Changes

===1896 Athens===

===1896 Athens===

With the Greek king presiding, the opening ceremonies attracted large crowds. American athletes dominated many of the track and field events, but the emotional climax of the games was the unexpected victory of Spiridon Loues, a Greek, in the marathon. He instantly became a national hero. Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) who created the Olympic Games, remained in the background but after the games he had to battle against Greek efforts to establish the Olympics permanently in Greece.

With the Greek king presiding, the opening ceremonies attracted large crowds. American athletes dominated many of the track and field events, but the emotional climax of the games was the unexpected victory of Spiridon Loues, a Greek, in the marathon. He instantly became a national hero. Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) who created the Olympic Games, remained in the background but after the games he had to battle against Greek efforts to establish the Olympics permanently in Greece.

===1904 St. Louis===

===1904 St. Louis===

* Matthews, George R. ''America's First Olympics: The St. Louis Games of 1904'' (2005) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst;jsessionid=J5hTmJ0y3KKrvyh1qLtX0zZQnrWlRxpyGD92nhgzJDTGpf3vKyJy!6927067?a=o&d=111476414 online edition]

* Matthews, George R. ''America's First Olympics: The St. Louis Games of 1904'' (2005) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst;jsessionid=J5hTmJ0y3KKrvyh1qLtX0zZQnrWlRxpyGD92nhgzJDTGpf3vKyJy!6927067?a=o&d=111476414 online edition]

===1906 Athens===

===1906 Athens===

In spring 1906 the Olympic Games took place in Athens; Coubertin had repeatedly announced them in the 'Revue Olympique' and later described them as 'brilliantly carried out.' For the first time, the nations marched into the stadium, athletes were chosen and sent by their national Olympic Committees, and gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded at the winners' ceremony. The planned games for 1910 and 1914 were prepared but not implemented due to wars in the Balkans. By 1912 the 1906 Games had suffered a loss of status and have since been referred to as 'interim games.'

In spring 1906 the Olympic Games took place in Athens; Coubertin had repeatedly announced them in the 'Revue Olympique' and later described them as 'brilliantly carried out.' For the first time, the nations marched into the stadium, athletes were chosen and sent by their national Olympic Committees, and gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded at the winners' ceremony. The planned games for 1910 and 1914 were prepared but not implemented due to wars in the Balkans. By 1912 the 1906 Games had suffered a loss of status and have since been referred to as 'interim games.'

===1924 Paris===

===1924 Paris===

Italian fencer Oreste Puliti (1891-1958) was at the center of controversy during the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. Disqualified by a Hungarian judge from the individual saber event, Puliti and the Italian team appealed to a 'jury d'honneur,' which upheld the judge's decision. The entire incident, including a later saber duel on the Hungarian border between Puliti and the judge, reflects issues of national pride, conflicts between European schools of fencing, and the difficulties the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had dealing with sport-based international federations.<ref>Thierry Terret, et al., "The Puliti Affair and the 1924 Paris Olympics: Geo-political Issues, National Pride and Fencing Traditions," ''International Journal of the History of Sport'' 2007 24(10): 1281-1301  </ref>  

Italian fencer Oreste Puliti (1891-1958) was at the center of controversy during the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. Disqualified by a Hungarian judge from the individual saber event, Puliti and the Italian team appealed to a 'jury d'honneur,' which upheld the judge's decision. The entire incident, including a later saber duel on the Hungarian border between Puliti and the judge, reflects issues of national pride, conflicts between European schools of fencing, and the difficulties the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had dealing with sport-based international federations.<ref>Thierry Terret, et al., "The Puliti Affair and the 1924 Paris Olympics: Geo-political Issues, National Pride and Fencing Traditions," ''International Journal of the History of Sport'' 2007 24(10): 1281-1301  </ref>  

===1928 Amsterdam===

===1928 Amsterdam===

===1932 Los Angeles===

===1932 Los Angeles===

===1936 Berlin===

===1936 Berlin===

The Berlin games were the most controversial (before 1980) because the IOC was determined to promote its brand of internationalism in the face of Nazi mistreatment of Jews and political opponents.<ref> Christopher Hilton, ''Hitler's Olympics: The 1936 Berlin Olympic Games'' (2005) 244pp.; Arnd Kruger and William Murray, eds. ''The Nazi Olympics. Sport, Politics and Appeasement in the 1930s,'' (2003) 260pp.</ref>  

