 1984 Winter Olympics, held in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, were lauded for their organization and marked the host nation's first-ever Olympic medal win. The event saw memorable moments like Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's perfect-score Boléro performance in ice dancing.
1984: Taiwan returns to the Winter Olympics as "Chinese Taipei"
Taiwan returned to the Olympic Games in 1984 under the name "Chinese Taipei" after agreeing to compete under a flag bearing the emblem of their National Olympic Committee and to play the anthem of their National Olympic Committee.
1986: IOC Decides to Separate Summer and Winter Olympics
In 1986, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a pivotal decision to separate the Summer and Winter Games, scheduling them in alternating even-numbered years. This change was first implemented with the 1994 Lillehammer Games.
1988: 1988 Winter Olympics Held in Calgary
Calgary, Canada, hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, which became the first to span three weekends. The event introduced new speed skating and ski-jumping events and featured demonstration sports like curling, freestyle skiing, and short track speed skating. Notably, speed skating events moved indoors to the Olympic Oval.
1988: 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary
Canada hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, but the nation was once again unable to win a gold medal on home soil.
1988: Investigation into Olympic Bid Irregularities
Following the Salt Lake City scandal, an investigation was launched, revealing inconsistencies in bids for both Summer and Winter Olympics dating back to 1988.
1988: Ski ballet demonstration
Ski ballet, later known as ski-acro, was featured as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Winter Olympics.
1988: Notable Achievements at the 1988 Calgary Olympics
The 1988 Calgary Olympics witnessed impressive athletic feats: Yvonne van Gennip (Netherlands) won three speed skating gold medals, Matti Nykänen (Finland) swept all three ski jumping events, and Alberto Tomba (Italy) debuted with victories in giant slalom and slalom. Christa Rothenburger (East Germany) achieved a unique feat by winning medals in both the 1988 Summer and Winter Olympics.
1988: 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul
The 1988 Summer Olympics were held in Seoul, South Korea, marking the first time the country hosted the Olympic Games.
1992: 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville
Asian countries won fifteen medals, including three gold, at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, marking their growing presence in winter sports.
1992: Ski ballet and speed skiing demonstrations
Both ski ballet and speed skiing were demonstrated at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics.
1992: Demonstration sports discontinued
Demonstration sports, which allowed host countries to showcase locally popular sports, were discontinued after the 1992 Winter Olympics.
1992: Kjetil-Andre Aamodt's First Super-G Victory
In 1992, Norway's Kjetil-Andre Aamodt won his first Super-G gold medal at the Winter Olympics.
1992: New sports added to the Winter Olympics
In 1992, several new sports, including short-track speed skating, snowboarding, freestyle skiing, and moguls skiing, were introduced to the Winter Olympics, broadening the appeal of the event and increasing global interest.
1992: 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville and Savoie
The 1992 Winter Olympics, hosted in Albertville and the surrounding Savoie region of France, were the final Games to coincide with the Summer Olympics. The event marked a period of significant political change, with a unified Germany competing for the first time since 1964 following the fall of the Berlin Wall.
1993: Dissolution of Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993, paving the way for the individual participation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the subsequent Olympic Games.
January 1994: Nancy Kerrigan Attack at US Figure Skating Championships
The 1994 Winter Olympics were marked by a controversy involving figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, who was attacked in January 1994 in an incident orchestrated by the ex-husband of competitor Tonya Harding. Both skaters participated in the Games, with Oksana Baiul winning gold and becoming Ukraine's first Olympic champion.
1994: 1994 Winter Olympics Held in Lillehammer
Lillehammer, Norway hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, marking the first time the Winter Games were held in a different year than the Summer Games. This change stemmed from a 1986 IOC decision. Lillehammer became the northernmost host city and the Games were the first to observe the Olympic Truce. The Czech Republic and Slovakia made their Olympic debuts due to Czechoslovakia's dissolution in 1993.
1998: High Costs Plague the Nagano Winter Olympics
The 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, came with a hefty price tag of $12.5 billion, largely attributed to the expensive extension of the bullet train service from Tokyo to Nagano.
1998: 1998 Winter Olympics Held in Nagano
The 1998 Winter Olympics, held in Nagano, Japan, set a new record with over 2,000 athletes. The Games were significant for several firsts: the NHL's participation in men's ice hockey, which the Czech Republic won, and the debut of women's ice hockey, with the United States taking gold.
1998: Nagano Olympics and "Astronomical" Gifts
The investigation into Olympic bid irregularities revealed that the gifts given to IOC members by the Japanese organizers of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics were deemed "astronomical."
November 1999: Formation of the World Anti-Doping Agency
In a significant step towards combating doping in sports, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in November 1999, spearheaded by the IOC.
