FAQ
TOP 5
- Can I use the Olympic Rings?
The Olympic rings are the exclusive property of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympic rings are protected around the world in the name of the IOC by trademarks or national legislations and cannot be used without the IOC's prior written consent.
You can send a detailed request to legal@olympic.org which must include the below information:
- Who is making the request? Name, full address, telephone and/or fax number, e-mail address. Institution, organisation, company, museum or individual.
- Which content is concerned? (texts, images or films)
- How will the content be used? Private use (no broadcasting), school work, group activities, exhibition, production/broadcasting
You will find the rule about this subject in the Olympic Charter:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Where can job openings of the International Olympic Committee be found?
A link entitled "Jobs" at the bottom of the website pages, leads to the section devoted to job openings at the International Olympic Committee. Applications to the available jobs can be submitted online. Unsolicited applications will be excluded.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Can I use the Olympic Rings?
The Olympic rings are the exclusive property of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympic rings are protected around the world in the name of the IOC by trademarks or national legislations and cannot be used without the IOC's prior written consent.
You can send a detailed request to legal@olympic.org, which must include the below information:
- Who is making the request? Name, full address, telephone and/or fax number, e-mail address. Institution, organisation, company, museum or individual.
- Which content is concerned? (texts, images or films)
- How will the content be used? Private use (no broadcasting), school work, group activities, exhibition, production/broadcasting.
You will find the rule about this subject in the Olympic Charter:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the meaning of the Olympic Rings?
The Olympic symbol consists of five interlaced rings of equal dimensions, used alone, in one or in five different colours, which are, from left to right, blue, yellow, black, green and red. The Olympic symbol (the Olympic rings) expresses the activity of the Olympic Movement and represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.
But watch out, it is wrong to say that each of the colours corresponds to a certain continent! In fact, when Pierre de Coubertin created the Rings in 1913, the five colours combined with the white background represent the colours of the flags of all nations at that time, without exception.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - I would very much like to carry the torch for the next Olympic Winter Games. How do I get to do this?
Carrying the Olympic torch is an unforgettable experience, and to have the chance to do this, you need to contact the Organising Committee for the Games in question (OCOG). For each edition of the Games, the OCOG is responsible for the torch relay. For the next Winter Games, the OCOG is the:
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Olympic Games
Being Part
- I would very much like to carry the torch for the next Olympic Winter Games. How do I get to do this?
Carrying the Olympic torch is an unforgettable experience, and to have the chance to do this, you need to contact the Organising Committee for the Games in question (OCOG). For each edition of the Games, the OCOG is responsible for the torch relay. For the next Winter Games, the OCOG is the:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - I would like to be a volunteer at the Olympic Games. What do I have to do?
The thousands of volunteers make an enormous contribution to the success of the Games. You can write to the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG), as it is the OCOGs which manage the volunteer programme for each Games. For the next Winter and Summer Games, it is the:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Where can I find details about the ticketing, accommodation and access for the next Olympic Games?
For this information, contact the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG), which is responsible for all Games logistics.
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Organisation
- Who organises the Olympic Games?
The organisation of the Olympic Games is entrusted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the country of the host city, as well as to the host city itself. The NOC forms, for that purpose, an Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG) which, from the time it is constituted, communicates directly with the IOC, from which it receives instructions.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What sports are on the programme of the forthcoming Games?
- The Olympic Charter: Chapter 5, Rule 45 and its Bye-law, p. 80-84
Sochi 2014 programme
You can find the IOC's rule on the programme of the Olympic Games in:Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who finances the organisation of the Olympic Games?
The OCOGs' budgets are funded by the sales of broadcast rights (TV, radio and new media), international and national sponsorships and the sale of tickets and licensed products. The International Olympic Committee directly provides around a considerable amount to organising committees from the sales of broadcast rights and international sponsorship.
In recent years, OCOG budgets for running the Games have been balanced or have generated a small surplus. This surplus is reinvested in the host nation's sporting future.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - How do the athletes live during the Olympic Games?
During the Olympic fortnight, the athletes live in the Olympic Village. What is the advantage of these villages? Here, the athletes find all the necessary commodities, shops, post offices, cinemas, cultural centres and, of course, restaurants. Food requirements are enormous. The menus are varied in order to correspond to the food habits of athletes from five continents.
The Village has high security and only people with special accreditations have access.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who organises the Paralympic Games?
The Paralympic Games are organised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which is one of the partners of the Olympic Movement.
The Paralympic Games are always held in the same year as the Olympic Games.
Since the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul and the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, the Paralympic Games have been held using the same venues as the Olympic Games.
And since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, the same organising committee has been responsible for staging both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the role of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the organisation of the Olympic Games?
The organisation of the Games consists of a partnership between the IOC and the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG). The Games are the exclusive property of the IOC, which has the last word on any question related to them. The IOC plays a supervisory and support role; in other words, it controls the organisation of the Games, ensures they run successfully, and checks that the principles and rules of the Olympic Charter are observed.