The Berlin games were the most controversial (before 1980) because the IOC was determined to promote its brand of internationalism in the face of Nazi mistreatment of Jews and political opponents.<ref> Christopher Hilton, ''Hitler's Olympics: The 1936 Berlin Olympic Games'' (2005) 244pp.; Arnd Kruger and William Murray, eds. ''The Nazi Olympics. Sport, Politics and Appeasement in the 1930s,'' (2003) 260pp.</ref>  

===1948 London===

===1948 London===

Despite some fears that Britain was too impoverished by World War II to host an international event, the Labor government, led by the efforts of Philip Noel-Baker (1889-1982), proceeded to relaunch the games following a 12-year hiatus. The goal was to tell the world that Britain was back.  The press and the public generally saw the project as a success, one that reasserted Britain's international importance. The memory of the war meant that Germany and Japan were excluded. The emerging [[Cold War]] meant that the Soviet Union did not come.<ref> Peter Beck, "The British Government and the Olympic Movement: The 1948 London Olympics," ''International Journal of the History of Sport'' 2008 25(5): 615-647 </ref>  

Despite some fears that Britain was too impoverished by World War II to host an international event, the Labor government, led by the efforts of Philip Noel-Baker (1889-1982), proceeded to relaunch the games following a 12-year hiatus. The goal was to tell the world that Britain was back.  The press and the public generally saw the project as a success, one that reasserted Britain's international importance. The memory of the war meant that Germany and Japan were excluded. The emerging [[Cold War]] meant that the Soviet Union did not come.<ref> Peter Beck, "The British Government and the Olympic Movement: The 1948 London Olympics," ''International Journal of the History of Sport'' 2008 25(5): 615-647 </ref>  

===1956 Melboune===

===1956 Melboune===

Modernity clashed with traditionalism when Melbourne, [[History of Australia|Australia]], hosted the 1956 summer Olympics. Journalists speculated that the expected floods of American tourists, accustomed to central heating and prompt room service, would react coldly to the traditional Aussie hotel routine of getting out of bed on to the chilly linoleum, and tip-toeing across the floor to the old-time wash basin and jug. What would sophisticated Frenchmen make of a city where all bars closed at 6 PM?  Melbourne, the sophisticates feared, would be regarded as a hick town, too provincial and too staid to be entrusted with the hosting of a world event.  A small but vocal minority of Labor politicians and welfare workers opposed the Games as an unjustifiable extravagance; in rural Victoria the folk saw the event as yet another treat for city people.  Traditional clergymen feared the approach of that iniquitous institution, the 'Continental Sunday'. However the Chamber of Commerce won the day, hailing the Olympics as a boost to tourism and investment.  Modernist architects and designers embraced the Games as their chance to bring local taste before the bar of international opinion.  The Olympic Pool, for example, won praise for its high originality and imagination.  The hotels were modernized, upper middle class residents took in visitors, and even the Japanese--the hated foes of the 1940s, were made welcome.  In the event the preparations transformed and upgraded Melbourne's self-image as a bastion of modernity, and the rest of the world paid little attention.<ref> Graeme Davison, "Welcoming the World: The 1956 Olympic Games and the Re-Presentation of Melbourne," ''Australian Historical Studies'' 1997 28(109): 64-76 in [[EBSCO]]</ref>

Modernity clashed with traditionalism when Melbourne, [[History of Australia|Australia]], hosted the 1956 summer Olympics. Journalists speculated that the expected floods of American tourists, accustomed to central heating and prompt room service, would react coldly to the traditional Aussie hotel routine of getting out of bed on to the chilly linoleum, and tip-toeing across the floor to the old-time wash basin and jug. What would sophisticated Frenchmen make of a city where all bars closed at 6 PM?  Melbourne, the sophisticates feared, would be regarded as a hick town, too provincial and too staid to be entrusted with the hosting of a world event.  A small but vocal minority of Labor politicians and welfare workers opposed the Games as an unjustifiable extravagance; in rural Victoria the folk saw the event as yet another treat for city people.  Traditional clergymen feared the approach of that iniquitous institution, the 'Continental Sunday'. However the Chamber of Commerce won the day, hailing the Olympics as a boost to tourism and investment.  Modernist architects and designers embraced the Games as their chance to bring local taste before the bar of international opinion.  The Olympic Pool, for example, won praise for its high originality and imagination.  The hotels were modernized, upper middle class residents took in visitors, and even the Japanese--the hated foes of the 1940s, were made welcome.  In the event the preparations transformed and upgraded Melbourne's self-image as a bastion of modernity, and the rest of the world paid little attention.<ref> Graeme Davison, "Welcoming the World: The 1956 Olympic Games and the Re-Presentation of Melbourne," ''Australian Historical Studies'' 1997 28(109): 64-76 in [[EBSCO]]</ref>