2001: September 11 Attacks
The September 11 attacks occurred in 2001, casting a long shadow over global events, including the subsequent 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City. Security was significantly increased in response to the tragedy.
2002: Salt Lake City Bribery Scandal
After Salt Lake City was awarded the 2002 Winter Olympics, a major scandal erupted when it was uncovered that organizers had been involved in a widespread bribery scheme to secure votes from IOC members.
2002: Kjetil-Andre Aamodt's Second Super-G Victory
Kjetil-Andre Aamodt secured his second Super-G gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
2002: 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City
Norway matched the Soviet Union's record for the most gold medals won by a National Olympic Committee (NOC) at a single Winter Olympics (13 gold medals), initially achieved at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck.
2002: 2002 Winter Olympics Held in Salt Lake City
The 2002 Winter Olympics took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, against the backdrop of heightened security following the September 11 attacks in 2001. The opening ceremony poignantly acknowledged the tragedy, incorporating symbols like the Ground Zero flag and honor guards from the NYPD and FDNY.
2003: Vancouver Awarded 2010 Winter Olympics
In 2003, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) chose Vancouver, Canada, as the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics, making it the second time Canada would host the Winter Games.
2006: Financial Struggles of the Turin Winter Olympics
The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, faced significant financial challenges, costing $3.6 billion to host, highlighting the economic burdens often associated with hosting the Games.
2006: Turin and Vancouver Benefit from Existing Infrastructure
The Winter Olympics in Turin (2006) and Vancouver (2010), held in countries with cities near mountain ranges, benefited from existing infrastructure, resulting in lower hosting costs.
2006: 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin
The 2006 Winter Olympics were held in Turin, Italy, marking the second time Italy hosted the Winter Games. On 2006, South Korean athletes achieved notable success, securing ten medals, including six gold in short-track speed skating. Sun-Yu Jin won three gold medals, while teammate Hyun-Soo Ahn earned three gold medals and a bronze. In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Norwegian coach Bjørnar Håkensmoen lent a pole to Canadian Sara Renner, who had broken hers during the women's Cross-Country team pursuit. This act of camaraderie enabled Renner's team to win silver, while the Norwegian team finished fourth.
2006: 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin
The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin represented the last time, before their decline in 2010, that a Soviet or Russian delegation finished within the top five medal-winning nations at a Winter Olympics.
2006: Turin Olympics Marred by Blood Doping Scandal
The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin were tarnished by a blood doping scandal involving the Austrian cross-country ski team, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating performance-enhancing methods.
2006: Record-Breaking Achievements at the 2006 Winter Olympics
During the 2006 Winter Olympics, Kjetil-Andre Aamodt achieved a historic milestone by winning his third Super-G gold medal, becoming the only ski racer to win the same event in three different Olympics (1992, 2002, and 2006). This victory also solidified his status as the most decorated ski racer with four gold and eight overall medals. Additionally, Claudia Pechstein from Germany made history by becoming the first speed skater to earn nine career medals.
2006: Lindsey Jacobellis's Redemption in Snowboard Cross
At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Lindsey Jacobellis, an American snowboarder, suffered a dramatic fall while on the verge of winning gold.
February 2009: Claudia Pechstein's Doping Suspension
In February 2009, speed skater Claudia Pechstein was handed a two-year suspension due to "blood manipulation." Although she appealed the decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the suspension.
2010: Aftermath of Russia's Poor Performance at the 2010 Olympics
Following Russia's disappointing performance at the 2010 Vancouver Games, a substantial investment of £600 million was made in elite sport to bolster their standing.
2010: Claudia Pechstein's Legal Battle for Olympic Eligibility
In 2010, while serving her suspension, Claudia Pechstein won a ruling in a Swiss court allowing her to compete for a spot on the German Olympic team for the Vancouver Games. However, the Swiss Federal Tribunal overturned this decision, ultimately preventing her from participating.
2010: Russia's Subpar Performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver highlighted a significant downturn in Russia's performance. For the first time since their debut in 1956, a Russian delegation fell outside the top five medal-winning nations, finishing sixth in total medals and eleventh in gold medals. This outcome led to the resignation of top sports officials under pressure from President Dmitry Medvedev. The disappointing results are cited as a motivating factor behind an alleged doping scheme implemented for future events, including the 2014 Sochi Games.
2010: 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver
The 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Vancouver, Canada, marked the largest metropolitan area to host the event with a population exceeding 2.5 million. The Games saw the participation of over 2,500 athletes from 82 countries competing in 86 events. Tragically, Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died in a training accident on the opening day, leading to safety-motivated track modifications at the Whistler Sliding Centre.
2010: Turin and Vancouver Benefit from Existing Infrastructure
The Winter Olympics in Turin (2006) and Vancouver (2010), held in countries with cities near mountain ranges, benefited from existing infrastructure, resulting in lower hosting costs.