- Learn more
- The OCOGs
- Who belongs to the Olympic Movement?
- Olympic Charter: Chapter 5, Rule 35, p. 69
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the difference between the Olympic Games (OG) and the Youth Olympic Games (YOG)?
The YOG are for athletes aged 14 to 18. The summer edition takes place in the year of the winter OG, and the winter edition in the year of the summer OG. In 2010: 1st summer YOG in Singapore, and winter OG in Vancouver.
Singapore welcomed almost 3,600 young athletes, whereas the Athens OG in 2004 brought together more than 10,600 athletes.
The summer and winter YOG will last 12 and 10 days respectively, while the OG can last up to 16 days.
The sports programme of the summer YOG is identical to that of the OG in London in 2012. However, the events have been adapted to suit the age and interest of the young athletes.
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Results
- Where can I find the results of an Olympic Games medallist?
To find the olympic results of an athlete, you can either do a name search or consult the complete results database, using the Olympic medals search facility, on the Athletes' section at the following address:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Which athletes have won the most medals in the history of the Summer Games ?
Among the women, Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina won 18 medals between 1956 and 1964.
Learn more about Larisa Latynina
Learn more about artistic gymnastics
Among the men, Michael Phelps holds the record, with 22 medals won between 2004 and 2012.
Learn more about Michael Phelps
Learn more about swimming
Factsheet : Records and medals of the Games of the OlympiadDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Which athletes have won the most medals in the history of the Winter Games ?
Among the women, the record is held by the Soviet Union's Raisa Smetanina and Italy's Stefania Belmondo, who both won 10 cross-country skiing medals, between 1976 and 1992 for the former, and between 1992 and 2002 for the latter.
Learn more about Raisa Smetanina
Learn more about Stefania Belmondo
Among the men, Norway's Björn Daehlie won 12 cross-country skiing medals, between 1992 and 1998.
Learn more about Björn Daehlie
Learn more about cross-country skiing
Factsheet : Records and medals of the Olympic Winter GamesDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who currently holds the Olympic 100 metres record in athletics ?
Among the men, Jamaica's Usain Bolt achieved the time of 9.69 seconds on 16 August 2008 at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
Learn more about Usain Bolt
Find out more about athletics track events
Among the women, America's Florence Griffith Joyner set the Olympic 100 metres record of 10.62 seconds at the 1988 Games in Seoul.
Learn more about Florence Griffith Joyner
See other records
See the world records in this disciplineDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who currently holds the Olympic 50 metres freestyle swimming record ?
Among the women, Germany's Britta Steffen swam a time of 24.06 seconds on 17 August 2008 at the Games in Beijing.
Among the men, the Olympic record is held by Brazil's Cesar Cielo, who covered the distance in 21.3 seconds on 16 August 2008 at the Games in Beijing.
Learn more about swimming
See other records
See the world records in this disciplineDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who currently holds the Olympic pole vault record ?
For women, the record-holder is Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva, with a jump of 5.05 metres on 18 August 2008 at the Games in Beijing.
Learn more about Elena Isinbaeva
Learn more about women's pole vault
For men, the Olympic record is held by Australia's Steven Hooker, with a jump of 5.96 metres during the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Learn more about men's pole vault
See other records
See the world records in this disciplineDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question.
History
- What is the origin of the Olympic Games?
The Olympic Games as we know them today have a long history, which goes back to ancient times. Everything started in the Peloponnese, in Greece, some 3,000 years ago.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Why do the Games of the Olympiad take place 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 acquired the name Olympiad, and was used as a date system: time was counted in Olympiads, rather than years.
In 1894, Pierre de Coubertin launched his project to restore the Olympic Games, and in 1896 the first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - In which year were the first Olympic Winter Games held ?
The first Olympic Winter Games were held in 1924 in Chamonix. Originally known as the "International Winter Sports Week", the Games did not receive the title of "1st Olympic Winter Games" until 1926, at the IOC Session held in Lisbon. The decision to create a separate Winter Games cycle was taken in 1925 at the Session in Prague.
Factsheet : The Olympic Winter GamesDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Since when have the Summer and Winter Games no longer been held in the same year ?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took this decision in 1986. The Summer and Winter Games were held in the same year, every four years, from 1924 until 1992, when the Summer Games were held in Barcelona and the Winter Games in Albertville. As of 1994, the Summer and Winter Games have been held alternately every two years.
Education factsheet : The modern Olympic GamesDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - When was the first Olympic torch relay held ?
For the Summer Games, the first Olympic torch relay was organised in 1936. Inspired by the torch races in Ancient Greece, Carl Diem (Secretary General of the Berlin Games Organising Committee) proposed that a flame be lit at Olympia and then relayed to Berlin. That year, more than 3,000 athletes from seven countries took part in the relay.
