Five rings and the slogan "Faster. Above. Stronger” are some of the most recognizable symbols in the world. The Olympic Games are criticized for being politicized, pompous, expensive, doping scandals, but they are always eagerly awaited. The modern Olympic Games are 120 years old this year, but of course their history goes much, much deeper into antiquity.
According to one of the myths, King Enomai, the ruler of the city of Pisa, organized sports competitions for those who wanted to marry his daughter Hippodamia. Moreover, the conditions of these competitions were obviously losing - all because Enomai was predicted that his son-in-law would become the cause of his death. Young people lost their lives one after another, and only the cunning Pelops managed to overtake the future father-in-law in chariot races, so successfully that Enomai broke his neck. The prediction nevertheless came true, and the new king, in joy, ordered a sports festival to be held in Olympia every four years.
According to one version, the well-known word "gymnastics" comes from the ancient Greek "gymnos", which means "naked". It was in this form that ancient athletes participated in competitions, therefore, in those days, the organizers of the games significantly saved on sports uniforms. Some, such as wrestlers, were also rubbed with oil to make it easier to slip out of the enemy’s grip
According to another version, the Olympic Games were established by none other than the main ancient Greek superman Hercules. Having cleared the Augean stables, the hero not only did not receive the promised reward, but also received a royal kick in the ass. Naturally, the demigod was offended and after a while returned with a large army. Having destroyed the offender morally and physically, Hercules, in gratitude for the help, made a sacrifice to the gods and personally planted an entire olive grove around the sacred plain in honor of the goddess Athena. And on the plain itself he ordered regular sports competitions to be held.
According to ancient historians, the first Olympic Games took place during the reign of King Ifit (about 884-828 BC). Ifit, the king of Elis, on whose territory Olympia was located, was very concerned about what was happening in the state and beyond. At that time, Greece was a seething cauldron, where many small scattered kingdoms were constantly at war with each other. Ifit went to Lycurgus, the king of Sparta, and said that he no longer wanted to fight, but wanted to organize sports competitions. Lycurgus liked the idea, the other warring rulers also agreed. As a result, Elis received a neutral status and immunity in exchange for the fact that once every four years nationwide sports tournaments would be held in Olympia. At the time of the games, all wars stopped. The Olympic Games rallied Greece, tormented by civil strife, which, however, did not prevent the states from fighting each other for the rest of the time before and after the games.
However, even ancient Greek historians were not sure of the exact date, so they considered the first Olympics to be competitions about which they had more or less accurate information. These games took place in 776 BC. e., and Koreb from Elis won the race.
The only type of ancient Olympic competition for the first thirteen games was running. Then - pentathlon, including running, long jump, javelin throwing, discus throwing and wrestling itself. Later fisticuffs and chariot races were added. The program of the modern Olympic Games includes 28 summer and 7 winter sports, respectively 41 and 15 disciplines, depending on the season.
Much has changed since the arrival of the Romans. If before only Hellenic athletes could take part in the games, then after Greece was annexed to the Empire, the national composition of the participants expanded. In addition, gladiator fights were added to the program. The Hellenes gritted their teeth, but had to endure. True, not for long - after Christianity became the official religion of the empire, the event, as pagan, was banned by Emperor Theodosius I. In 394 AD. e. the games were canceled, and a year later, many Olympic buildings were destroyed during the war with the barbarians. Olympia, like Atlantis, disappeared from the face of the earth.
Olympia today
However, the Olympic Games have not sunk into oblivion forever, although they had to stay in oblivion for fifteen long centuries. Ironically, the first step towards the revival of the Olympic Games was made by a church leader, the Benedictine monk Bernard de Montfaucon, who was very interested in the history of Ancient Greece and was convinced that excavations should be carried out at the site where the legendary Olympia used to be. Soon, many European scientists and public figures of the 18th century began to talk about the need to find her.
In 1766, the English traveler Richard Chandler discovered the ruins of some ancient structures near Mount Kronos in Greece. It turned out that the find was part of the wall of a huge temple. In 1824, the archaeologist Lord Stanhof began excavations on the banks of the Alpheus, then in 1828-1829 French archaeologists took over. In October 1875, the excavations of Olympia were continued by German specialists under the leadership of Ernst Curtius. Inspired by the results of archaeological research, public and sports figures gave lectures on the delights of the Olympic movement and the need for its revival. Government officials listened to them attentively and nodded in agreement, but for some reason they refused to allocate funds for the games.
And yet, finally, there was someone who managed to convince everyone: the Olympic Games are exactly what humanity needs. It was the French public figure Pierre de Coubertin. He was sincerely convinced that the ideas of the Olympic movement carry the spirit of freedom, peaceful competition, harmony and physical perfection. Coubertin found many supporters around the world. On November 25, 1892, he gave a lecture in Paris entitled "Olympic Renaissance", the main idea of which was that sport should be international. Coubertin called his contemporaries the heirs of the great Hellenic civilization, which elevated the harmonious development of man, intellectual and physical perfection into a cult.
At the end of the 19th century, the international sports movement gradually began to gain momentum. With the growth of cultural and economic ties between countries, international sports associations began to appear, international competitions were organized. It was the perfect moment for the realization of Coubertin's ideas. Together with friends and associates, he organized the Constituent Congress, where supporters of the Olympic movement from all over the world were to gather. A meeting of two thousand delegates from twelve countries was held in June 1894 at the Sorbonne. It was there that a unanimous decision was made to revive the Olympic Games and establish the International Olympic Committee. At the same time, national Olympic committees were created. And it was decided to hold the first international competitions in 1896 in Athens. The Olympic Games were revived in the same place where they originated - in Greece.
The first resumed games became the biggest sporting event of their time. The Greek authorities, inspired by the success, offered to constantly hold the games on their territory, but this clearly contradicted the spirit of internationalism, and the IOC decided to choose a new place for the Olympics every four years. Gradually, the attributes and rituals of the games appeared, which have now become familiar: the emblem and flag, the Olympic oath and talismans, the parade, the opening and closing ceremonies, the Olympic torch relay. It is already difficult to imagine these competitions without them.
Unlike the ancient games, during which armed conflicts ceased, the modern Olympic Games were not held three times due to world wars - in 1916, 1940 and 1944. And the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich was overshadowed by a terrorist attack: Palestinian terrorists took the members of the Israeli team hostage. The release operation, due to poor organization, completely failed - eleven athletes were killed.
Since 1924, Winter has been added to the classic Olympic Games - Summer. At first, the games were held in one year, but since 1994 the Winter and Summer Games began to alternate every two years.
In our country, the Olympic Games were held twice. The first Olympics took place in 1980 in the USSR, the second, Winter, in 2014 in Sochi. Hosting the games has always been very important for the prestige of any state, so there is always a tense struggle for the right to host athletes from all over the world. And, of course, there is a fight for medals - only the best representatives of their country go to the competitions. And although the games are considered individual competitions between individual athletes, the result is invariably determined by the amount of "precious metals" earned by the entire team. The funny thing is that according to the original plan of Pierre de Coubertin, these were competitions exclusively for amateur athletes, but now the Olympics are a purely professional sport. And, of course, a spectacular show and big money - where without it?
Once every four years, the Olympic Games are held - the so-called sports competitions, in which the best athletes from around the world participate. Each of them dreams of becoming an Olympic champion and receiving a gold, silver or bronze medal as a reward. Almost 11 thousand athletes from over 200 countries of the world came to the 2016 Olympic competitions in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.
Although these sports are mostly played by adults, some sports, as well as the history of the Olympic Games, can also be very exciting for children. And, probably, both children and adults would be interested to know when the Olympic Games appeared, how they got such a name, and also what types of sports exercises were in the very first competitions. In addition, we will learn how the modern Olympic Games are held, and what their emblem means - five multi-colored rings.
History of the Olympic Games
The birthplace of the Olympic Games is Ancient Greece. The earliest historical records of the ancient Olympic Games were found on Greek marble columns engraved with the date 776 BC. However, it is known that sports in Greece took place much earlier than this date. Therefore, the history of the Olympics has been around for about 2800 years, and this, you see, is quite a lot.
Do you know who, according to history, became one of the first Olympic champions? - it was ordinary cook Korybos from the city of Elis, whose name is still engraved on one of those marble columns.
The history of the Olympic Games is rooted in the ancient city - Olympia, from where the name of this sports festival originated. This settlement is located in a very beautiful place - near Mount Kronos and on the banks of the Alpheus River, and it is here from ancient times to the present day that the ceremony of lighting the torch with the Olympic flame takes place, which is then relayed to the city of the Olympic Games.
You can try to find this place on a world map or in an atlas and at the same time check yourself - can I find Greece first, and then Olympia?
History of the Olympic Games (briefly, in 3 minutes!)
How were the Olympic Games in ancient times?
At first, only local residents took part in sports competitions, but then everyone liked it so much that people from all over Greece and its subordinate cities began to come here, even from the Black Sea itself. People got there as best they could - someone rode a horse, someone had a wagon, but most people went to the holiday on foot. The stadiums were always crowded with spectators - everyone really wanted to see sports competitions with their own eyes.
It is also interesting that in those days when the Olympic competitions were going to be held in ancient Greece, a truce was declared in all cities and all wars stopped for about a month. For ordinary people, it was a calm peaceful time, when they could take a break from everyday affairs and have fun.
