Summer Olympic Games
The first Summer Olympic Games (also known as the Games of the Olympiad) were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece, and featured 42 competitions with fewer than 250 male athletes.
Today, there are over 300 events with more than 11,000 competitors (male and female) from 206 countries. Since its inception, the Summer Games have been hosted by the United States four times, three times by Great Britain, and twice by Greece, France, Germany, and Australia.
The United States leads with the all-time medal count for the Summer Olympics with over 2,500 medals (Russia follows in second with just over 1,500).
First Summer Olympic Games: 1896 (Athens, Greece)
Most popular Summer Olympic Games sports:
- Category A (athletics, aquatics, and gymnastics)
- Category B (basketball, cycling, football, tennis, volleyball)
- Category C (archery, badminton, boxing, judo, rowing, shooting, table tennis, weightlifting)
Athletes with the most Summer Olympic Games medals:
- Michael Phelps (swimming) — 28 medals
- Larisa Latynina (gymnastics) — 18 medals
- Nikolai Andrianov (gymnastics) — 13 medals
- Boris Shakhlin (gymnastics) — 13 medals
- Edoardo Mangiarotti (fencing) — 13 medals
- Takashi Ono (gymnastics) — 13 medals
When is the next Summer Olympics? The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, France, followed by the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Most Recent
This Is What the Acronym 'S13' Refers to in the Context of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
What does S13 mean in Paralympics? The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games relies on a classification system to ensure fair competition among the athletes.
Are the Paralympics Airing on TV? Here's How You Can Watch the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
Are you as excited for the Paralympic Games as the Olympic Games? Like the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be broadcast.
Paralympic Triathlete Melissa Stockwell Talks Mental Health: "The Pressure Is There" (EXCLUSIVE)
Paralympic Triathlete Melissa Stockwell spoke exclusively with 'Distractify' about facing pressure as an athlete and overcoming her back injury.
B-Boys Talk Culture and the Significance of Breakdancing in the 2024 Summer Olympics (EXCLUSIVE)
'Distractify' spoke exclusively with b-boys RoxRite and Ronnie about breakdancing being named an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Games.
What Happened to Olympic Horse Saint Boy? Foul Play at the Pentathlon
The Summer Olympic Games have their fair share of scandals, and what happened to Olympic horse Saint Boy qualifies. Here's what we know about the situation.
The Most Decorated Track Athlete, Allyson Felix, Reflects on How She's "Completely Evolved" (EXCLUSIVE)
The most decorated track and field athlete, Allyson Felix, spoke exclusively with 'Distractify' about how she has "completely evolved" and found her voice.
Basketball Star Brittney Griner's Wife Cherelle Is Her No. 1 Fan
Brittney Griner is an Olympic gold medalist and a proud wife — meet her new wife Cherelle Griner, who is definitely Brittney's No. 1 fan.
If You’re Wondering Why MLB Players Aren’t in the Olympics, Here’s Why: $$$
Why can't MLB players play baseball in the Olympic Games? The reason is a lot simpler than you're thinking. Like most things, it comes down to money.
No, Team USA Doesn’t Stink at Basketball — the World’s Just Catching Up
Why is Team USA not dominating the Olympic Games the way many fans are used to seeing in international play? Are they really that bad?
There's a Strategic Reason Why Race Walkers Wiggle Their Hips
If you happen to catch a speed-walking race, you might be wondering why the race walkers walk that way. Here's what to know about their wiggles.
Olympian Allyson Felix Has Her Own Shoe, Saysh One — Here's How to Get It
Olympic track and field champion Allyson Felix launched her own brand, Saysh, ahead of the Olympics. Here's how to buy the Saysh One sneaker.
Athletes Alix Klineman and Teddy Purcell Got Engaged Shortly Before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games
Alix Klineman is a beach volleyball player for Team USA, and she's now officially a gold medalist. Outside of the sport, Alix is set to get married.
OK — so What Is the Point of the Steeplechase Again?
Why does the steeplechase race have water? What is the point of the steeplechase? Courtney Frerichs brought home the silver in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Soccer Star Carli Lloyd Opens up About Reconnecting With Her Estranged Family After 12 Years
Soccer superstar Carli Lloyd opens up about reconnecting with her estranged family after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics got postponed. Details.