For the Winter Games, the first relay was organised for the 1952 Games in Oslo. It did not begin at Olympia, in Greece, but in the Morgedal valley in Norway. It was not until 1964, for the Games in Innsbruck, that the relay began in Olympia.
Factsheet : The Olympic torch relayDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Which sports were on the programme of the ancient Olympic Games?
At the time, there were only individual events, including foot races, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, pankration and horse riding.
Education factsheet (pages 7-9)
Learn moreDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - When did women first compete in the Olympic Games ?
Women first took part in the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris. On that occasion, there were 22 women, from a total of 997 athletes, competing in five sports: tennis, sailing, croquet, horse riding and golf.
The number of women competing in the Games has increased since the 1970s, with the growing awareness of the role of women around the world.
Factsheet : Women in the Olympic Movement
The Women and Sport CommissionDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - When was the Olympic Oath first taken by an athlete ?
The athletes' oath was first pronounced by Belgian fencer Victor Boin at the 1920 Games in Antwerp, and was worded as follows: "We swear that we are taking part in the Olympic Games as loyal competitors, observing the rules governing the Games, and anxious to show a spirit of chivalry for the honour of our countries and for the glory of sport".
Today, it reads as follows: "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."
As of 1972, an oath taken by an official was also added at the Opening Ceremony of the Games.
Learn more about the 1920 Olympic GamesDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question.
Ceremonies and procedures
- What happens in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games?
A party atmosphere is a feature of the Olympic Games. Each Olympic Games has an opening ceremony during which the sports stadium is filled with music, singing, dancing and fireworks. A closing ceremony in the same spirit takes place on the last day of the Games. The opening and closing ceremonies are an invitation to discover the culture of the country hosting the Games.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Why do the athletes take an oath at the Olympic Games?
The athlete taking the oath promises, in the name of all the other competitors, to respect the rules and participate in the competitions in a spirit of sportsmanship.
The oath has been part of the Opening Ceremony since the Games of the Olympiad in Antwerp in 1920. Its text was modified at the 2000 Sydney Games and now includes a phrase confirming the will of the athlete to avoid doping. Since 1972, a referee has made the same undertaking on behalf of all the judges and officials.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Since when has there been a parade of athletes at the Olympic Games opening ceremony ?
The idea of a parade of athletes by nation was first discussed in 1906 at the fourth Olympic Congress. And it was first organised during the Opening Ceremony of the 1908 Olympic Games in London.
Learn more about the 1908 Games in LondonDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question.
Election of an Olympic Games Host City
- How are the host cities of the Olympic Games chosen?
After a detailed evaluation of the candidate cities, the International Olympic Committee Session awards a city the right to organise an edition of the Olympic Games or the Olympic Winter Games in its country.
- Learn more
- Host City Election Procedure
- Factsheet: Host City Election Facts and Figures
- Olympic Charter: Chapter 5, Rule 33, p. 66
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the stages of the procedure to elect a host city of the Olympic Games?
The procedure leading to the election of the Host City of the Olympic Games is governed by
Since December 1999, the procedure used has consisted of two phases:
Phase 1: APPLICANT cities
The applicant cities have to answer a questionnaire covering various themes.
After a group of experts has studied their answers, the IOC Executive Board decides which applicant cities will be accepted as candidate cities. These cities can then continue with the procedure and move on to the actual candidature phase.
Phase 2: CANDIDATE Cities
The candidate cities have several months in which to submit a file in response to a second IOC questionnaire.
Evaluation Commission
In line with the IOC reforms of 1999, an Evaluation Commission is given the job of analysing the files submitted by the candidate cities and making inspection visits to the cities (four days per city). The Commission then produces a report for the IOC members, to enable them to judge the ability of the each city to host the Games.
This report is made public no later than one month before the start of the IOC Session, i.e. the general assembly of IOC members, one of whose roles is to elect the host cities of the Olympic Games (only the active members vote).
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What conditions must a city fulfil to become a candidate to host the Olympic Games?
Cities wishing to organise an edition of the Olympic Summer or Winter Games must:
- Submit their request via their National Olympic Committee (NOC). They then become applicant cities.
- Answer a first IOC questionnaire for applicant cities.
- Be selected as candidate cities based on their answers to the questionnaire.
- Answer a second questionnaire for candidate cities, and submit a candidature file.
- Host the Evaluation Commission, which makes a four-day visit to each candidate city.
- Present their candidature to the IOC Session, i.e. the general assembly of IOC members, which has the power to elect the host cities of the Olympic Games.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who chooses the host cities of future Olympic Games?
The IOC members meeting in Session choose each host city. The choice of host city of the Olympic Games is one of the powers of the Session, which is the general assembly of the IOC members.
The host city is elected by a majority of those voting, and each active member has one vote. Members who are nationals of the countries which have a candidate city taking part in the election must refrain from voting for as long as their city is in contention.