For a whole 10 months, the athletes trained at home, and then for another month in Olympia, where experienced coaches helped them prepare as best as possible for the competition. At the beginning of sports games, everyone took an oath, the participants - that they would compete honestly, and the judges - to judge fairly. Then the competition itself began, which lasted 5 days. The beginning of the Olympic Games was announced with the help of a silver trumpet, which was blown several times, inviting everyone to gather in the stadium.
What sports were at the Olympic Games in ancient times?
These were:
- running competitions;
- fight;
- long jump;
- javelin and discus throw;
- hand-to-hand combat;
- chariot racing.
The best athletes were awarded an award - a laurel wreath or an olive branch, the champions solemnly returned to their hometown and were considered respected people until the end of their lives. Banquets were held in their honor, and sculptors made marble statues for them.
Unfortunately, in 394 AD, the Olympic Games were banned by the Roman emperor, who did not like such competitions very much.
Olympic Games today
The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, in the parent country of these games - Greece. You can even calculate how long the break was - from 394 to 1896 (it turns out 1502). And now, after so many years in our time, the birth of the Olympic Games became possible thanks to one famous French baron, his name was Pierre de Coubertin.
Pierre de Coubertin- Founder of the modern Olympic Games.
This man really wanted as many people as possible to go in for sports and offered to resume the Olympic Games again. Since then, sports games have been held every four years, with the maximum preservation of the traditions of ancient times. But now the Olympic Games began to be divided into winter and summer, which alternate with each other.
The Olympic Games: history, symbolism, how everything was born and how it came to winter Russia
olympic games pictures
Traditions and symbols of the Olympic Games
Olympic rings
Probably, each of us has seen the emblem of the Olympics - intertwined colored rings. They were chosen for a reason - each of the five rings means one of the continents:
- blue ring - a symbol of Europe,
- black - African,
- red - America,
- yellow - Asian,
- the green ring is the symbol of Australia.
And the fact that the rings are intertwined with each other means the unity and friendship of people on all these continents, despite the different skin colors.
olympic flag
The white flag with the Olympic emblem was chosen as the official flag of the Olympic Games. White is a symbol of peace during Olympic competitions, just as it was in ancient Greece. At each Olympics, the flag is used at the opening and closing of sports games, and then transferred to the city in which the next Olympics will take place four years later.
olympic fire
Even in ancient times, a tradition arose to light a fire during the Olympic Games, and it has survived to this day. It is very interesting to watch the ceremony of lighting the Olympic flame, it is reminiscent of an ancient Greek theatrical production.
It all starts in Olympia a few months before the start of the competition. For example, the fire for the Brazilian Olympic Games was lit in Greece back in April of this year.
In Greek Olympia, eleven girls gather, dressed in long white dresses, as they used to be in Ancient Greece, then one of them takes a mirror and, with the help of sunlight, lights a specially prepared torch. This is the fire that will burn throughout the entire period of the Olympic competition.
After the torch lights up, it is handed over to one of the best athletes, who will then carry it first through the cities of Greece, and then deliver it to the country in which the Olympic Games will be held. Further, the torch relay passes through the cities of the country and, finally, arrives at the place where sports competitions will be held.
A large bowl is installed in the stadium and a fire is lit in it with the torch that came from distant Greece. The fire in the bowl will burn until all sports are over, then it goes out, and this symbolizes the end of the Olympic Games.
Opening and closing ceremony of the Olympics
It is always a bright and colorful sight. Each country hosting the Olympic Games tries to surpass the previous one in this component, sparing no effort or means. For the production, the latest achievements of science and technology, innovative technologies and developments are used. In addition, a large number of people are involved - volunteers. The most famous people of the country are invited: artists, composers, athletes, etc.
Awarding of winners and prize-winners
When the first Olympic Games were held, the winners received a laurel wreath as a reward. However, modern champions are no longer awarded with laurel wreaths, but with medals: the first place is a gold medal, the second place is a silver one, and the third is a bronze one.
It is very interesting to watch the competitions, but it is even more interesting to see how the champions are awarded. The winners go to a special pedestal with three steps, according to their places, they are awarded medals and raise the flags of the countries where these athletes came from.
That's the whole history of the Olympic Games, for children, I think, the above information will be interesting and useful. You can supplement your story with a presentation about the Olympic Games.
In Hellas (Ancient Greece) they were one of the most revered holidays, and later not only Hellas, but the entire ancient world. Well, today you can hardly meet a person who has not heard at least something about these games. In this article, we will look at the history of the Olympic Games briefly but to the point. According to Greek mythology, the no less famous hero Hercules became the founder of these games. The first reliable sources about games include records of the names of the winners of games that took place in 776 BC. The games were held in the district of Altis, which was sacred to the ancient Greeks, also called Olympia. Games were held every four years, and they lasted five days. According to tradition, they began with a pompous procession, as well as a sacrifice for the god Zeus. And finally, on a measured field (“stadium” in Greek), where 40,000 spectators could fit, sports competitions began.
The competition program included: fisticuffs, running, running with weapons, javelin throwing, discus throwing and competitions in chariots drawn by four horses. Later, from the 4th century BC, not only athletes began to participate in the games, but also speakers, historians, poets, musicians, playwrights and actors. Not everyone could attend the games, let alone participate in them. Slaves, women and persons who were tried for certain crimes could not take part in the games, even as spectators. Once it turned out that the famous fist fighter was trained by his mother, wearing men's clothes, since then, athletes and coaches have been required to appear completely naked for competitions.
Great respect and honor were received by those who won the Olympic Games. Monuments were erected to the winners, poets composed laudatory odes in their honor, they were pompously met at home and awarded with wreaths made from olive branches. But the privileges did not end there, they were provided with food for life at the expense of the state, exempted from taxes and issued large financial sums. During the games, any hostilities between the warring Greek powers ceased. These were considered a real holiday of peace and served to strengthen cultural ties among the Greek states.
The Olympic Games continued until 394 AD, and were banned as a pagan holiday by the Roman emperor Theodosius I, at the urging of the Christian clergy.
However, in 1894, the rebirth of the Olympic Games takes place, it was then that the International Sports Congress took place in Paris. 34 countries were represented in the congress (including Russia). At the congress, it was decided to resume the Olympic Games. As a result, on April 5, 1896, the new Olympic Games opened in Athens, which have been held every 4 years since then. However, due to the wars, some of them did not take place: in 1916, 1940, 1944.
The Olympic Games of the modern type are the largest complex in our days. There is no permanent game program as it changes regularly. As a rule, the program contains more than 20 summer varieties of sports. For example, the program of the XVI Games for men included: gymnastics, athletics, freestyle and classical wrestling, diving, weightlifting, swimming, boxing, rowing, modern pentathlon, rowing and canoeing, trap and bullet shooting, equestrian sports, water polo, cycling, fencing, sailing, basketball, football, grass hockey. And the women came together in fencing, kayaking, swimming, diving, gymnastics, athletics.
This is the history of the Olympic Games summarized in this article. It should also be noted that in these games no official team championship is established, but only. The winner in any sport becomes the owner of a gold medal, the one who takes second place receives a silver medal, and for the third they give a bronze medal.
OLYMPIC GAMES(Summer Olympic Games, Olympiad), the largest international complex sports competitions of our time. The principles, rules and regulations of the Olympic Games are defined Olympic Charter. At the suggestion of P. de Coubertin the decision to organize the Olympic Games in the manner of the ancient ones and to create International Olympic Committee(IOC) was adopted by the International Sports Congress in Paris in 1894. The Olympic Games are held in the first year of the Olympiad. The Olympiads have been counted since 1896, when the first Olympic Games took place. The Olympiad also receives its number in cases where the games are not held (for example, the VI Olympiad - in 1916, XII - in 1940, XIII - in 1944). Apart from Olympic sports, the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (established by the NOC of the country where the next Olympic Games will be held) has the right to include demonstration competitions in 1-2 sports not recognized by the IOC in the program of their choice. The timing of the Olympic Games since 1932 is no more than 15 days. The Olympic Games in Paris (1900) and Saint Louis (1904) were timed to coincide with the World exhibitions .
The Olympic movement has its own symbol, emblem and flag, approved by the IOC in 1914 at the suggestion of Coubertin in 1913. The Olympic symbol is 5 intertwined rings of blue, black, red (top row), yellow and green (bottom row) colors, which symbolize 5 combined in Olympic movement of parts of the world (respectively - Europe, Africa, America, Asia, Australia). The flag - a white cloth with the Olympic rings, has been raised at all the Olympic Games since 1920. Also in 1913, the motto was approved - Citius, Altius, Fortius (faster, higher, stronger), proposed by A. Dido, a friend and ally of Coubertin, and which became part of the Olympic emblem. The Olympic symbol and motto made up the official Olympic emblem (since 1920). The list of statesmen and crowned persons who opened them testifies to the high prestige of the competitions: Athens, 1896 - George I (King of Greece); Paris, 1900 - there was no opening ceremony; St. Louis, 1904 - David Francis (President of the World's Fair); London, 1908 - Edward VII (King of Great Britain and Ireland); Stockholm, 1912 - Gustav V (King of Sweden); Antwerp, 1920 - Albert I (King of Belgium); Paris, 1924 - Gaston Doumergue (President of France); Amsterdam, 1928 - Heinrich of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (Prince Hendrik of the Netherlands); Los Angeles, 1932 - Charles Curtis (Vice President of the United States); Berlin, 1936 - Adolf Hitler (Reich Chancellor of Germany); London, 1948 - George VI (King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); Helsinki, 1952 - Juho Kusti Paasikivi (President of Finland); Melbourne, 1956 (equestrian competitions held in Stockholm) - Philip Mountbatten (Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh - Prince Consort of Great Britain) and Gustav VI Adolf (King of Sweden); Rome, 1960 - Giovanni Gronchi (President of Italy); Tokyo, 1964 - Hirohito (Emperor of Japan); Mexico City, 1968 - Gustavo Diaz Ordaz (President of Mexico); Munich, 1972 - Gustav Heinemann (Federal President of Germany); Montreal, 1976 - Elizabeth II (Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); Moscow, 1980 - Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev (Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR); Los Angeles, 1984 - Ronald Reagan (US President); Seoul, 1988 - Ro Dae Woo (President of the Republic of Korea); Barcelona, 1992 - Juan Carlos I (King of Spain); Atlanta, 1996 - William (Bill) Jefferson Clinton (U.S. President); Sydney, 2000 - William Patrick Dean (Governor General of Australia); Athens, 2004 - Konstantinos Stephanopoulos (President of Greece); Beijing, 2008 - Hu Jintao (General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee); London, 2012 - Elizabeth II (Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); Rio de Janeiro, 2016 - Michel Temer (Vice President of Brazil). The only woman to open the Olympics Queen Elizabeth II; as of January 1, 2020, she is the only statesman in the history of the Olympic Games to have opened them twice (Melbourne, 1956; London, 2012).
