The Olympic Games are the most famous and familiar sports event in the world. It is held once every four years. Many athletes train every day to take part in this event. The Olympic Games are a very important event for most athletes, and it can be said that the competition keeps them motivated.
The Olympics is held in summer and winter, and only athletes from various countries who have won qualifying rounds can participate in this event. Most people all over the world know about this sports competition, but only a few people know the details.
What is the purpose of the Olympics and how did it start?
The Olympics is held to promote understanding among countries through friendship, solidarity, and playing right. These are known as the Olympic spirit. Playing many sports equally leads to the education of young people. The Olympics aims to create a safer and more peaceful society through these activities (International Olympic Committee, 2021).
There are many theories about the Olympics that no one knows the right information about when and how it started. If we go back to history, we will reach Greece 3000 years ago. The sports competition was held in a place called Olympia, and this competition later became known as the Olympic Games. In the many documents, the most common theory is that the Olympics began in 776 BC. A long time later, preparations for the revival of the Olympic Games began in 1894. Two years later, the Games in Athens became the first modern Olympic Games (International Olympic Committee, 2021).
What kinds of sports are there in the Olympics?
There are about 40 types of competitions in the Olympics, and there are more in the summer Olympics than in the winter (International Olympic Committee, 2022). These competitions are reviewed by the committee each time; some will disappear and some will be added.
Examples of major competitions
Summer (Paris 2024 Olympic Games)
・Archery
・Golf
・Gymnastics (artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline gymnastics)
・Fencing
・Judo
・Volleyball (beach volleyball, volleyball)
・Aquatics (swimming, marathon swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming)
・Badminton
・Table Tennis
(International Olympic Committee, 2022)
Winter (Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games)
・Skating (figure skating, speed skating, short track)
・Ice hockey
・Curling
・Skiing (Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, ski jumping, Nordic combined, freestyle skiing, snowboarding)
・Bobsleigh (skeleton, bobsleigh)
(International Olympic Committee, 2022)
How do people decide on the host country?
The host country of the Olympic Games is decided by a meeting of IOC (International Olympic Committee) members. Each active member is given one vote, and the host country is the city with the majority of the votes done by secret ballot. Of course, they cannot vote for their home country or the city in which they live or are involved. If, in the initial round of voting, a majority cannot be reached, the candidate city with the least votes will be struck off the list of candidates. The further rounds of voting will be held until one city wins the majority (International Olympic Committee, 2021).
Conclusion
The Olympic Games have a long history and are still known as the largest sporting event in the world. There are various competitions that can be held with the support of many people. The Olympic Games are a very important competition for athletes, and we can even get various emotions and courage from this event. Therefore, the Olympic Games are an indispensable tournament. It will be possible to lead to success if all countries and all people cooperate and are excited.
References
International Olympic Committee. 2021. BEYOND THE GAME. [online] Available at: <https://olympics.com/ioc/beyond-the-games> [Accessed 27 July 2022].
International Olympic Committee. 2021. Who chooses the host for future Olympic Games?. [online] Available at: <https://olympics.com/ioc/faq/electing-olympic-hosts/who-chooses-the-hosts-for-the-olympic-games> [Accessed 27 July 2022].
Olympics.com. 2022. Olympics Sports List. [online] Available at: <https://olympics.com/en/sports/> [Accessed 27 July 2022].