July 2011: Pyeongchang Selected to Host 2018 Winter Olympics
In July 2011, Pyeongchang, South Korea, was selected as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics, winning the bid against Munich, Germany, and Annecy, France. This selection marked the first time South Korea would host the Winter Olympics and the second time overall, following the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
2011: Beginning of State-Sponsored Doping Program in Russia
According to an investigation commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and led by Richard McLaren, a state-sponsored doping scheme began operating in Russia around late 2011. The program reportedly spanned a wide range of Summer and Winter Olympic sports.
February 2014: 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi
The 2014 Winter Olympics, held from February 7 to 23, 2014, marked Russia's first time hosting the Winter Games. Sochi welcomed a record-breaking 2,800 athletes from 88 countries, who competed in 98 events. The Games were the most expensive to date, costing an estimated £30 billion (US$51 billion). The Olympic Village and Stadium were situated on the Black Sea coast, while mountain events took place 50 kilometers (31 miles) inland in Krasnaya Polyana.
2014: 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi
Russia hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, an event later marred by allegations of a state-sponsored doping program.
2014: Sochi Olympics Rocked by Russian Doping Scandal
The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi were overshadowed by a massive doping scandal involving Russian athletes, leading to disciplinary action against numerous competitors and raising serious questions about the integrity of the Games.
2014: Sochi's Infrastructure Burden
In contrast to Turin and Vancouver, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, faced high costs due to the need to construct most of the necessary facilities from scratch.
July 2015: Beijing Selected to Host 2022 Winter Olympics
In July 2015, Beijing was chosen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. This marked the first time a city was selected to host both the Summer and Winter Games.
2015: End of State-Sponsored Doping Program in Russia
A World Anti-Doping Agency investigation, led by Richard McLaren, concluded that a state-sponsored doping program in Russia, in operation since at least late 2011, continued until 2015, affecting a significant portion of Summer and Winter Olympic sports.
December 2017: IOC's Decision on Russia's Participation in the 2018 Olympics
On December 5, 2017, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced its decision regarding Russia's involvement in the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics. As a consequence of the doping scandal, Russian athletes cleared to compete would participate under the neutral banner of "Olympic Athletes from Russia" (OAR) rather than representing their nation. By the close of 2017, the IOC Disciplinary Commission had disqualified 43 Russian athletes, resulting in the stripping of thirteen medals and removing Russia from the top position on the medal table. Consequently, Norway ascended to the leading position. However, nine of these medals were later returned, ultimately restoring Russia to first place in the overall medal count and placing them in a tie with Norway for the highest number of gold medals.
February 2018: 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang
The 2018 Winter Olympics were held in Pyeongchang, South Korea, from February 9 to 25, 2018, with the Alpensia Resort in Daegwallyeong-myeon serving as the primary venue cluster. Over 2,900 athletes representing 92 countries participated in 102 events. Ice events were held at the Gangneung Olympic Park in the neighboring coastal city of Gangneung.
2018: Russian Athletes at the 2018 Winter Olympics
Russian athletes who met the IOC's doping regulations were allowed to compete in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics under the designation "Olympic Athletes from Russia" (OAR).
2018: North Korea's Participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics
The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions between North and South Korea. Despite these strained relations, North Korea decided to participate, even agreeing to a joint entrance with South Korea during the opening ceremony as a unified Korea. Furthermore, they fielded a unified women's ice hockey team, showcasing a rare moment of collaboration between the two nations. The ongoing Russian doping scandal also cast a shadow over the Games.
2018: Increased Chances of an Asian City Hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics
The rise of Asian nations in Winter Olympic sports, particularly the performance at the Vancouver games, increased the likelihood of an Asian city hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics.
2018: Therese Johaug's Exclusion from the 2018 Winter Olympics
Therese Johaug, a Norwegian skier, was barred from competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics due to a controversial ruling related to her use of a banned lip cream.
December 2021: Kamila Valieva's Failed Doping Test
In December 2021, Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva failed a doping test, casting a shadow over her participation in the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics.
2022: Consistent Participation and Medal Wins in the Winter Olympics
As of 2022, several countries have consistently participated in and medaled at every Winter Olympic Games, highlighting long-standing traditions of winter sports excellence.
2022: IOC Allows Greater Distance Between Alpine Events
Starting with the 2022 Winter Games, the IOC permitted a greater distance between alpine events and other events, as seen in the Beijing Games, where venues were located 220 km apart.
2026: Stockholm's Ambitious Bid
Although unsuccessful, Stockholm's bid for the 2026 Winter Games proposed hosting the alpine events in Åre, a location 620 km away by road, demonstrating the increasing flexibility regarding event locations.
2026: Future Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has selected the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo to host the 2026 Winter Olympics.