What Country at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics Is Abbreviated SUI?
Many fans tuning into the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics wanted to know what country's abbreviation is SUI. Read here to find out why SUI is Switzerland.
Mondo Duplantis Competes for Sweden Because the Country Really, Really Wanted Him
Mondo Duplantis was born in Lafayette, La., so why does the pole vaulting prodigy compete for Sweden? The answer is actually pretty interesting.
Olympic Medalist Raven Saunders' Mom Passed Away Days After Her Win
U.S. Olympian Raven Saunders just won a silver medal in shot put, but what happened to her mom? Here's what we know about the situation.
Haunting Photos of Abandoned Olympic Stadiums
In just a couple of years, Olympic venues turn from bustling hubs of activity to decrepit wastelands.
No, It's Not a Fashion Statement: Here's Why Olympic Divers Wear Tape
Viewers of the Summer Games are curious why Olympic divers wear tape. What exactly does it do? Plus, why do divers use such tiny towels? Details.
Volleyball Players Celebrate After Every Point for Two Reasons
If you've been watching a lot of volleyball in the Olympics, then you've probably seen a bunch of hugging. Why do players celebrate after every point?
Jade Carey's Parents Have Coached Her for the Olympics Since She Was Little
Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey has the rare experience of having her dad coach her first Olympic competition. Meet the athlete's parents.
Olympic Baseball Has a Few Noticeable Changes From the Game We All Know and Love
Although many recognize baseball as being as American as sports get, it has taken the world stage at the Olympics. How many innings are in a game?
Why Do Fencers Bend Their Swords? Historical Context Is Key
Fencing is one of the most ancient sports, and many Summer Olympics viewers are wondering why fencers bend their swords. Here's what we know.
Why Do Olympic Swimmers Slap Themselves and Splash Water Before Swimming?
Why do swimmers slap themselves before swimming? Why do they splash water? Why do they put on two swim caps? Get answers to your swimming questions.
Those Funny-Looking Water Polo Caps Serve an Important Purpose
Why do they wear hats in water polo? The funny-looking caps actually serve an important purpose, given the rigors of the sport. Read more here.
Paralympic Swimmer Jessica Long Shares Her Adoption Story in Toyota’s “Upstream” Ad
Who is the swimmer in the Toyota commercial? The ad shows the life story of Paralympic champion Jessica Long, who has 35 medals to her name.
The Cost to Compete in Olympic Dressage Is Higher Than You Think
The Summer Olympics equestrian team is filled with beautiful horses, but how much does an Olympic horse competing in dressage cost?
Racewalking Is Not the Weirdest Sport to Have Ever Been at the Olympics
While many are baffled that racewalking is an official Olympic Sport, there are actually plenty of others that were the weirdest in history.
Sydney McLaughlin and Her Former NFL Player Boyfriend Share a Love for Sports and Spirituality
Does Sydney McLaughlin have a boyfriend? Who are her parents? Here's what we know about the Olympic track star who just broke a world record.
BMX Bikes May Be Small, but There's a Good Reason for It
Watching the 2020 Olympics is leaving lots of fans with questions they may have never considered before, including: Why are BMX bikes so small?
Katie Ledecky Is Known for Her Swimming, but That Isn't the Only Thing That Defines Her
Through her years as a competitive swimmer, Katie Ledecky has solidified herself as one of the best in her sport, but does she like archery too?
Are Olympic Diving Pools Really as Deep as the Length of a School Bus?
Ever wondered how deep the diving pools in the Olympics are? They are way deeper than your traditional swimming pool. We have the answers you need.
The Real Reason the Netherlands' Athletes Wear Orange at the Olympics Is Quite Interesting
If you aren't familiar with Dutch cultural norms, then you may have asked yourself: Why does the Netherlands wear orange at sporting events?
Gymnasts Rely on a Range of Tricks to Reduce Friction on Uneven Bars — Some of Which Involve Molasses
Why do gymnasts spray the uneven bars? What substances do they use? Here's what you should know about the common practice many Olympians rely on.
The Reason That Rory McIlroy Isn't Wearing a Hat at the Olympics Is Pretty Hilarious
Why is Rory McIlroy playing for Ireland? Find out the real reason why the unpatriotic golf player isn't wearing his hat at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Horse Enthusiasts Claim Dressage Is Either the Best or Worst Sport in the World
Experts seem to be divided on this one Olympic sport: dressage. Does it hurt the horses involved? Here's what you need to know about the equestrian sport.