Traditional Olympic rituals: 1) lighting the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony (first lit from the sun in Olympia in 1936 and delivered by torchbearers to Berlin, the organizer of the Olympic Games); 2) Taking the Olympic oaths. The Olympic oath of athletes (the text was written in 1913 by Coubertin, it was first pronounced in Antwerp in 1920 by the Belgian fencer V. Buan): “On behalf of all athletes, I promise that we will participate in these Games, respecting and observing the rules by which they are held, in a truly sporting spirit, for the glory of sport and for the honor of their teams.” Olympic Oath of the Judges (included in the opening ceremony at the suggestion of the USSR Olympic Committee and held from the Olympic Games in Mexico City, 1968): “On behalf of all judges and officials, I promise that we will fulfill our duties at these Olympic Games with complete impartiality, respecting and respecting the rules under which they are held in a truly sporting spirit.” At the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Coaches' Olympic Pledge was made for the first time: “On behalf of all coaches and all those around the athletes, I promise that we will conduct ourselves in a manner that upholds the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, in accordance with the basic principles of the Olympic Movement. ". 3) Presentation of medals to the winners and prize-winners of the competitions. For the 1st place, the athlete is awarded a gold medal, for the 2nd - a silver medal, for the 3rd– bronze. In the case when two athletes (teams) shared 1st-2nd places, both are awarded a gold medal; if the participants share 2nd-3rd or 2nd-4th places, everyone is awarded silver medals, and bronze medals are not awarded. In boxing competitions, two athletes who lose in the semi-finals receive bronze medals. In 1928, the IOC approved the image on the front side of the medal of the ancient Greek goddess Nike with a laurel wreath in her hand, on the reverse side - the sport, the emblem of the Games, and other symbols; 4) raising the national flag and performing the national anthem in honor of the winners. According to the charter, the Olympic Games are competitions between individual athletes and not between national teams. However, the so-called. unofficial team standings - determining the place occupied by teams by the number of points received (points are awarded for the first 6 places according to the system: 1st place - 7 points, 2nd - 5 points, 3rd - 4 points, 4th - 3 points, 5th - 2 points, 6th - 1 point). Traditionally, a table of medal counts is maintained for countries with the priority of medals of the highest value. An athlete (or team) who wins a gold medal at the Olympic Games or the Olympic Winter Games is honored with the title of Olympic champion. This title is not used with the prefix ex, such as ex-world champion. The largest number of medals in the history of the Summer Olympic Games (as of January 1, 2020) was won by athletes of the national teams: USA (27 participations; 1022 gold, 794 silver, 704 bronze); Russia; Germany; Great Britain (28; 263, 295, 289); China (10; 227, 164, 152); France (28; 212, 241, 260).
The Olympic Movement (as of January 1, 2016) includes 206 countries (including geographical areas), whose National Olympic Committees are recognized by the IOC. In the period 1896–2016, 31 Olympic Games were held (three of them did not take place due to world wars); 4 held in the USA; 3 - in the UK; 1 each in Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Canada, the USSR, the Republic of Korea, Spain, China, Brazil. According to the Olympic Charter, the honor of hosting the Olympic Games is given to the city and not to the country (or territory). The decision on the election of the Olympic city (the capital of the Olympic Games) is taken by the IOC no later than 6 years before the start of these Games at the IOC session. The application of a candidate city must be approved by the NOC of that country. The city that nominates itself is required to provide the IOC with a government-approved written guarantee and a certain financial contribution (refunded to unelected cities). Since 1932, the host city of the Olympic Games has been building Olympic Village- a complex of residential premises for participants in the games. Among various obligations, the Olympic city submits for the approval of the IOC the program for the Olympic Games, and since 1968, the national cultural program. The tradition of combining physical and artistic culture dates back to the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece, where sports competitions were accompanied by competitions in various arts. The forerunners of the modern cultural program were art competitions (1906–52) and fine art exhibitions (1956–64). At the Olympic Games in 1968–72, the cultural program was international in nature, since 1976, according to the Olympic Charter, it has been national and covers all types of art, literature, photography, sports philately, etc. More often than other cities in the world, London was elected the capital of the Summer Olympic Games (3 times), Athens, Paris, Los Angeles (2 times each).
In 1980 Moscow was the capital of the Games of the XXII Olympiad; elected during the 75th session of the IOC on 10/23/1974 in Vienna. The main stadium of the Moscow Olympics was the Central Stadium. V. I. Lenin (about 100 thousand seats, the modern name is Luzhniki), where the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games, athletics competitions, the final match of a football tournament took place; a number of competitions were held in the Leningradsky Prospekt area of Moscow - at the Dynamo and Young Pioneers stadiums and at the CSKA sports complex. Specially built for the Olympic Games: the Olimpiysky sports complex on Mira Avenue, which includes a multi-purpose indoor stadium (about 35,000 seats; 22 disciplines of the Olympic program) and a swimming pool; the Krylatskoye cycling track (with two stands for 3,000 seats), near which there is a circular cycling track and an archery field (here, in 1972–73, the Krylatskoye rowing canal was built for the European Rowing Championship; stands - approx. .2.5 thousand seats); equestrian complex "Bitsa" (tribune for 5 thousand seats); sports palaces "Izmailovo" (temporary collapsible tribune - up to 4 thousand seats; weightlifting competitions) and "Sokolniki" (about 7 thousand seats; handball tournament games); shooting range "Dynamo" (approx. 3 thousand seats) in the suburban town of Mytishchi; Olympic Village. Over 5,000 athletes from 80 countries competed for 203 sets of medals in 21 sports. Athletes of the USSR national team won the largest number of medals in the history of the Olympic Games - 195 (including 80 gold, 69 silver and 46 bronze). Some competitions with the permission of the IOC were held in other cities. Group football tournaments and quarter-final matches were held in Kiev, Leningrad and Minsk; sailing regatta was held in Tallinn. (Such exceptions were allowed before. For example, in 1956, due to quarantine and a ban on the import of horses into Australia, equestrian competitions were even held in another country - in Sweden, in Stockholm.) For political reasons, the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow were boycotted by a number of countries, refused to participate. Four years later, the NOCs of the USSR and a number of other socialist countries boycotted the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In 1906, Athens (22.4–2.5) hosted the Extraordinary Olympic Games with the participation of 903 athletes from 20 countries. These competitions have not received official recognition from the IOC.
To comply with the Olympic ideals and the noble principles of competition at the Olympic Games and the Olympic Winter Games in 1968, the IOC and international sports federations established a doping control procedure, which is carried out by special anti-doping commissions. Since 1976, Olympic medalists have undergone special doping tests; if an athlete is found guilty of taking doping he is disqualified and forfeits his awards. On November 10, 1999, with the support of the IOC, the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA). In recent years, regardless of the statute of limitations, WADA laboratories have been rechecking the analyzes of athletes taken during previous Olympic Games (Beijing, 2008; London, 2012), which often leads to the revision of individual results, disqualification of winners and changes in the results in the unofficial team medal standings (see the table in the article World Anti-Doping Agency). Before the start of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (2016), at the initiative of WADA, for various reasons, many Russian athletes were suspended from participating in the competition, including all athletes (with the exception of long jumper D.I. Klishina) and weightlifters , most swimmers and rowers, tennis player M. Yu. Sharapova. As a result, the composition of the Russian national team was reduced by almost 50%.
In 6 types of the Olympic program (cycling, athletics, swimming, shooting, archery, weightlifting) Olympic records are recorded regardless of at what stage of the competition (preliminary, qualifying or final) they were set. If the result exceeds the world record, then it is considered both a world and an Olympic record.
Since 1968, the organizers of the Olympic Games have been using the Olympic mascot for propaganda and commercial purposes.
To reward especially distinguished athletes, figures of the Olympic movement and major statesmen in the mid-1970s. the Olympic Order was established (had three degrees) - Gold, Silver and Bronze (now only the first two). The first recipient of the Golden Olympic Order was the ex-president of the IOC E. Brundage. The current members of the IOC are not awarded Olympic orders.
See table 1 for dates and main results of the Summer Olympic Games. See table 2 for athletes who have won the most Olympic medals at the Olympic Games. See table 3 for athletes who have participated in 6 or more Olympics.