===1960 Rome===

===1960 Rome===

IOC began the practice of posting list of illegal drugs that are totally banned for use by Olympic athletes, and using drug tests to enforce the ban.<ref>See David Maraniss, ''Rome 1960: The Olympics That Changed the World'' (2007)</ref>

IOC began the practice of posting list of illegal drugs that are totally banned for use by Olympic athletes, and using drug tests to enforce the ban.<ref>See David Maraniss, ''Rome 1960: The Olympics That Changed the World'' (2007)</ref>

===1964 Tokyo===

===1964 Tokyo===

The games demarcated the end of Japan's wounded psyche from World War II. Attendance by its former enemies meant that all was forgiven, if not forgotten.

The games demarcated the end of Japan's wounded psyche from World War II. Attendance by its former enemies meant that all was forgiven, if not forgotten.

===1968 Mexico ===

===1968 Mexico City===

 

===1972 Munich===  

===1972 Munich===

West Germany sponsored the 1972 Olympics as an affirmation of its peaceful reintegration into the family of nations. The world community was horrified by the [[Munich massacre]] when Palestinian terrorists captured a team of Israeli athletes on global television; eleven Israeli hostages were mudered; five of the eight Arab terrorists were killed in a blaze of gunfire with police.  

West Germany sponsored the 1972 Olympics as an affirmation of its peaceful reintegration into the family of nations. The world community was horrified by the [[Munich massacre]] when Palestinian terrorists captured a team of Israeli athletes on global television; eleven Israeli hostages were mudered; five of the eight Arab terrorists were killed in a blaze of gunfire with police.  

===1976 Montréal===

===1976 Montréal===

 

===1980 Moscow===

===1980 Moscow===

The Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980 were one of the largest international events organized in a Communist country, and the arrival of teams from capitalist nations was a matter of international legitimacy for the regime. The Soviets had high expectations of the games as a unique opportunity to present themselves to a worldwide audience. The effective staging of the Moscow Games was intended to demonstrate the power and strength of Communism not only within the Soviet Union but also to non socialist countries.  To the stunned humiliation of the Soviets, the United States and all its allies boycotted Moscow as punishment for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980 were one of the largest international events organized in a Communist country, and the arrival of teams from capitalist nations was a matter of international legitimacy for the regime. The Soviets had high expectations of the games as a unique opportunity to present themselves to a worldwide audience. The effective staging of the Moscow Games was intended to demonstrate the power and strength of Communism not only within the Soviet Union but also to non socialist countries.  To the stunned humiliation of the Soviets, the United States and all its allies boycotted Moscow as punishment for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

===1984 Los Angeles===

===1984 Los Angeles===

 

===1988 Seoul===

===1988 Seoul===

 

The games heralded the emergence of a democratic system in South Korea, and the recognition of one of the first Third World countries to break into the top ranks of industrialized, modern nations.

The games heralded the emergence of a democratic system in South Korea, and the recognition of one of the first Third World countries to break into the top ranks of industrialized, modern nations.

South Korean leaders hoped for both increased economic development and a heightened sense of national identity. Tangible economic results, including the growth of the telecommunications industry, seemed positive, as did the less concrete social, cultural, and political aspects of the games: democratic reforms in South Korea, better relations with Communist countries, and a boost in the nation's collective sense of self-confidence.<ref> Brian Bridges, "The Seoul Olympics: Economic Miracle Meets the World,"  ''International Journal of the History of Sport'' 2008 25(14): 1939-1952</ref>

South Korean leaders hoped for both increased economic development and a heightened sense of national identity. Tangible economic results, including the growth of the telecommunications industry, seemed positive, as did the less concrete social, cultural, and political aspects of the games: democratic reforms in South Korea, better relations with Communist countries, and a boost in the nation's collective sense of self-confidence.<ref> Brian Bridges, "The Seoul Olympics: Economic Miracle Meets the World,"  ''International Journal of the History of Sport'' 2008 25(14): 1939-1952</ref>