Gold Medalist Suni Lee Is the First Hmong American to Represent Team USA
18-year-old Sunisa "Suni" Lee has made history at the Tokyo Summer Games. Keep reading to learn more about her family and ethnicity.
What Do the Acronyms "OR" and "WR" Mean in the Context of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020?
What does "OR" mean in the context of the Summer Olympic Games? The two-letter acronym stands for a simple but momentous concept.
What Does It Mean to "Scratch" a Match in Swimming? We Have the Answers You Need
What does it mean to "scratch" in competitive swimming? It's usually not a good thing. Here's what we know about the term as it relates to the Olympics.
Why You Need to Follow Viral Olympic Rugby Player Ilona Maher on TikTok
Team USA Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher has gone viral on TikTok for her totally relatable content and comedic bits. Keep reading to find out more!
Simone Biles Says She Has the "Twisties" but What Does That Mean?
Simone Biles withdrew from events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because of the "twisties." Here's what that means.
This Is the Real Reason Sky Brown Is Repping Team G.B. at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
Why Is Sky Brown competing for Team Great Britain at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020? She is famous in the U.S. How does the U.K. come into the picture?
The Air Horns We Heard During the 2020 Olympics Swimming Events Were Totally "Obnoxious"
What are the horns that we're hearing in the 2020 Olympics swimming events? Users take to Reddit to share their theories on what the horns mean.
Hong Kong Has Its Own Olympics Team Due to a Complicated History With China
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics are well underway, but one thing is a bit confusing. Why does Hong Kong have its own Olympic team?
Why Do Olympic Swimmers Wear Two Caps? Your Swimming Questions, Answered
Fans watching the Summer Olympic Games might notice swimmers wearing two caps. Here are a few reasons why swimmers double up.
Some Olympic Medalists Bite Their Medals During Medal Ceremonies — Why?
Why Do Olympians Bite Their Medals? Olympic medalists tend to bite their medals as part of the medal ceremony. Why is that? Read on to find out.
MyKayla Skinner's Olympic Gymnastics Journey May Not Be Over Just Yet
Can MyKayla Skinner compete in the gymnastics all-around given Simone Biles' withdrawal? Here's what to know!
Jade Carey Once "Snubbed" Team USA Gymnastics Offer: Here's Why
Why is there so much controversy surrounding Jade Carey's replacement of Simone Biles in all-around gymnastics event competition?
Simone Biles Gets Silver Medal After Leaving Olympics Final for Mental Health
Simone Biles caused quite a commotion after surprisingly excusing herself from the Olympic Gymnastics final, so why did she still get a silver medal?
Paralympian Hunter Woodhall Gave up His Division I Track Scholarship to Go Pro
Hunter Woodhall was the first ever double amputee to receive an NCAA Division I track scholarship. Fans are curious to know how he became an amputee.
Will Simone Biles Compete in the Individual All-Around at the 2020 Olympics? Find out What She Said
After withdrawing from the Olympic team finals, people are wondering if Simone Biles will compete in the individual all-around. Get the details.
Serena Williams Has a Really Good Reason for Skipping the Tokyo Olympics
Serena Williams has played in every Summer Olympics since 2000 except 2004 due to injury. Here's why the tennis star is not at the Tokyp Olympics this year.
What Is a 'Libero' in Volleyball? Why One Player Wears a Different Color Jersey
Olympic viewers have noticed that some of the players for the volleyball teams wear a red shirt, or a different color jersey than their team. What does this mean?
Jade Carey Will Replace Simone Biles in the All-Around Final
Who is Simone Biles' replacement at the 2020 Summer Olympics? Fans wonder what happened to Simone Biles and who will replace her at the Olympics.
These Athletes Are Sharing an Inside Look at the Olympic Village on TikTok
Athletes are sharing the inside scoop on everything you can do inside the Olympic Village, making viral TikTok posts during their stay.
The Reason Puerto Rico Has Its Own Olympic Team Essentially Boils Down to Bureaucracy
Since Puerto Rico is officially considered a commonwealth of the U.S., viewers watching at home are wondering why it has its own Olympic team. Details.