Table 1. The main results of the Summer Olympic Games (Athens, 1896 - Rio de Janeiro, 2016).
| Official name. Capital, dates. Main stadium. Games Mascots (since 1968) | Number of countries; athletes (including women); sets of medals played in sports | Most Successful Athletes (medals gold, silver, bronze) | Countries that have won the most medals (gold, silver, bronze) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games of the I Olympiad. Athens, 6.4–15.4. 1896. "Panathinaikos" (80 thousand seats) | 14; 241(0); 43 at 9 | K. Schumann (4, 0, 0), X. Weingertner (3, 2, 1) and A. Flatow (3, 1, 0; all Germany); R. Garrett (USA; 2, 2, 0); F. Hofmann (Germany; 2, 1, 1) | USA (11, 7, 2); Greece (10, 17, 19); Germany (6, 5, 2); France (5, 4, 2); UK (2, 3, 2) |
| Games of the II Olympiad. Paris, 14.5–28.10. 1900. Velodrome in the Bois de Vincennes, "Racing" club, etc. | 24; 997(22); 95 to 20 | A. Krenzlein (USA; 4, 0, 0); K. Steely (Switzerland; 3, 0, 1); R. Urey (3, 0, 0), I. Baxter (2, 3, 0) and W. Tewksbury (2, 2, 1; all USA) | France (26, 41, 34); USA (19, 14, 14); UK (15, 6, 9); Switzerland (6, 2, 1); Belgium (5, 5, 5) |
| Games of the III Olympiad. St. Louis, 1.7–23.11. 1904. "Francis Field" (19 thousand seats) | 12; 651(6); 94 at 16 | A. Heida (5, 1, 0), M. Hurley (4, 0, 1), J. Acer (3, 2, 1), C. Daniels (3, 1, 1) and J. Lightbody (3, 1, 0; all US); R. Fonst (Cuba; 3, 0, 0) | USA (78, 82, 79); Germany (4, 4, 5); Cuba (4, 2, 3); Canada (4, 1, 1); Hungary (2, 1, 1) |
| Games of the IV Olympiad. London, 27.4–31.10. 1908. "White City" ("White City"; over 70 thousand seats) | 22; 2008(37); 110 to 22 | G. Taylor (Great Britain; 3, 0, 0); M. Sheppard (USA; 3, 0, 0) | UK (56, 51, 39); USA (23, 12, 12); Sweden (8, 6, 11); France (5, 5, 9); Germany (3, 5, 5) |
| Games of the V Olympiad. Stockholm, 5.5–22.7.1912. "Olympic Stadium" (14.4 thousand seats) | 28; 2408(48); 102 at 14 | V. Karlberg (Sweden; 3, 2, 0); J. Kolehmainen (Finland; 3, 1, 0); A. Lane (USA; 3, 0, 0); E. Carlberg (2, 2, 0) and J. H. von Holst (2, 1, 1; both Sweden) | USA (25, 19, 19); Sweden (24, 24, 17); UK (10, 15, 16); Finland (9, 8, 9); France (7, 4, 3) |
| Games of the VII Olympiad. Antwerp, 20.4–12.9. 1920. Olympic Stadium (approx. 13 thousand seats) | 29; 2626(65); 156 at 22 | W. Lee (USA; 5, 1, 1); N. Nadi (Italy; 5, 0, 0); L. Spooner (USA; 4, 1, 2); X. van Innis (Belgium; 4, 2, 0); C. Osborne (USA; 4, 1, 1) | USA (41, 27, 27); Sweden (19, 20, 25); UK (15, 15, 13); Finland (15, 10, 9); Belgium (14, 11, 11) |
| Games of the VIII Olympiad. Paris, 4.5–27.7. 1924. "Olympique de Colombes" ("Olympique de Colombes"; 60 thousand seats) | 44; 3088(135); 126 at 17 | P. Nurmi (5, 0, 0) and V. Ritola (4, 2, 0; both Finland); R. Ducret (France; 3, 2, 0); J. Weissmuller (USA; 3, 0, 1) | USA (45, 27, 27); Finland (14, 13, 10); France (13, 15, 10); UK (9, 13, 12); Italy (8, 3, 5) |
| Games of the IX Olympiad. Amsterdam, 17.5–12.8. 1928. "Olympic Stadium" (over 31 thousand seats) | 46; 2883 (277); 109 at 14 | J. Miz (3, 1, 0) and X. Hengy (2, 1, 1; both Switzerland); L. Godin (France; 2, 1, 0); E. Mack (Switzerland; 2, 0, 1) | USA (22, 18, 16); Germany (10, 7, 14); Finland (8, 8, 9); Sweden (7, 6, 12); Italy (7, 5, 7) |
| Games of the X Olympiad. Los Angeles, 30.7–14.8. 1932. "Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum" ("Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum"; over 93 thousand seats) | 37; 1332(126); 117 at 14 | E. Madison (USA; 3, 0, 0); R. Neri (3, 0, 0) and G. Gaudini (0, 3, 1; both Italy); H. Savolainen (Finland; 0, 1, 3) | USA (41, 32, 30); Italy (12, 12, 12); France (10, 5, 4); Sweden (9, 5, 9); Japan (7, 7, 4) |
| Games of the XI Olympiad. Berlin, 1.8–16.8. 1936. "Olympiastadion" ("Olympiastadion"; 100 thousand seats) | 49; 3963(331); 129 at 19 | J. Owens (USA; 4, 0, 0); K. Frei (3, 1, 2) and A. Schwartzman (3, 0, 2; both Germany); H. Mastenbrook (Netherlands; 3, 1, 0); R. Charpentier (France; 3, 0, 0); E. Mack (Switzerland; 0, 4, 1) | Germany (33, 26, 30); USA (24, 20, 12); Hungary (10, 1, 5); Italy (8, 9, 5); Finland (7, 6, 6); France (7, 6, 6) |
| Games of the XIV Olympiad. London, 29.7–14.8. 1948. "Wembley" ("Wembley"; over 120 thousand seats) | 59; 4104 (390); 136 at 17 | F. Blankers-Kuhn (Netherlands; 4, 0, 0); V. Huhtanen (3, 1, 1) and P. Aaltonen (3, 0, 1; both Finland) | US (38, 27, 19); Sweden (16, 11, 17); France (10, 6, 13); Hungary (10, 5, 12); Italy (8, 11, 8) |
| Games of the XV Olympiad. Helsinki, 19.7–3.8. 1952. Olympic Stadium (40 thousand seats) | 69; 4955 (519); 149 at 17 | V. I. Chukarin (USSR; 4, 2, 0); E. Zatopek (Czechoslovakia; 3, 0, 0); M. K. Gorokhovskaya (2, 5, 0) and N. A. Bocharova (2, 2, 0; both USSR); E. Mangiarotti (Italy; 2, 2, 0) | USA (40, 19, 17); USSR (22, 30, 19); Hungary (16, 10, 16); Sweden (12, 13, 10); Italy (8, 9, 4) |
| Games of the XVI Olympiad. Melbourne, 22.11–8.12. 1956. "Melbourne Cricket Ground" ("Melbourne Cricket Ground"; 100 thousand seats) | 72; 3314 (376); 145 at 17 | A. Keleti (Hungary; 4, 2, 0); L. S. Latynina (4, 1, 1), V. I. Chukarin (3, 1, 1) and V. I. Muratov (3, 1, 0; all USSR) | USSR (37, 29, 32); USA (32, 25, 17); Australia (13, 8, 14); Hungary (9, 10, 7); Italy (8, 8, 9) |
| Games of the XVII Olympiad. Rome, 25.8–11.9.1960. Olympic Stadium (approx. 73 thousand seats) | 83; 5338(611); 150 at 17 | B. A. Shakhlin (4.2, 1) and L. S. Latynina (3, 2, 1; both USSR); T. Ono (Japan; 3, 1, 2); K. von Salza (USA; 3, 1, 0); W. Rudolph (USA; 3, 0, 0) | USSR (43, 29, 31); USA (34, 21, 16); Italy (13, 10, 13); WGC* (12, 19, 11); Australia (8, 8, 6) |
| Games of the XVIII Olympiad. Tokyo, 10.10–24.10. 1964. National Olympic Stadium (48 thousand seats) | 93; 5151 (678); 163 at 19 | D. Schollender (USA; 4, 0, 0); V. Chaslavska (Czechoslovakia; 3, 1, 0); Y. Endo (Japan; 3, 1, 0); S. Stauder (3, 1, 0) and S. Clark (3, 0, 0; both USA); L. S. Latynina (USSR; 2, 2, 2) | USA (36, 26, 28); USSR (30, 31, 35); Japan (16, 5, 8); WGC* (10, 22, 18); Italy (10, 10, 7) |
