Olympic Games - FAQS

What do the Olympic rings mean?

The five rings represent the five major regions of the world: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Every national flag in the world includes at least one of the five colours, which are (from left to right) blue, yellow, black, green, and red.


Have women always been allowed to participate in the Olympic Games?

Women did not participate in the first Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, however women made their Olympic debut four years later at the Paris Games, where they competed in tennis and golf.


Where did the Olympics begin?

The Olympic Games were first held in ancient Greece as far back as 776 B.C. These ancient games lasted for nearly 1,000 years but stopped when Greece was invaded and conquered and became part of the Roman Empire.

The first of the modern games was held in Athens, Greece in 1896, when Baron Pierre de Coubertin of France, decided to start them up again.


Why do they only hold the Olympics every four years?

To respect the ancient origins of the Games. At that time, sports competitions were organised in Olympia and were named after their location, i.e. Olympic Games. These Games were held at the same place every four years. This four-year period was given the name Olympiad, and was used as a date system. Time was counted in Olympiads, instead of years.


Is there an Oath for the Athletes? And why?

The Olympic Oath is one of the rituals of the Olympic Games. It is taken by an athlete from the host country, on behalf of all the athletes.

"In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams".

The first Athletes' Oath was taken at the Olympic Games in Antwerp in 1920 by Victor Boin, a Belgian fencer. Its text was modified at the 2000 Sydney Games and now includes a phrase referring to performing without doping and drugs.


What is the Olympic motto?

The Olympic motto is made up of three Latin words: Citius Altius Fortius. These words mean Faster Higher Stronger.

 

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