IOC honorary and honour members, and any members suspended, are not allowed to vote. If no city obtains a majority in the first round, the candidate city with the least votes is eliminated, and another vote taken. The results are made known after each round of voting.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who evaluates the candidature files?
In line with the IOC reforms of 1999, an Evaluation Commission is given the job of analysing the files submitted by the candidate cities and making inspection visits to the cities (four days per city). The Commission then produces a report for the IOC members, to enable them to judge the ability of the each city to host the Games.
This report is made public no later than one month before the start of the IOC Session, i.e. the general assembly of IOC members, one of whose roles is to elect the host cities of the Olympic Games (only the active members vote).
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What were the results of previous elections?
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Sports and rules
- I’d like to see my sport on the programme of the Olympic Games. What do I have to do?
This is a wish shared by many sports enthusiasts, and the IOC appreciates this enthusiasm. As a result, it tries to make the programme of the Games evolve within the limits and rules established.
First of all, a sport must be governed by an International Federation which undertakes to follow the rules of the Olympic Charter, a basic condition for recognition by the IOC. It must also be practised widely across the world and meet various criteria. After that, the IOC ‘s Olympic Programme Commission may recommend that a recognised sport be added to the Games programme, if the IOC Session approves this.
- For more information about the structure of the Olympic programme, read: Chapter 5 of the Olympic Charter, Rule 45 and its Bye-law, pp. 80-84
- Learn more about the IOC Commission for the Olympic Programme
- List of Olympic sports and IOC-recognised sports (see dropdown menu on the right under International Federations)
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - The Olympic programme comprises sports, disciplines and events – what is the difference between the three?
A sport is that which is governed by an International Federation (IF).
A discipline is a branch of a sport comprising one or more events.
An event is a competition in a sport or disciplined that gives rise to a finishing list or ranking.Thus, skiing is a sport, while cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping and Nordic combined are disciplines. Alpine skiing is a discipline, while the super-G, giant slalom, slalom and combined are events.
- To find out more, see the educational factsheet, pages 6-8.
- For more information on the Olympic programme, please see the Olympic Charter, Chapter 5, Rule 45 and its bye-law, p. 82-86.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the latest thing to have been added to the programme of the Winter Games?
New events will be added to the next Olympic Winter Games programme in Sochi in 2014. These are ski slopestyle (men and women), snowboard slopestyle (men and women) and snowboard parallel special slalom (men and women) on the sports programme of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi.
The decision was taken by the IOC Executive Board (EB) ahead of the 123rd IOC Session in Durban, South Africa, and follows the inclusion in April 2011 of ski halfpipe (men and women), women’s ski jumping, biathlon mixed relay, figure skating team event and luge team relay.Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who to contact for any questions concerning the rules related to the practice of an Olympic sport?
Due to the role of the International Sport Federations (IFs) to assume the responsibility for the technical control and direction of their sports at the Olympic Games (cf. Olympic charter, chapter 3, rule 26, 1.6, p. 52) any questions or suggestions should be sent directly to the IFs.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What measures are taken against doping at the Olympic Games?
You will find the rule established by the International Olympic Committee on the issue of doping in the Olympic Charter: Chapter 5, Rule 43, p. 77.
Since 1967, the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission has been fighting against doping.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was created in 1999, following the World Conference on Doping in Sport, organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This independent agency's mission is to promote and coordinate, on an international level, the fight against doping in all its forms.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the role of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)?
“Any dispute arising on the occasion of, or in connection with, the Olympic Games shall be submitted exclusively to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, in accordance with the Code of Sports-Related Arbitration.” Olympic Charter, Rule 61, paragraph 2, p.103
The CAS is an independent institution providing international sport with an organisation competent to rule on any legal disputes linked to sport.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What sports are on the programme of the forthcoming Games?
You can find the International Olympic Committee's rule on the programme of the Olympic Games in:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the conditions required for a sport to be recognised by the IOC?
To be recognised by the IOC, a sport must first of all be governed by an International Federation (IF). This is required in order to conform to the Rules of the Olympic Charter and the World Anti-Doping Code.
- For more information on IF recognition, please refer to the Olympic Charter, Chapter 3, Rule 25, p. 51
- List of Olympic sports and sports recognised by the IOC (see drop-down menu in the right-hand column under International Federations).
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - For more information on IF recognition, please refer to the Olympic Charter, Chapter 3, Rule 25, p. 51
- Which sports have been chosen for possible inclusion in the sports programme of the Games of the Olympiad in 2020?
Softball, baseball, karate, squash, roller sports, wushu, wakeboard and sports climbing: one of these sports could be included on the sports programme of the 2020 Game. The decision will be made at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires in 2013. This list was approved by the Executive Board before the 123rd IOC Session held in Durban, South Africa, in July 2011.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - How does an athlete get to participate in the Olympic Games?