| Games of the XIX Olympiad. Mexico City, 12.10–27.10. 1968. "Olímpico Universitario" ("Olímpico Universitario" St. 63 thousand seats). red jaguar | 112; 5516 (781); 172 at 18 | V. Chaslavska (Czechoslovakia; 4, 2, 0); A. Nakayama (Japan; 4, 1, 1); Ch. Hickox (USA; 3, 1.0); S. Kato (Japan; 3, 0, 1); D. Meyer (USA; 3, 0, 0); M. Ya. Voronin (USSR; 2, 4, 1) | USA (45, 28, 34); USSR (29, 32, 30); Japan (11, 7, 7); Hungary (10, 10, 12); GDR (9, 9, 7) |
| Games of the XX Olympiad. Munich, 26.8–10.9. 1972. Olympiastadion (over 69 thousand seats). Dachshund Waldi | 121; 7134 (1059); 195 at 21 | M. Spitz (USA; 7, 0, 0); S. Kato (Japan; 3, 2, 0); S. Gould (Austria; 3, 1, 1); O. V. Korbut (USSR; 3, 1, 0); M. Belout and S. Nilson (both USA; 3, 0, 0 each); K. Janz (GDR; 2, 2, 1) | USSR (50, 27, 22); US (33, 31, 30); GDR (20, 23, 23); Germany (13, 11, 16); Japan (13, 8, 8) |
| Games of the XXI Olympiad. Montreal, 17.7–1.8. 1976. Olympic Stadium (approx. 66 thousand seats). Beaver Amik | 92; 6048 (1260); 198 at 21 | N. E. Andrianov (USSR; 4, 2, 1); K. Ender (GDR; 4, 1, 0); J. Neiber (USA; 4, 1, 0); N. Komenech (Romania; 3, 1, 1); N. V. Kim (USSR; 3, 1, 0); M. Tsukahara (Japan; 2, 1,2) | USSR (49, 41, 35); GDR (40, 25, 25); USA (34; 35, 25); Germany (10, 12, 17); Japan (9, 6, 10) |
| Games of the XXII Olympiad. Moscow, 19.7–3.8. 1980. Stadium. Lenin (modern name "Luzhniki"; approx. 100 thousand seats). Bear cub Misha | 80; 5179 (1115); 203 at 21 | A. N. Dityatin (USSR; 3, 4, 1); K. Metschuk (3, 1, 0), B. Krause and R. Reinisch (3, 0, 0 each; all GDRs); V. V. Parfenovich and V. V. Salnikov (both USSR; 3.0.0 each); N. Komenech (Romania; 2, 2, 0) | USSR (80, 69, 46); GDR (47, 37, 42); Bulgaria (8, 16, 17); Cuba (8, 7, 5); Italy (8, 3, 4) |
| Games of the XXIII Olympiad. Los Angeles, 28.7–12.8. 1984. "Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum" (over 93 thousand seats). Eaglet Sam | 140; 6829 (1566); 221 at 23 | E. Sabo (Romania; 4, 1, 0); C. Lewis (USA; 4, 0, 0); Li Ning (China; 3, 2, 1); M. Heath and N. Hogshed (both US; 3 each, 1.0) | US (83, 60, 30); Romania (20, 16, 17); Germany (17, 19, 23); China (15, 8, 9); Italy (14, 6, 12) |
| Games of the XXIV Olympiad. Seoul, 17.9–2.10.1988. Olympic Stadium (approx. 70 thousand seats). Tiger cub Hodori | 159; 8391 (2194); 237 at 23 | K. Otto (GDR; 6, 0, 0); M. Biondi (USA; 5, 1, 1); V. N. Artyomov (USSR; 4, 1, 0); D. Silivas (Romania; 3, 2, 1); F. Griffith-Joyner (USA; 3, 1, 0); D. V. Bilozerchev (USSR; 3, 0, 1); J. Evans (USA; 3, 0, 0) | USSR (55, 31, 46); GDR (37, 35, 30); US (36, 31, 27); Republic of Korea (12, 10, 11); Germany (11, 14, 15) |
| Games of the XXV Olympiad. Barcelona, 25.7–9.8.1992. "Olympico de Montjuic" (“Olímpico de Montjuic”; ca. 56,000 seats). dog Kobe | 169; 9356 (2704); 257 at 32 | V. V. Shcherbo (OK**; 6, 0, 0); K. Egersegi (Hungary; 3, 0, 0); E. V. Sadovy (OK**; 3, 0, 0); N. Hayslett (USA; 3, 0, 0); A. V. Popov (OK**; 2, 2, 0) | OK** (45, 38, 29); USA (37, 34, 37); Germany (33, 21, 28); China (16, 22, 16); Cuba (14, 6, 11) |
| Games of the XXVI Olympiad. Atlanta, 19.7–4.8. 1996. "Centennial Olympic" ("Centennial Olympic"; 85 thousand seats). Computer character Izzy | 197; 10320 (3523); 271 at 26 | E. Van Dyken (USA; 4, 0, 0); M. Smith (Ireland; 3, 0, 1); A. Yu. Nemov (2, 1, 3) and A. V. Popov (2, 2, 0; both Russia); G. Hall (USA; 2, 2, 0) | USA (44, 32, 25); Russia (26, 21, 16); Germany (20, 18, 27); China (16, 22, 12); France (15, 7, 15) |
| Games of the XXVII Olympiad. Sydney, 15.9–1.10. 2000. "Ostreylia" (83.5 thousand seats). Ollie the Kookaburra, Sid the Platypus, Millie the Echidna | 199; 10651 (4069); 300 at 28 | L. van Morsel (Netherlands; 3, 1, 0); I. Thorp (Australia; 3, 2, 0); I. de Bruijn (Netherlands; 3, 1, 0); M. Jones (3, 0, 1) and L. Krayzelburg (3, 0, 0; both USA); A. Yu. Nemov (Russia; 2, 1, 3) | USA (37, 24, 33); Russia (32, 28, 29); China (28, 16, 14); Australia (16, 25, 17); Germany (13, 17, 26) |
| Games of the XXVIII Olympiad. Athens, 13.8–29.8. 2004. Olympic Stadium (approx. 70 thousand seats). Antique dolls Phoebus and Athena | 201; 10625 (4329); 301 at 28 | M. Phelps (USA; 6, 0, 2); P. Thomas (Australia; 3, 1.0); K. Ponor (Romania; 3, 0, 0); A. Peirsol (USA; 3, 0, 0); W. Campbell (Jamaica; 2, 0, 1); I. Thorpe (Australia; 2, 1, 1); I. de Bruijn (Netherlands; 1,1,2) | USA (35, 40, 26); China (32; 17, 14); Russia (28, 26, 37); Australia (17, 16, 17); Japan (16, 9, 12) |
| Games of the XXIX Olympiad. Beijing, 8.8–24.8. 2008. National Stadium (91 thousand seats). Fortune Children: Bei-Bei, Ching-Ching, Huan-Huan, Ying-Ying and Ni-Ni | 204; 10942 (4637); 302 at 28 | M. Phelps (USA; 8, 0, 0); W. Bolt (Jamaica; 3, 0, 0); K. Hoy (Great Britain; 3, 0, 0); Tsou Kai (China; 3, 0, 0); S. Rice (Australia; 3, 0, 0) | China (51, 21, 28); US (36, 38, 36); Russia (22, 18, 26); UK (19, 13, 15); Germany (16, 10, 15) |
| Games of the XXX Olympiad. London, 27.7–12.8. 2012. Olympic Stadium (80 thousand seats). Two Drops of Steel - Wenlock and Mandeville | 204; 10768 (4776); 302 at 26 | M. Phelps (4, 2, 0); M. Franklin (4, 0, 1), E. Schmitt (3, 1, 1) and D. Volmer (3, 0, 0; all USA); W. Bolt (Jamaica; 3, 0, 0) | USA (46, 29, 29); China (38, 27, 23); UK (29, 17, 19); Russia (24, 26, 32); Republic of Korea (13, 8, 7) |
| Games of the XXXI Olympiad. Rio de Janeiro, 5.8.-21.8.2016. "Maracana" (78.8 thousand seats). Flora and fauna of Brazil - Vinicius and Tom | 207; 11303 (c. 4700); 306 at 28 | M. Phelps (5.1.0); S. Biles (4.1.0); C. Ledecky (4.1.0; all US); W. Bolt (Jamaica), J. Kenny (Great Britain), D. Kozak (Hungary) (all 3.0.0). | US (48.37.38); UK (27, 23.17); China (26, 18, 26); Russia (19,18,19); Germany (17,10,15). |
* United German team.
** United team of the countries of the former USSR.
Table 2. Athletes with the most victories at the Olympic Games (Athens, 1896 - Rio de Janeiro, 2016).
