Olympic Games Traditions
The modern Olympic game was created to replicate the tradition of the ancient Olympic Games, and throughout the modern history of the Games there are many traditions of its own that have become an essential part of the Olympics.
Olympic flame in Sochi - Olympic Rings and Flag
- Olympic Oath
- Olympic Creed & Motto
- Olympic Hymn
- Olympic Flame (plus flame trivia)
- Olympic Cauldrons
- Olympic Torches
- Olympic Torch Relay
- Olympic Medals
- Olympic Cup — for groups or organizations whose work promotes the Olympic spirit, emphasizing fair play, sportsmanship, and unity through sport.
- Three Ground Strikes - les trois coups (Paris 2024)
- Victory Bell-Ringing Tradition (Paris 2024)
- Olympic Pictograms
- Opening Ceremony
- Closing Ceremony
- National Anthems
Other Traditions
- The IOC has two official languages English and French (Rule 27 - IOC Charter). Both languages are used to introduce competitors at medal ceremonies and the opening ceremony, and all IOC documents are published in both English and French.
Related Pages
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Old Comments
- Why is all announcements made in French then English (from Sue deacon, 14 Aug 2012)
- Well, Baron de Coubertin spoke French, that was also in use as the international diplomatic language in his day. Some events still use the French name of a country when an alphabetic order had to be used. And English was in the early Games your typical lingua franca :-) (from Johan, Aug 2012)
- What does the winner's flowers represent?
- Why do I keep hearing that teams from the host country automatically qualify for the finals? (from Daniel gutierrez, Aug 2012)
- Reply: in some sports the host country may actually get a qualifying place at the Olympics, though I am not sure which ones.
- Host countries may qualify for team sports like football or equestrian events, but they still have to compete for a medal. There is NO sport in the Games that allows a host country get a straight finale place. (from Johan, Aug 2012).
- The best most talented, dedicated, and brightest dream and ultimately Compete in the Olympics. It is entertaining, but most of all it is very inspiring. I have hope that the spirit of camaraderie and international Good will will foster world peace. While I wish all of the athletes well, my heart fills with pride for TEAM USA! (from Cindy Perschette, July 2012)