In order to participate in the Olympic Games, athletes have to abide by the Olympic Charter and the rules of the International Federation (IF) responsible for their sport. The IFs organise qualification events, while the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the athlete's country is responsible for bringing athletes to the Games.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Is there an age limit for participants in the Olympic Games ?
According to Rule 42 of the current Olympic Charter, as of 8 July 2011 : "There may be no age limit for competitors in the Olympic Games other than as prescribed in the competition rules of an IF as approved by the IOC Executive Board."
International Sports FederationsDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the responsibilities of an International Sports Federation (IF)?
The International Summer and Winter Sports Federations (IFs) have the responsibility and duty of managing and supervising the daily functioning of the various sporting disciplines in the world, including the practical organisation of events during the Games. They must also, and above all, monitor the development of the athletes who practise these sports at all levels.
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Olympic Symbol and Olympic properties
- What is the meaning of the Olympic Rings?
The Olympic symbol consists of five interlaced rings of equal dimensions, used alone, in one or in five different colours, which are, from left to right, blue, yellow, black, green and red. The Olympic symbol (the Olympic rings) expresses the activity of the Olympic Movement and represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.
But watch out, it is wrong to say that each of the colours corresponds to a certain continent! In fact, when Pierre de Coubertin created the Rings in 1913, the five colours combined with the white background represent the colours of the flags of all nations at that time, without exception.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who created the Olympic rings symbol ?
It appeared for the first time in 1913 on the letterhead of a letter written by Pierre de Coubertin. He drew and coloured the rings by hand. In the Olympic Review of August 1913, he explained that "These five rings represent the five parts of the world now won over to Olympism and ready to accept its fertile rivalries. Moreover, the six colours thus combined reproduce those of all the nations without exception."
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Can I use the Olympic Rings?
The Olympic rings are the exclusive property of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympic rings are protected around the world in the name of the IOC by trademarks or national legislations and cannot be used without the IOC's prior written consent.
You can send a detailed request to legal@olympic.org which must include the below information:
- Who is making the request? Name, full address, telephone and/or fax number, e-mail address. Institution, organisation, company, museum or individual.
- Which content is concerned? (texts, images or films)
- How will the content be used? Private use (no broadcasting), school work, group activities, exhibition, production/broadcasting
You will find the rule about this subject in the Olympic Charter:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the Olympic Motto?
The Olympic motto is made up of three Latin words :
Citius -Altius - Fortius. These words mean Faster - Higher - Stronger.
It was the dominican priest Henri Didon who first expressed the words in the opening ceremony of a school sports event in 1881 and Pierre de Coubertin, who was present that day, adopted them as the Olympic Motto. It expresses the aspirations of the Olympic Movement not only in its athletic and technical sense but also from a moral and educational perspective.Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the values of Olympism ?
The three values of Olympism are excellence, friendship and respect. They constitute the foundation on which the Olympic Movement builds its activities to promote sport, culture and education with a view to building a better world.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the Olympic Oath?
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. His exact words were: “In the name of all competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of the sport and the honour of our teams.”
The modern oath, mentioning doping and drugs, was first introduced in the 1999 December Olympic Charter and first pronounced that way during the opening ceremony in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Since 1972, a referee has taken an oath on behalf of all the referees and officials.Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who wrote the Olympic Anthem?
The music for the Olympic Anthem was composed by Spiros Samaras, to words by Kostas Palamas, for the first Games in Athens in 1896. Various musical arrangements went on to be played at the opening ceremonies. In 1958 in Tokyo, the IOC Session decided that the Samaras/Palamas composition would be the official Anthem as of the 1960 Games (Squaw Valley and Rome).
The Olympic Anthem is one of the Olympic properties:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Why a torch relay?
In recollection of the origins of the Olympic Games, the flame is lit in Olympia, Greece, some months before the opening of the Games. It is than carried by relay from Olympia to the host city of the Games.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Since when has the Olympic flag been raised at Olympic Games opening ceremonies ?
In 1920 at the Games in Antwerp, the Olympic flag was raised for the first time in an Olympic stadium. It was again Pierre de Coubertin who had the idea. He presented it at the Olympic Congress in Paris in 1914, but the First World War prevented the 1916 Games from being held in Berlin. As a result, it was the city of Antwerp which saw the five-ring flag flying for the first time.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Is it possible to obtain an olympic flag?
The Olympic flag is an Olympic property. Its use is reserved for the Olympic Games. For this reason, it cannot be made available for public use.
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Athletes
- How does an athlete get to participate in the Olympic Games?
In order to participate in the Olympic Games, athletes have to abide by the Olympic Charter and the rules of the International Federation (IF) responsible for their sport. The IFs organise qualification events, while the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the athlete's country is responsible for bringing athletes to the Games.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - How do the athletes live during the Olympic Games?
