Since 1924, the Winter Olympics have been held in various cities around the world every four years. The Nordic Games in Sweden were the first international multi-sport winter event held in 1901. These games, which were held every few years, evolved into the Winter Olympics. Prior to being designated as a separate event known as the Winter Olympics, some competitions such as speed skating, ice hockey, Nordic skiing, and figure skating were held as part of a winter sports week. This winter sports week was held in conjunction with the Summer Olympics. The 1924 International Winter Sports Week was renamed and considered the first Winter Olympics in 1925.
Victor Gustaf Black, who founded the Nordic Games, was also instrumental in bringing the idea of a Winter Olympics to the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
The Winter Olympics were not added to the Summer Olympics until 1924. (which had been in existence since 1896).
In 1896, Athens hosted the first modern Summer Olympics.
The first Winter Olympics were not named until a year after they took place.
In 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France.
The first Winter Olympics featured 250 athletes from 16 countries competing in 16 events.
Due to World War II, they were suspended following the 1936 Olympics until 1948.
Only the top three finishers are awarded a medal. The IOC awards diplomas to the top eight competitors.
In English, the Olympic motto ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ means ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger.’ Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics, heard a priest say these words several years before proposing the use of the words as the Olympic Games’ motto in 1894.
Lake Placid has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1980.
Since the Winter Olympics’ inception, Norwegian athletes have won the most medals.
Ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating, and curling are the four indoor Winter Olympic sports.
Previously, the Summer and Winter Olympics were held in the same year. The last time this happened was in 1992. Following that, they alternated being two years apart.
At the age of 83, the oldest Olympic medalist received his medal. Anders Haugen’s name was Anders Haugen, and he was a ski jumper. He competed in 1924, but due to a scoring error, he didn’t receive his bronze medal until 1974, 50 years later than he should have.
Walt Disney was in charge of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley.
For the first time, women will be allowed to compete in the ski-jump at the Sochi Olympics. Previously, it was a male-only competition.
The Winter Olympics in Lake Placid in 1980 were the first to require the use of artificial snow.
The 1968 Winter Olympics were the first to be broadcast in color on television.
The 1972 Winter Olympics were the first to take place outside of Europe or North America. They took place in Sapporo, Japan.
Sochi is the warmest city ever to host the Winter Olympics.