Where Are Former USA Gymnastics Coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi Now?
Where are former USA gymnastics coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi now? The couple faced abuse allegations following the Larry Nassar scandal.
Those Sprays of Water on the Olympic Diving Pools Are More Important Than You Realize
Fans have noticed that diving pools at the Olympics have water that sprays onto its surface. But why is that? Here's what to know.
Where Is Gymnast Kerri Strug Since Winning Gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games?
Everyone who remembers the 1996 Atlanta Games recalls gymnast Kerri Strug, who took home the gold after injuring her ankle. So, where is the Olympian now?
Some Viewers Think They See Lady Gaga Competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics underway, many viewers swear that they see singer Lady Gaga competing. But is she really there? Here's what we know.
Simone Biles' Olympic Stumble Isn't the Real Reason She Withdrew From the Games
Simone Biles is a vaulting superstar who had all of her ambitions of winning in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but is she now hurt? Details.
Simone Biles Is Already the Gymnastics GOAT, but Is Her Career Almost Over?
Simone Biles doesn't have to prove her skills as a gymnast anymore, but does she plan to keep competing after the Tokyo Olympics are over?
The Real Reason Why Bob Costas Isn't Hosting Olympic Coverage This Year
Why is Bob Costas not doing the Olympics this year? Did Bob Costas retire? Meet the new Olympics commentators who are taking his place.
Caeleb Dressel and His Wife Meghan Have Been Together Since High School
Caeleb Dressel and his wife Meghan Haila Dressel have been together since high school. Here's what we know about their decade-long relationship.
Tom Daley and His Husband Have a Very Adorable Family Life
Olympic medalist Tom Daley has an adorable 3-year-old son. Here’s everything we know about the diver’s life with his husband, Dustin Lance Black.
Breakdancing Will Make its Olympic Debut at the 2024 Games
Six new sports were added to the roster for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, but is breakdancing one of them? When the sport makes its debut.
Gymnasts Simone Biles and Alec Yoder's Friendship Started on Twitter!
Alec Yoder and Simone Biles have an 8-year-long friendship and will be competing in the 2021 Summer Olympic Games together. Here's how they met.
Simone Biles May Be the GOAT, but One Event Stands Out Above the Rest
Simone Biles may be one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. So what is Simone’s best event when it comes to wowing us with her abilities?
Olympic Swimmer Katie Ledecky's Relationship Status Revealed
Does Katie Ledecky have a boyfriend or is she laser-focused on her career and winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics? Her relationship status explored.
Olympian John John Florence Woke up One Day and Decided He Wanted to Marry His Girlfriend
Olympic surfer John John Florence has been with his significant other for years now. But who is she? Here's what we know.
Simone Biles and Her Many Siblings Had a Complicated Childhood
Simone Biles had a complicated childhood, which included the relationships with her many siblings. So who are the gymnast’s siblings?
Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer Caeleb Dressel Has Several Tattoos — What Do They Stand For?
What do Caeleb Dressel's tattoos stand for? The world record–breaking swimmer has a full sleeve on his left arm and another pattern on his right.
Olympians Must Adhere to a Strict Code of Conduct While Participating in the Tokyo Games
The Olympics are the biggest athletic event on the planet, but what can competitors do while they're there? Are they allowed to drink alcohol?
Three-Time Olympian Sam Mikulak Is Engaged to Get Married on New Year's Eve 2021
Who is Sam Mikulak's wife? While he's not married yet, the gymnast is engaged to walk down the aisle with his partner of several years in December.
Several Athletes Have Tested Positive for COVID-19 Inside the Olympic Village — Find out Who
Which Olympic athletes tested positive for COVID-19? Though protocols were put in place, there have been confirmed cases inside the Olympic Village.
Olympian Cat Osterman and Her Husband Have the Most Adorable Love Story
Who is Cat Osterman's husband? The three-time Olympian calls her spouse "extremely supportive." Learn more about her personal life!
The Reason Why Team USA Gymnasts Are Rocking Different-Colored Leotards
If you're wondering why Team USA is rocking different leotards, read on!
One TikTok User Decided to Go for the Gold by Setting His Tinder Location to the Olympic Village
One industrious TikTok user went viral for changing his Tinder location to the Olympic Village to date athletes. Here's what we know so far.