During the Olympic fortnight, the athletes live in the Olympic Village. What is the advantage of these villages? Here, the athletes find all the necessary commodities, shops, post offices, cinemas, cultural centres and, of course, restaurants. Food requirements are enormous. The menus are varied in order to correspond to the food habits of athletes from five continents.
The Village has high security and only people with special accreditations have access.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Where can I find the results of an Olympic Games medallist?
To find the olympic results of an athlete, you can either do a name search or consult the complete results database, using the Olympic medals search facility, on the Athletes' section at the following address:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What do the winners receive?
The moment of victory is symbolised by the athlete stepping onto the podium to receive his or her medal.
The winning athletes receive medals and diplomas during a victory ceremony organised at the end of every competition. This has been the case since 1932 in Los Angeles. A diploma is awarded to those coming from 4th to 8th. Gold, silver and bronze medals were not awarded until 1904.
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Olympic Movement
- What is the Olympic Movement?
The Olympic Movement groups together all those who agree to be guided by the Olympic Charter and who recognise the authority of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), namely: the International Federations (IF) of sports on the programme of the Olympic Games; the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Organising Committees of the Olympic Games (OCOGs), athletes, judges and referees, associations and clubs, as well as all the organisations and institutions recognised by the IOC.
- Who belongs to the olympic movement?
- The Olympic Charter: Fundamental Principles p. 10-11
- The Olympic Movement
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - How does one become a member of the International Olympic Committee?
The members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are all natural persons. The IOC includes among its members active and non-active athletes and Presidents or senior leaders of International Sports Federations (IFs), international organisations recognised by the IOC.
The IOC recruits and elects its members from among such persons as it considers qualified.
You can find more information on the recruitment and election of IOC members in the Olympic Charter.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who are the Presidents of the International Olympic Committee since 1894?
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- How does the International Olympic Committee (IOC) operate?
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- Why does the International Olympic Committee have its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland?
Since 1915, the IOC headquarters have been in Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva. It was Coubertin who chose this city, in the midst of the First World War in France where the IOC was established (Paris).
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the commissions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and what is their role?
There are currently 21 commissions within the IOC, such as, for example:
- The Athletes' Commission
- The Women and Sport Commission
- The Sport for All Commission
- The Marketing Commission
- The Ethics Commission
They are formed at the request of the IOC President, with the aim of going in depth into certain subjects and formulating recommendations for the Executive Board.
IOC Commissions work contribute to promoting the ideals of the Olympic spirit in their specific domains.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What does the IOC Ethics Commission do?
Its mission is to ensure respect of the ethical principles within the Olympic Movement, as defined in the Olympic Charter. To this end, the Ethics Commission determines the applicable rules and, in the event of a breach of these, can make a recommendation to the IOC Executive Board.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who can be concerned by the Ethics Commission's recommendations?
The Ethics Commission can make recommendations concerning the people or organisations required to respect the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics: IOC members, the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs), the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), cities bidding to host the Olympic Games and, during the Olympic Games, all those taking part in the Games.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who can refer cases to the Ethics Commission?
Everyone concerned by a breach of the ethical principles set out in the Code of Ethics, provided that the complaint is against one of the bodies required to respect the Code of Ethics - the IOC members, the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs), the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Olympic Games Candidate Cities and Olympic Games participants. This complaint will be forwarded to the President of the International Olympic Committee for analysis and referral of the case with a view to a recommendation if the situation makes it necessary.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the role of the Athletes' Commission ?
The Athletes' Commission was created in 1981 by the then IOC President, Juan Antonio Samaranch. It provides a link between active athletes and the IOC. It is composed of 12 athletes elected for eight years by the athletes competing at the Olympic Games, and up to seven athletes appointed by the IOC President to ensure a balance between regions, the sexes and sports.
Learn more
See the list of membersDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the role of Olympic Solidarity ?
Through Olympic Solidarity, the IOC finances the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) so that they can promote the practice of sports activities around the world. Athletes can make use of the Olympic scholarships programme, whereby they receive subsidies to enable them to train and qualify for the Olympic Games.
Learn more about Olympic scholarships
Learn more about Olympic SolidarityDid this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Where does the Session fit in within the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) organisation?
The Session is the general meeting of the IOC members. It is the IOC's supreme organ, and its decisions are final. An ordinary Session is held once a year. Extraordinary Sessions may be convened by the President or upon the written request of at least one third of the members.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the powers of the Session?
The powers of the Session are as follows:
- To adopt or amend the Olympic Charter.
- To elect the members of the IOC, the Honorary President, honorary members and honour members.
- To elect the President, the Vice-Presidents and all other members of the IOC Executive Board.
- To elect the host city of the Olympic Games.
- To determine the city in which an ordinary Session is held, the President having the authority to determine the city in which an extraordinary Session is held.
- To approve the annual report and accounts of the IOC.
- To appoint the IOC's auditors.