| Athlete, the country | Kind of sport, years of participation | Medals | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| golden | silver | bronze | ||
| M. Phelps, USA | Swimming, 2004–2016 | 23 | 3 | 2 |
| L. S. Latynina, the USSR | Gymnastics, 1956–1964 | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| P. Nurmi, Finland | Athletics, 1920–1928 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| M. Spitz, USA | Swimming, 1968–1972 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| C. Lewis, USA | Athletics, 1984–1996 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| W. Bolt, Jamaica | Athletics, 2004–2016 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| B. Fisher, Germany | Rowing and canoeing, 1980–2004 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| S. Kato, Japan | Gymnastics, 1968–1976 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| J. Thompson, USA | Swimming, 1992–2004 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| M. Biondi, USA | Swimming, 1984–1992 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| R. Urey, USA | Athletics, 1900–1908 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| N. E. Andrianov, USSR | Gymnastics, 1972–1980 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| B. A. Shakhlin, the USSR | Gymnastics, 1956–1964 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| V. Chaslavska, Czechoslovakia | Gymnastics, 1960–1968 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| V. I. Chukarin, the USSR | Gymnastics, 1952–1956 | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| A. Gerevich, Hungary | Fencing, 1932–1960 | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| E. Manjarotti, Italy | Fencing, 1936–1960 | 6 | 5 | 2 |
| I. Werth, Germany | Horseback Riding, 1992–2016 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| R. Lochte, USA | Swimming, 2004–2016 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| E. Felix, USA | Athletics, 2004–2016 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| H. van Innis, Belgium | Archery, 1900–1920 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| A. Nakayama, Japan | Gymnastics, 1968–1972 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| V. Vezzali, Italy | Fencing, 1996–2012 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| G. Fredriksson, Sweden | Rowing and canoeing, 1948–1960 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| K. Hoy, Great Britain | cycling, 2000–2012 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| V.V. Shcherbo, Belarus | Gymnastics, 1992–1996 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| R. Klimke, Germany | Horseback Riding, 1964–1988 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| P. Kovacs, Hungary | Fencing, 1936–1960 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| E. Van Dyken, USA | Swimming, 1996–2000 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| R. Karpathy, Hungary | Fencing, 1948–1960 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| N. Nadi, Italy | Fencing, 1912–1920 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| K. Otto, GDR | Swimming, 1988 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| T. It, Japan | Gymnastics, 1952–1964 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| C. Osburn, USA | shooting sport, 1912–1924 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| A. Keleti, Hungary | Gymnastics, 1952–1956 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| G. Hall, Jr., USA | Swimming, 1996–2004 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| N. Comaneci, Romania | Gymnastics, 1976–1980 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| I. Thorp, Australia | Swimming, 2000–2004 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| V. Ritola, Finland | Athletics, 1924–1928 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| P. G. Astakhova, the USSR | Gymnastics, 1956–1964 | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| E. Lipe, Romania | rowing, 1984–2000 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| A. Piersol, USA | Swimming, 2000–2008 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Y. Endo, Japan | Gymnastics, 1960–1968 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| M. Tsukahara, Japan | 5 | 1 | 3 | |
| N. Adrian, USA | Swimming, 2008–2016 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| B. Wiggins, UK | cycling, 2000–2016 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| H. G. Winkler, Germany | Horseback Riding, 1956–1976 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| T. Jaeger, USA | Swimming, 1984–1992 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| W. Lee, USA | shooting sport, 1920 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| K. Egersegi, Hungary | Swimming, 1988–1996 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Wu Minxia, China | Diving, 2004–2016 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| N. V. Kim, the USSR | Gymnastics, 1976–1980 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| O. Lillo-Olsen, Norway | shooting sport, 1920–1924 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| A. Heida, USA | Gymnastics, 1904 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| D. Schollander, USA | Swimming, 1964–1968 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| K. Ledecky, USA | Swimming, 2012–2016 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| M. Franklin, USA | Swimming, 2012–2016 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| J. Weissmuller, USA | Swimming, water polo, 1924–1928 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| J. Damian, Romania | rowing, 2000–2008 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| A. Lane, USA | shooting sport, 1912–1920 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| S. Redgrave, UK | rowing, 1984–2000 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Ts. Kai, China | Gymnastics, 2004–2012 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| M. Fisher, USA | shooting sport, 1920–1924 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| C. Zholin, China | Diving, 2008–2016 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| N. S. Ishchenko, Russia | Synchronized swimming, 2008–2016 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| S. A. Romashina, Russia | Synchronized swimming, 2008–2016 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| A. S. Davydova, Russia | Synchronized swimming, 2004–2012 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| A. V. Popov, Russia | Swimming, 1992–2000 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
| D. Torres, USA | Swimming, 1984–2008 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| D. Frazier, Australia | Swimming, 1956–1964 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| K. Ender, GDR | Swimming, 1972–1976 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| L. I. Turishcheva, USSR | Artistic gymnastics, 1968–1976 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| J. Mie, Switzerland | Gymnastics, 1924–1936 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| O. Olsen, Norway | shooting sport, 1920–1924 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| I. Patsaykin, Romania | Rowing and canoeing, 1968–1984 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| A. Yu. Nemov, Russia | Gymnastics, 1996–2000 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| I. de Bruyne, Netherlands | Swimming, 2000–2004 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| E. Schmitt, USA | Swimming, 2008–2016 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| J. Lezak, USA | Swimming, 2000–2012 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| R. Matthes, GDR | Swimming, 1968–1976 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| E. Lieberg, Norway | shooting sport, 1908–1924 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| L. Godin, France | Fencing, 1920–1928 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Guo Jingjing, China | Diving, 2000–2008 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| J. Delfino, Italy | Fencing, 1952–1964 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| C. d'Oriola, France | Fencing, 1948–1956 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| O. V. Korbut, the USSR | Gymnastics, 1972–1976 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| J. Trillini, Italy | Fencing, 1992–2008 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| C. Daniels, USA | Swimming, 1904–1908 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| K. Kitajima, Japan | Swimming, 2004–2012 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| L. Spooner, USA | shooting sport, 1920 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| L. Trickett, Australia | Swimming, 2004–2012 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| D. Ignat, Romania | rowing, 1992–2008 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Kim Soo Young, The Republic of Korea | Archery, 1988–2000 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| L. van Morsel, The Netherlands | cycling, 2000–2004 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| E. D. Belova, the USSR | Fencing, 1968–1976 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| M. Rose, Australia | Swimming, 1956–1960 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| V. A. Sidyak, the USSR | Fencing, 1968–1980 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| V. N. Artyomov, the USSR | Gymnastics, 1988 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| wang nan, China | Table tennis, 2000–2008 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Ya. A. Klochkova, Ukraine | Swimming, 2000–2004 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Yu. H. Kolehmainen, Finland | Athletics, 1912–1920 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| G. Louganis, USA | Diving, 1976–1988 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| V. I. Muratov, the USSR | Gymnastics, 1952–1956 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| J. Neiber, USA | Swimming, 1976 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| E. Zatopek, Czechoslovakia | Athletics, 1948–1952 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| C. Payu de Mortange, Netherlands | Horseback Riding, 1924–1936 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| E. Sabo, Romania | Gymnastics, 1984 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| I. Ferguson, New Zealand | Rowing and canoeing, 1984–1988 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| R. Fonst, Cuba | Fencing, 1900–1904 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Fu Mingxia China | Diving, 1992–2000 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| M. Sheppard, USA | Athletics, 1908–1912 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| J. Evans, USA | Swimming, 1988–1992 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| C. B. Ainslie, UK | Sailing, 1996–2012 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| W. Williams, USA | Tennis, 2000–2016 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| E. Ashford, USA | Athletics, 1984–1992 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| D. Kulchar, Hungary | Fencing, 1964–1976 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| K. Boron, Germany | rowing, 1992–2008 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| C. Wagner-Augustin, Germany | Rowing and canoeing, 2000–2012 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| J. Zampori, Italy | Gymnastics, 1912–1924 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Li Xiaopeng, China | Gymnastics, 2000–2008 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| J. Olsen, USA | Swimming, 1992–1996 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| S. A. Pozdnyakov, Russia | Fencing, 1992–2004 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| S. Richards-Ross, USA | Athletics, 2004–2012 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| V. Susanu, Romania | rowing, 2000–2008 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| M. Harley, USA | cycling, 1904 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| T. Edwards, USA | Basketball, 1984–2000 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| L. Berbaum, Germany | Horseback Riding, 1988–2000 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| F. Blankers-Kuhn, The Netherlands | Athletics, 1948 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| B. Wöckel, GDR | Athletics, 1976–1980 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| L. Viren, Finland | Athletics, 1972–1976 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| T. Darny, Hungary | Swimming, 1988–1992 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Deng Yaping, China | Table tennis, 1992–1996 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| M. Johnson, USA | Athletics, 1992–2000 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| H. Dillard, USA | Athletics, 1948–1952 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| A. N. Ermakova, Russia | Synchronized swimming, 2004–2008 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| B. Cuthbert, Australia | Athletics, 1956–1964 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| R. Korzhenevsky, Poland | Athletics, 1996–2004 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| A. Krenzlein, USA | Athletics, 1900 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| L. Kraizelburg, USA | Swimming, 2000–2004 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| V. A. Krovopuskov, the USSR | Fencing, 1976–1980 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| L. Leslie, USA | Basketball, 1996–2008 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| D. Taurasi, USA | Basketball, 2004–2016 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| S. Bird, USA | Basketball, 2004–2016 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| K. Ityo, Japan | Freestyle wrestling, 2004–2016 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| P. McCormick, USA | Diving, 1952–1956 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| E. Orter, USA | Athletics, 1956–1968 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Owens, USA | Athletics, 1936 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| C. Pavesi, Italy | Fencing, 1952–1960 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| M. Pinsent, UK | rowing, 1992–2004 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| P. Radmilovich, UK | water polo, swimming, 1908–1920 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| V. V. Salnikov, the USSR | Swimming, 1980–1988 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| H. St. Cyr, Sweden | Horseback Riding, 1952–1956 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| S. Williams, USA | Tennis, 2000–2012 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| N. Uphoff, Germany | Horseback Riding, 1988–1992 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Fuchs, Hungary | Fencing, 1908–1912 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Zhang Yining, China | Table tennis, 2004–2008 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| K. Schuman, Germany | Artistic gymnastics, wrestling, 1896 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| P. Elvström, Denmark | Sailing, 1948–1960 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
3 Olympic gold medals won at the Olympic Games approx. 200 athletes (as of January 1, 2020), including representatives of Russia (including the USSR): A. V. Azaryan, D. V. Bilozerchev, S. L. Boginskaya, O. A. Brusnikina, O. A. Bryzgina , G. E. Gorohova , A. N. Dityatin , V. V. Ekimov , V. F. Zhdanovich , A. I. Zabelina , V. N. Ivanov, T. V. Kazankina , A. A. Karelin , M. A. Kiseleva , A. I. Lavrov , V. G. Mankin , A. V. Medved , V. I. Morozov, V. A. Nazlymov , V. V. Parfenovich , T. N. Press , V. D. Saneev , E. V. Sadovy , B. Kh. Saytiev , L. I. Khvedosyuk-Pinaeva , S. A. Chukhrai .
