The Olympic rings represent the five continents and all nations united by Olympism. Today, they make up of the most famous and recognised symbols in the world. Did you know that it was a mere 20 years after the re-establishment of the Olympic Games that Pierre de Coubertin presented his emblem to the 1914 Olympic Congress in Paris? While he is remembered for being an educator, historian and founder of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), he was also a talented designer. Read on for the full history of the Olympic rings.

As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a look at what former Youth Olympic Games (YOG) athletes are doing to #StayStrong #StayActive and #StayHealthy.

Under a magnificent blue autumn sky, the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XVIII Olympiad was filled with exciting moments, in particular when Japanese athlete Yoshinori Sakai, born on 6 August 1945 and nicknamed “Hiroshima Baby”, lit the Olympic cauldron in a symbolic gesture of peace and hope. At the end of the Ceremony, Japanese jet planes formed the Olympic rings in the sky.   

By George Hirthler

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is pleased to announce the names of the Young Reporters who will be covering the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lausanne 2020 next January as part of the IOC Young Reporters programme.