- To decide on the awarding or withdrawal by the IOC of full recognition to or from NOCs, associations of NOCs, IFs, associations of IFs and other organisations.
- To expel IOC members and to withdraw the status of Honorary President, honorary members and honour members.
- To resolve and decide upon all other matters assigned to it by law or by the Olympic Charter.
The powers of the IOC Session are governed by:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What does the Executive Board represent in the organisation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)?
The IOC Executive Board (EB), created in 1921, assumes general responsibility for the IOC’s administration, and manages its affairs.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the responsibilities of an International Sports Federation (IF)?
The International Summer and Winter Sports Federations (IFs) have the responsibility and duty of managing and supervising the daily functioning of the various sporting disciplines in the world, including the practical organisation of events during the Games. They must also, and above all, monitor the development of the athletes who practise these sports at all levels.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the responsibilities of a National Olympic Committee (NOC)?
There are over 200 National Olympic Committees spread over the five continents, whose functions include disseminating the Olympic values at national level.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the Olympic Charter ?
"The Olympic Charter is the codification of the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, Rules and Bye-Laws adopted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It governs the organisation, action and operation of the Olympic Movement and sets forth the conditions for the celebration of the Olympic Games."
The fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter are based on a handwritten document by Pierre de Coubertin in 1899. The first edition was published in 1908 under the title: "International Olympic Committee - Directory". Subsequently, the Charter had various other names, including "Olympic Rules", before finally being called the Olympic Charter in 1978.
Current version of the Charter (as at 8 July 2011)
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Marketing
- What are the objectives of Olympic marketing?
To implement long-term programmes (sponsorships, licensing, Olympic stamps and coins, etc.) to guarantee the stability and financial independence of the Olympic Movement.
To ensure fair sharing of revenues between e.g. the Organising Committees, International Federations and National Olympic Committees.
To preserve the inherent value of the Olympic ideal and image.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the IOC’s policy on broadcasting the Olympic Games?
The IOC’s fundamental policy is stipulated in the Olympic Charter. It consists of ensuring maximum dissemination of the Games throughout the world. Television rights to the Olympic Games are sold principally to broadcasters that can guarantee the broadest coverage throughout their respective territories.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Where does the Olympic Movement’s revenue come from?
It comes from several large programmes, such as broadcasting, the TOP programme, national sponsorship, ticketing and licensing.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the TOP programme?
The abbreviation “TOP” stands for “The Olympic Partner Programme”. This is a global sponsorship programme managed by the IOC. Created in 1985, its aim is to generate diversified revenue to be shared in equal measure between the OCOGs and the Olympic Movement. The TOP programme is established for a duration of four years, corresponding to the Olympic quadrennial period.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - How are the Olympic marketing revenues split?
The IOC distributes over 90% of marketing revenues to organisations belonging to the Olympic Movement. The aim is to contribute to the organisation of the Olympic Games and to promote the development of sport throughout the world. The IOC keeps less than 10% of the revenues to cover the operational and administrative costs of governing the Olympic Movement.
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Olympic Studies
- How can I obtain information on the Olympic Games for work with my class?
Files are available in the “Documents” section (at the bottom of the page). The themes covered are:
- The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
- The Modern Olympic Games
- The Olympic Movement
- The Olympic Games Posters
- The Olympic Flame and Torch Relay
With an educational goal, those wishing to obtain an edited version of the documents (high quality images) can contact:
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Which of the Olympic Movement's official publications are available at the library?
- Bid files for the Olympic Games (from 1924)
- Olympic Games' Official Reports (from 1896)
- Publications edited by the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (from 1896)
- Olympic Review (from 1894)
- Olympic Charter (from 1908)
- Olympic Directories (from 1969)
- Publications edited by the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum
- Official publications of the International Olympic Sports Federations and National Olympic Committees (from 1969)
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What themes are on offer at the library?
- The IOC and the Olympic Movement
- Ancient and Modern Olympic Games
- Olympic sports and sports recognized by the IOC
- Themes linked to the Olympic and sporting phenomenon: philosophy, psychology, sociology, politics, security, management, economics, marketing/sponsoring, law, education, science, medicine and health, technology, architecture and infrastructure, arts and culture, tourism, environment, history, biographies.
The library comprises more than 24,000 books, 420 titles of journals, 50 titles of electronic journals, 500 DVD movies and cd-roms.
As of May 2012, the library will be located at the Villa du Centenaire, an historical building next to The Olympic Museum (North). The access is free. There is no charge for loaning documents. Up to six documents may be borrowed for one month.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the collections kept by the IOC’s Historical Archives?
- IOC Presidents
- IOC decision-making bodies
- Olympic Games
- IOC’s relations with the Olympic Movement
- IOC administration
- Olympic Museum
- Collections linked to the Olympic Movement
- Private collections: Paul Martin, Charles Waldstein, Francis Messerli, Albert Mayer and Otto Mayer
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What are the access conditions for the documents in the IOC archive?