Get to Know NBC’s Primetime Olympics Host Mike Tirico
What is Mike Tirico’s salary? His net worth? Learn more about the host of NBCUniversal’s primetime Olympics coverage.
Olympic Gold Medalist and Soccer Star Mia Hamm Is Doing Just Fine
Two-time gold medalist, two-time FIFA Women's Cup champion, and U.S. women's soccer star Mia Hamm was a 2000s icon, but where is she now?
Controversial Gymnast MyKayla Skinner Set to Make Olympic Debut in Tokyo
Much of the controversy around MyKayla Skinner revolves around accusations of racism. Learn more about the gymnast competing at the Tokyo Olympics.
What Country Is ROC in the Olympics? Athletes From Banned Country Compete
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games revealed a country called ROC, but what country is ROC? And why was their previous country banned?
Confused About How Skateboarding at the Olympics Works? Park vs. Street Skating, Explained
Skateboarding is the newest Olympic sport with its own set of rules, so here's how park vs. street skateboarding works at the Summer Games.
The Age of the Youngest Olympic Athlete Will Make You Feel Incompetent
Who is the youngest athlete to ever participate in the Olympic games? And who is the youngest to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Games?
This Australian Equestrian Will Be the Oldest Competitor at the 2021 Olympics
The Olympic athletes participating in the 2021 Tokyo Games are changing the conversation around age, as we have some of the oldest competitors.
This Sneaker Manufacturer Probably Loves the Olympic Medal Design
What's the name of the goddess on the Olympic Medal? It's kind of obvious once you learn who it is. Details on the medal's origin.
Who Will Be Performing at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 Opening Ceremony? Here's What We Know
Who is performing at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 Opening Ceremony? The historic event will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021. Details inside.
The 2021 Olympics Are Referred to as the 'Tokyo 2020' Games for a Simple Reason
The Olympics had to be postponed in 2020 and now take place in 2021, but will still be called the 'Tokyo 2020' Games. Here's why.
Olympic Athletes Can Get Paid, but It's Usually Not Much
Olympic athletes go through a lot to get ready for the games. Training takes up so much time, many of them can't hold jobs. Do they get paid?
Everything You Need to Know About the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Summer Olympics are upon us, but who is allowed to attend? Here's what we know about the opening ceremonies.
Find Out the Symbolic Meaning Behind the Iconic Olympic Rings!
What is the meaning behind the iconic Olympic rings? Find out who created the symbolic image and what the five rings actually stand for.
21 Olympic Jokes for Kids to Celebrate the Summer Games
Looking for a laugh? These Olympic jokes for kids will have the whole family giggling. Let the games begin!
Yes, Athletes Will Still Get Condoms Despite Sex Ban at Tokyo Olympics
Organizers have been trying hard to prevent athletes from spreading COVID-19 at the Tokyo Olympics, but what's the deal with condoms at Olympic Village?
What Happens to the Olympic Village After the Games? It Depends on the City
Curious what happens to all the infrastructure new cities build when they're selected to host the Olympic Games? Here's what happens to the Olympic Village.
Michael Phelps Will Be at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo as a Broadcaster for NBC
Is Michael Phelps going to be in the 2021 Olympics? The swimmer is the most decorated athlete in the history of the Olympic Games.
Team USA Surfer Carissa Moore Had a Lovely Island-Themed Wedding in 2017
Carissa Moore holds four world surfing titles and is making her debut at the Summer Olympics this year. Who is her husband and when did they marry?
Becca Meyers' Parents Speak Out on Daughter's Decision to Withdraw From Paralympics
Who are Becca Meyers' parents? The three-time Paralympic gold medalist has withdrawn from the Tokyo Games. Here's why – plus, what her parents had to say.
The Olympic Village Is Stressing Over the Food Situation Due to COVID-19 Restrictions
With the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics approaching, many wonder what this year's village is like, including food. COVID-19 restrictions have added stress.
There's Still a Possibility That the Olympics Could Be Canceled This Year
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics have encountered many hurdles and setbacks since the outbreak of COVID-19; can it still be canceled again?
Are Olympic Athletes Forced to Get Their COVID-19 Immunizations?
The Summer Olympic Games were delayed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so does that mean Olympians in 2021 are required to be vaccinated?
