The Olympic Games explained
Short answers to the questions everyone asks every four years.
Who runs the Olympics?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Each sport is run by its own international federation, which sets qualification rules.
How often are they held?
The Summer and Winter Games each take place every four years, two years apart. Tokyo 2020 was held in 2021 because of the pandemic, so the next Summer Games, Paris, came three years later in 2024.
Where are the next Games?
Los Angeles hosts the Summer Games in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. The 2026 Winter Games were held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
How do athletes qualify?
Through world rankings, qualifying events or national trials, depending on the sport. Each country can enter a limited number of athletes per event.
How does the medal table work?
Most tables rank countries by gold medals first, then silver, then bronze. Some media rank by total medals instead, so rankings can differ.
What do the five rings mean?
They represent the union of the continents and the meeting of athletes from around the world. At least one of the six colours, including the white background, appears on every national flag.