These documents have an embargo. The majority are only accessible 20 years after their creation (e.g. a document from 1984 will only be accessible from 1 January 2005).
Others have tighter access restrictions. For more information please see article 5 of the Access Rules.
Consultations are done at the Olympic Studies Centre under the supervision of an archivist. On request, copies of the documents can be provided.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - How can I come to consult the archive documents at the Olympic Studies Centre or obtain copies of archive documents?
Please make your request as precise and detailed as possible, and send it to
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Who is eligible to receive a research grant?
Any postgraduate student working on a doctorate, or any university teacher who obtained his or her doctorate in the last five years, and who is working on research linked to Olympism and/or the Olympic Games may apply for the postgraduate researchers grant programme.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Where can I find a list of research projects awarded grants?
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- How can I come to conduct research at the Olympic Studies Centre (OSC)?
The OSC collections group together the documents of the library, historical archives and the Images Section (photos and videos).
You can send a request, by completing our online form in detail.
After receiving the form and studying the availability, a staff member will contact you as soon as possible, in order to confirm your visit.
N.B. Access to the collections is free of charge but all related costs (travel, accommodation, photocopies, etc.) are covered by the researcher.
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Olympism and society
- What is the role of women in the Olympic Movement?
For the IOC, the participation of women in sports activities and in the Olympic Games, as well as in sports administration bodies, is a major concern. This wish is reflected in the Olympic Charter as one of the IOC’s missions.
- Factsheet: Women in the Olympic Movement
- Women and Sport
- Women and Sport Commission
- Olympic Charter: Chapter 1, Rule 2, p. 14
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - How does the Olympic Movement contribute to the equitable development of sport?
Olympic Solidarity is the body responsible for the administration and management of the part of television rights to the Olympic Games destined for the National Olympic Committees (NOCs). It helps the NOCs and their continental associations in the development of sport, through varied programmes adapted to their needs and priorities.
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Usage of Olympic Content
- Can I use the flash animations found on the site which give detailed explanations on the different Olympic sports and disciplines?
These animations are the property of the AFP (Agence France Presse) and all rights are reserved.
They may not be reproduced, modified, transmitted, broadcast, translated, sold, used commercially or re-used in any way without prior written agreement from the AFP.
Should you so wish, you may therefore contact the AFP directly.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - I would like to buy a copy of the Opening Ceremony of one edition of the Olympic Games. How do I do so?
The access to the IOC audiovisual archives is reserved for professional entities such as agencies, broadcasters, production companies, academic work and the Olympic family, therefore we can not follow up on private requests.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - I am looking for Olympic photos. How do I do so?
The access to the IOC photographic archives is reserved for professional entities such as agencies, editors, production companies, academic work and the Olympic family, therefore we can not follow up on private requests.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - What is the IOC's rule on sharing links?
For outgoing links:
The IOC's policy as far as outgoing links are concerned (from www.olympic.org to an external site) is that these are only available to associations, companies and other organisations that are members of the Olympic Movement (National Olympic Committees [NOCs], Organising Committees for the Olympic Games [OCOGs], International Federations [IFs], business partners and organisations recognised by the IOC).
For incoming links:
Links to www.olympic.org are generally accepted. Notwithstanding, they must be in text format only, as the use of the Olympic Rings is strictly forbidden by non-rights-holders. Furthermore, as far as possible, the links must be shown on the site's home page. Commercial use of links is not allowed in any circumstances.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Is it possible to use the content (images and films) on www.olympic.org?
No part of this site can be copied, re-published, stocked in a search system or data extraction system, or reproduced, broadcast, in whatever way, shape or form, without prior written permission from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
You can send a detailed request to images@olympic.org, which must include the below information:
- Who is making the request? Name, full address, telephone and/or fax number, e-mail address. Institution, organisation, company, museum or individual.
- Which content is concerned? (texts, images or films)
- How will the content be used? Private use (no broadcasting), school work, group activities, exhibition, production/broadcasting.
Did this answer your question ?Click yes to return to the FAQ, click no to ask your question. - Can I use the Olympic Rings?
The Olympic rings are the exclusive property of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympic rings are protected around the world in the name of the IOC by trademarks or national legislations and cannot be used without the IOC's prior written consent.
You can send a detailed request to legal@olympic.org, which must include the below information:
- Who is making the request? Name, full address, telephone and/or fax number, e-mail address. Institution, organisation, company, museum or individual.
- Which content is concerned? (texts, images or films)
- How will the content be used? Private use (no broadcasting), school work, group activities, exhibition, production/broadcasting.
You will find the rule about this subject in the Olympic Charter:
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Others
- Where can job openings of the International Olympic Committee be found?
A link entitled "Jobs" at the bottom of the website pages, leads to the section devoted to job openings at the International Olympic Committee. Applications to the available jobs can be submitted online. Unsolicited applications will be excluded.
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