===1992  Barcelona, Spain===

===1992  Barcelona===

The breakup of the communist Soviet Union led to the establishment of a 'Unified Team (ex USSR)' in its place.<ref>International Olympic Committee, ''Official source: Olympic Records, World Records, Olympic Medalists - Olympic.org'' [http://www.olympic.org/medallists-results?athletename=&category=343488&games=1333912&sport=&event=&mengender=false&womengender=false&mixedgender=false&teamclassification=false&individualclassification=false&continent=&country=&goldmedal=true&silvermedal=false&bronzemedal=false&worldrecord=false&olympicrecord=false&targetresults=true&sortorder=country&resultspageipp=10&resultspage=24]</ref>

===1996  Atlanta, United States===

===1996  Atlanta===

 

===2000 Sydney===

===2000 Sydney===

The Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956 were well handled, but few international tourists came to Australia for it. By contrast when Sydney, Australia, hosted the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, it gained global attention for an efficiently organized world-class event. Prince Philip, representing Queen [[Elizabeth II]] The Queen opened the 1956 games but neither was invited in 2000, as the spirit of republicanism was too strong. However, many of the hoped-for legacies failed to materialize. General levels of participation in physical activity and sport did not rise, although passive spectator ship including television watching did. Many of the costly Australian facilities built for the games remain underutilized in their wake. While in the short term, some of the economic and political goals were achieved, and a new and better method to collect and disseminate knowledge about games preparation was established, such events remain problematic in their long-term effects on local, populations, societies, and environments.<ref>Kristine Toohey, "The Sydney Olympics: Striving for Legacies - Overcoming Short-Term Disappointments and Long-Term Deficiencies." ''International Journal of the History of Sport 2008 25(14): 1953-1971; Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, "Sydney 2000, Olympic Sport and the Australian Media, "''Journal of Australian Studies'' (1999) pp 76+ [http://www.questia.com/read/5001885655?title=Sydney%202000%2c%20Olympic%20Sport%20and%20the%20Australian%20Media online at Questia] </ref>

The Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956 were well handled, but few international tourists came to Australia for it. By contrast when Sydney, Australia, hosted the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, it gained global attention for an efficiently organized world-class event. Prince Philip, representing Queen [[Elizabeth II]] The Queen opened the 1956 games but neither was invited in 2000, as the spirit of republicanism was too strong. However, many of the hoped-for legacies failed to materialize. General levels of participation in physical activity and sport did not rise, although passive spectator ship including television watching did. Many of the costly Australian facilities built for the games remain underutilized in their wake. While in the short term, some of the economic and political goals were achieved, and a new and better method to collect and disseminate knowledge about games preparation was established, such events remain problematic in their long-term effects on local, populations, societies, and environments.<ref>Kristine Toohey, "The Sydney Olympics: Striving for Legacies - Overcoming Short-Term Disappointments and Long-Term Deficiencies." ''International Journal of the History of Sport 2008 25(14): 1953-1971; Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, "Sydney 2000, Olympic Sport and the Australian Media, "''Journal of Australian Studies'' (1999) pp 76+ [http://www.questia.com/read/5001885655?title=Sydney%202000%2c%20Olympic%20Sport%20and%20the%20Australian%20Media online at Questia] </ref>

===2004 Athens===

===2004 Athens===

===2008 Beijing===

===2008 Beijing===

[[Image:Img214070839.jpg|right]]The Games of the [[XXIX Olympiad|2008 Summer Olympics]] - [[Beijing]] 2008 took place from 8 to 24 August 2008. The Games in Beijing played host to the 28 summer sports currently on the Olympic program. Approximately 10,500 athletes participated in the Games with around 20,000 accredited media bringing the Games to the world.

[[Image:Img214070839.jpg|right]]The Games of the [[XXIX Olympiad|2008 Summer Olympics]] - [[Beijing]] 2008 took place from 8 to 24 August 2008.  

 

 

The Games played host to the 28 summer sports currently on the Olympic program. Approximately 10,500 athletes participated in the Games with around 20,000 accredited media bringing the Games to the world.

===2010 Vancouver===

===2010 Vancouver===

== External links ==

== External links ==

*[http://en.beijing2008.cn/ The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad]

*[http://en.beijing2008.cn/ The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad]

*[http://www.olympic.org/uk/index_uk.asp International Olympic Committee]

*[http://www.olympic.org/uk/index_uk.asp International Olympic Committee]