Table 3. Athletes who took part in 6 or more Olympiads (as of 1.1.2020).
| Athlete (year of birth), the country | Quantity | Kind of sport | Participation years | Medals | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| golden | silver | bronze | ||||
| I. Millar (b. 1947), Canada | 10 | Horseback Riding | 1972–1976 1984–2012 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| H. Raudashl, (b. 1942) Austria | 9 | Sailing | 1964–1996 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| A. Kuzmin (b. 1947), USSR (3) Latvia (6) | 9 | Shooting sport | 1976–1980 1988–2012 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| P. D'Inzeo (1923–2014), Italy | 8 | Horseback Riding | 1948–1976 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| R. D'Inzeo (1925–2013), Italy | 8 | Horseback Riding | 1948–1976 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| D. Knowles (b. 1917) , United Kingdom (1) Bahamas (7) | 8 | Sailing | 1948–1972, 1988 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| P. Elvström (b. 1928), Denmark | 8 | Sailing | 1948–1960, 1968, 1972, 1984, 1988 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| R. Debevec (b. 1963), Yugoslavia (2) Slovenia (6) | 8 | Shooting sport | 1984–2012 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| J. Idem (1964), Germany (2) Italy (6) | 8 | Kayaking | 1984–2012 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| F. Bosa (b. 1964), Peru | 8 | Shooting sport | 1980–2004, 2016 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| L. Thompson (b. 1959), Canada | 8 | rowing | 1984–2000 2008–2016 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| N. Salukvadze (b. 1969), USSR (2), Georgia (6) | 8 | Shooting sport | 1988–2016 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| I. Osier (1888–1965), Denmark | 7 | Fencing | 1908–1932, 1948 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| F. Lafortune Jr. (b. 1932), Belgium | 7 | Shooting sport | 1952–1976 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| C. Palm (b. 1946), Sweden | 7 | Fencing | 1964–1988 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. M. Plumb (b. 1940), USA | 7 | Horseback Riding | 1964–1976, 1984–1992 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| R. Scanoker (b. 1934), Sweden | 7 | Shooting sport | 1972–1996 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| S. Hashimoto* (b. 1964), Japan | 7 | cycling, skating | 1984–1994, 1988–1996 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| M. Otti (b. 1960), Jamaica (6) Slovenia (1) | 7 | Athletics | 1980–2004, | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| J. Longo (b. 1958), France | 7 | Cycling | 1984–2008 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| E. Hoy (b. 1959), Australia | 7 | Horseback Riding | 1984–2004, 2012 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| J. Persson (b. 1966), Sweden | 7 | Table tennis | 1988–2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Z. Primorac (b. 1969), Yugoslavia (1) Croatia (6) | 7 | Table tennis | 1988–2012 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| J. M. Seve (b. 1969), Belgium | 7 | Table tennis | 1988–2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| A. van Grunsven (b. 1968), Netherlands | 7 | Horseback Riding | 1988–2012 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| J. Lansink (b. 1961), Netherlands (4) Belgium (3) | 7 | Horseback Riding | 1988–2012 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Šekarić (b. 1965), Yugoslavia (1) Independent Olympic Athletes (1) Yugoslavia (2), Serbia and Montenegro (1), Serbia (2) | 7 | Shooting sport | 1988–2012 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| R. Schumann (b. 1962), East Germany (1) Germany (6) | 7 | Shooting sport | 1988–2012 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| M. Todd (b. 1956), New Zealand | 7 | Horseback Riding | 1984–1992, 2000, 2008–2016 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| L. Berbaum (b. 1963), Germany (1), Germany (6) | 7 | Horseback Riding | 1988–2008, 2016 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| N. Skelton (b. 1957), UK | 7 | Horseback Riding | 1988–1996, 2004–2016 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| T. Wilhelmson-Sylven, (b. 1967) Sweden | 7 | Horseback Riding | 1992–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. A. G. Bragado (b. 1969), Spain | 7 | Athletics | 1992–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| E. Karsten (b. 1972), United team (1), Belarus (6) | 7 | rowing | 1992–2016 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| L. Paes (b. 1973), India | 7 | Tennis | 1992–2016 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| J. Pellielo (b. 1970), Italy | 7 | Shooting sport | 1992–2016 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| J. Rodrigues (b. 1971), Portugal | 7 | Sailing | 1992–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| S. Toriola (b. 1974), Nigeria | 7 | Table tennis | 1992–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| O. Chusovitina (b. 1975), United team (1), Uzbekistan (4), Germany (2) | 7 | Gymnastics | 1992–2016 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| M. Konov (1887–1972), Norway | 6 | Sailing | 1908–1920, 1928–1948 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| N. Cohn-Armitage (1907–1972), USA | 6 | Fencing | 1928–1956 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A. Gerevich (1910–1991), Hungary | 6 | Fencing | 1932–1960 | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| J. Romery (1927–2007), USA | 6 | Fencing | 1948–1968 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| L. Manoliu (1932–1998), Romania | 6 | Athletics | 1952–1972 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| E. Pavlovsky (1932–2005), Poland | 6 | Fencing | 1952–1972 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| W. Macmillan (1929–2000), USA | 6 | Shooting sport | 1952, 1960–1976 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| H. G. Winkler (b. 1926), Germany (3), Germany (3) | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1956–1976 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| A. Smelchinsky (b. 1930), Poland | 6 | Shooting sport | 1956–1976 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| F. Chapot (1932–2016), USA | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1956–1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| B. Hoskins (1931–2013), UK | 6 | Fencing | 1956–1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| J. Elder (b. 1934), Canada | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1956–1960, 1968–1976, 1984 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| H. Fogh (1938–2014), Denmark (4), Canada (2) | 6 | Sailing | 1960–1976, 1984 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| R. Klimke (1936–1999), Germany (2), Germany (4) | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1960–1968, 1976, 1984–1988 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| C. Hanseo-Boilen (b. 1947), Canada | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1964–1976, 1984, 1992 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Primrose (b. 1942), Canada | 6 | Shooting sport | 1968–1976, 1984–1992 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I. Ptak (b. 1946), Czechoslovakia | 6 | rowing | 1968–1980, 1988–1992 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Foster Sr. (b. 1938), Virgin Islands (USA) | 6 | Sailing, bobsleigh | 1972–1976, 1984–1992, 1988 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| L. Alvarez (b. 1947), Spain | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1972–1976, 1984–1996 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| E. Swinkels (b. 1949), Netherlands | 6 | Shooting sport | 1972–1976, 1984–1996 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| H. Simon (b. 1942), Austria | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1972–1976, 1984–1996 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A. Bunturis (b. 1955), Greece | 6 | Sailing | 1976–1996 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| T. Sanderson (b. 1956), UK | 6 | Athletics | 1976–1996 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| K. Stückelberger (b. 1947), Switzerland | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1972–1976, 1984–1988, 1996–2000 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| N. Matova (b. 1954), Bulgaria | 6 | Shooting sport | 1976–1980, 1988–2000 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| J. Schumann (b. 1954), East Germany (3), Germany (3) | 6 | Sailing | 1976–1980, 1988–2000 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| F. Boccara (b. 1959), France (4) USA (2) | 6 | Kayaking | 1980–2000 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| A. Mazzoni (b. 1961), Italy | 6 | Fencing | 1980–2000 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| J. Chia (b. 1955), Peru | 6 | Shooting sport | 1980–2000 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| M. Estiarte (b. 1961), Spain | 6 | Water polo | 1980–2000 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| T. McHugh* (b. 1963), Ireland | 6 | Athletics, bobsleigh | 1988–2000; 1992, 1998 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| B. Fisher (b. 1962), East Germany (2), Germany (4) | 6 | Kayaking | 1980, 1988–2004 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| S. Babiy (b. 1963), Romania | 6 | Shooting sport | 1984–2004 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| C. Bischel (b. 1959), Australia | 6 | Sailing | 1984–2004 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Wang Yifu (b. 1960), China | 6 | Shooting sport | 1984–2004 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| R. Dover (b. 1956), USA | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1984–2004 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| T. Grael (b. 1960), Brazil | 6 | Sailing | 1984–2004 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| A. Kasumi (b. 1966), Greece | 6 | Shooting sport | 1984–2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| E. Lipa (b. 1964), Romania | 6 | rowing | 1984–2004 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| H. Stenvog (b. 1953), Norway | 6 | Shooting sport | 1984–2004 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| S. Nattrass (b. 1950), Canada | 6 | Shooting sport | 1976, 1988–1992, 2000–2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| K. Kirklund (b. 1951), Finland | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1980–1996, 2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I. Di Buo (b. 1956), Italy | 6 | Archery | 1984–1992, 2000–2008 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| J. E. Kurushet (b. 1965), Argentina | 6 | Cycling | 1984–1988, 1996–2008 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A. Benelli (b. 1960), Italy | 6 | Shooting sport | 1988–2008 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| F. Diato-Pasetti (b. 1965), Monaco | 6 | Shooting sport | 1988–2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T. Kiryakov (b. 1963), Bulgaria | 6 | Shooting sport | 1988–2008 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| M. Mutola (b. 1972), Mozambique | 6 | Athletics | 1988–2008 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| J. N'Tyamba (b. 1968), Angola | 6 | Athletics | 1988–2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Tomkins (b. 1965), Australia | 6 | rowing | 1988–2008 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Y. Hirvey (b. 1960), Finland | 6 | Shooting sport | 1988–2008 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| V. Chalupa, Jr. (b. 1967), Czechoslovakia (2), Czech Republic (4) | 6 | rowing | 1988–2008 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Y. Jaanson (b. 1965), USSR (1), Estonia (5) | 6 | rowing | 1988–2008 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| E. Nicholson (b. 1964), New Zealand | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1984, 1992–1996, 2004–2012 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| R. Mark (b. 1964), Australia | 6 | Shooting sport | 1988–2000, 2008–2012 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| S. Martynov (b. 1968), USSR (1), Belarus (5) | 6 | Shooting sport | 1988, 1996–2012 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| D. Buyukuncu (b. 1976), Turkey | 6 | Swimming | 1992–2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| N. Valeeva (b. 1969), United team (1), Moldova (1), Italy (4) | 6 | Archery | 1992–2012 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Sh. Gilgertova (b. 1968), Czechoslovakia (1), Czech Republic (5) | 6 | Rowing slalom | 1992–2012 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| N. Grasu (b. 1971), Romania | 6 | Athletics | 1992–2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| M. Grozdeva (b. 1972), Bulgaria | 6 | Shooting sport | 1992–2012 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| M. Diamond (b. 1972), Australia | 6 | Shooting sport | 1992–2012 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| D. Munkhbayar (b. 1969), Mongolia (3) Germany (3) | 6 | Shooting sport | 1992–2012 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| F. Dumoulin (b. 1973), France | 6 | Shooting sport | 1992–2012 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Y. Yovchev (b. 1973) Bulgaria | 6 | Gymnastics | 1992–2012 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| F. Löf (b. 1969), Sweden | 6 | Sailing | 1992–2012 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| U. Oyama (b. 1969), Brazil | 6 | Table tennis | 1992–2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| R. Pessoa (b. 1972), Brazil | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1992–2012 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| A. Sensini (b. 1970), Italy | 6 | Sailing | 1992–2012 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| D. Topic (b. 1971), Independent Olympic Athletes (1), Yugoslavia (2), Serbia and Montenegro (1) Serbia (2) | 6 | Athletics | 1992–2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| E. Williamson (b. 1971), UK | 6 | Archery | 1992–2012 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| L. Frölander (b. 1974), Sweden | 6 | Swimming | 1992–2012 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| E. Estes (b. 1975), United team (1) Russia (5) | 6 | Volleyball | 1992–2012 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| J. Whitaker (b. 1955), UK | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1984, 1992–2000, 2008, 2016 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| C. Donkers (b. 1971), Belgium | 6 | Horseback Riding | 1992, 2000–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T. Alshammar (b. 1977), Sweden | 6 | Swimming | 1996–2016 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| A. Gadorfalvi (b. 1976), Hungary | 6 | Sailing | 1996–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| L. Evglevskaya (b. 1963), Belarus (2) Australia (4) | 6 | Shooting sport | 1996–2016 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| E. Milev (b. 1968), Bulgaria (4) USA (2) | 6 | Shooting sport | 1996–2016 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A. Mohamed (b. 1976), Hungary | 6 | Fencing | 1996–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| D. Nestor (b. 1972), Canada | 6 | Tennis | 1996–2016 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| C. Road (b. 1979), USA | 6 | Shooting sport | 1996–2016 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| V. Samsonov (b. 1976), Belarus | 6 | Table tennis | 1996–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| S. Yu. Tetyukhin (b. 1975), Russia | 6 | Volleyball | 1996–2016 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| O. Tufte (b. 1976), Norway | 6 | rowing | 1996–2016 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Formiga (b. 1978), Brazil | 6 | Football | 1996–2016 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| R. Scheidt (b. 1973), Brazil | 6 | Sailing | 1996–2016 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
*The athlete also competed at the Olympic Winter Games.
The Olympic Games are the largest sporting event loved by many. They are watched by millions of people on TV, thousands flock to the cities where the competition is held to see the strongest, most agile and fastest athletes with their own eyes. Every professional athlete dreams of not only winning, but at least getting into the Olympic arena. However, not many people know how they were created games when they first passed and what the original concept of this competition was.
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Origin Legends
Many legends and myths about the origin of these competitions have come down to us, which have a different plot and history. However, one thing is known for sure: their homeland is Ancient Greece.
How were the first competitions held?
The beginning of the first of them dates back to 776 BC. This date is very ancient, and it could not have survived to this day, if not for the tradition of the Greeks: they engraved the names of the winners of the competitions on columns specially erected for this. Thanks to these buildings we know not only the time when the games began, but also the name of the first winner. This man's name was Koreb, and he was a resident of Ellis. It is interesting that the concept of the first thirteen games was very different from the subsequent ones, because initially there was only one competition - running at a distance of one hundred and ninety-two meters.
At first, only the indigenous inhabitants of the city of Pisa and Elis had the right to take part. However, the popularity of the competition soon increased so much that other major policies began to contribute to their development.
There were laws according to which not every person could take part in the Olympic Games. Women didn't have this right., slaves and foreign residents called barbarians. And those who wanted to become a full participant had to submit an application to the meeting of judges a whole year before the start of the competition. Moreover, before the actual start of the competition, potential candidates were required to provide proof that since the moment of registration they have been working hard on their physical fitness, performing various types of exercises, training in long-distance running and maintaining athletic form.
The concept of ancient games
Starting from the fourteenth, various sports began to be actively introduced into the program of the games.
The winners of the Olympiads got literally everything they wanted. Their names are immortalized in history for centuries, and during their lifetime they were honored as demigods until old age. Moreover, after the death of each Olympiad was ranked among the lesser gods.
For a long time, these competitions, without which it was impossible to imagine life before, were forgotten. The thing is that after the coming to power of Emperor Theodosius and the strengthening of the Christian faith, games began to be considered one of the manifestations of paganism, for which they were abolished in 394 BC.
rebirth
Fortunately, the games have not sunk into oblivion. We owe their revival to the well-known writer and public figure, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the creator of the modern concept of the Olympic Games. It happened in 1894 when, at the initiative of Coubertin, an international athletic congress was assembled. During it, it was decided to revive the games according to the standard of antiquity, as well as to establish the work of the IOC, that is, the International Olympic Committee.
The IOC began its existence on June 23 of the same year, and Demetrius Vikelas was appointed its first head, and Pierre Coubertin, already familiar to us, was its secretary. At the same time, the Congress developed the rules and regulations on which the games will exist.
First Modern Olympic Games
It is not surprising that Athens was chosen to host the first games of our time, because Greece is the ancestor of these competitions. It is interesting to note that Greece is a country, in which they were held in three centuries.
The first major competitions of modern times were opened on April 6, 1896. More than three hundred athletes took part in them, and the number of sets of awards exceeded four dozen. At the first games, competitions were held in the following sports disciplines:
Finished the games by the fifteenth of April. The awards were distributed as follows:
- The absolute winner with the most medals, namely forty-six, of which ten were gold, was Greece.
- Second place by a decent margin from the winner was taken by the United States, collecting twenty awards.
- Germany scored thirteen medals and finished third.
- But Bulgaria, Chile and Sweden left the competition with nothing.
The success of the competition was so huge that the rulers of Athens were immediately invited to hold the games on their territory. However, according to the rules established by the IOC, the venue must change every four years.
Unexpectedly, the next two terms were quite difficult for the Olympiads, because their venues hosted world exhibitions, which made it difficult to receive guests. Due to the combination of these events, the organizers were afraid that the popularity of the games would quickly subside, however, everything was quite the opposite. People fell in love with such major competitions, and after that, on the initiative of the same Coubertin, traditions began to form, their flag and emblem were created.
Traditions of the Games and their symbols
most famous symbol has the form of five rings, having the same size and intertwined with each other. They go in the following sequence: blue, yellow, black, green and red. Such an unpretentious emblem carries a deep meaning, showing the union of five continents and the meeting of people from all over the world. Interestingly, each Olympic Committee has developed its own emblem, however, five rings are certainly its main part.
The flag of the games appeared in 1894 and was approved by the IOC. The white flag features the five traditional rings. And the motto of the competition is: faster, higher, stronger.
Another symbol of the Olympics is fire. The lighting of the Olympic flame has become a traditional ritual before the start of any games. It is lit in the city in which the competitions are held, and burns there until they are over. This was done in ancient times, however, the custom did not return to us immediately, but only in 1928.
An integral part of the symbolism of these large-scale competitions is the mascot of the Olympiad. Each country has its own. The question of the appearance of talismans arose at the next meeting of the IOC in 1972. By decision of the committee it could be any person, beast or any mythical creature that would not only fully reflect the identity of the country, but also speak of modern Olympiad values.
The advent of the winter games
In 1924, it was decided to establish winter competitions. Initially, they were held in the same year as the summer ones, however, later it was decided to postpone them for two years relative to the summer ones. France hosted the first Winter Games. Surprisingly, half the number of spectators became interested in them than expected, and not all tickets were sold out. Despite the previous setbacks, the winter Olympics became more and more popular with the fans, and soon they gained the same popularity as the summer ones.
Interesting facts from history
