The Summer Olympics brings thousands of athletes from across the world together every four years for competition in summer sporting events. Although Olympic medals are considered a prized possession for the athlete's country, the competition generally remains friendly and pleasant for participating countries, athletes and spectators. The Summer Olympics don't always begin on the same date, but the anticipation and enthusiasm begin several years in advance.
Olympic Dates
Because the dates of the Summer Olympics change from one event to the next, it is impossible to predict the dates of future events. However, Olympic officials select the host city for the Summer Olympics several years in advance. Once the host city has been chosen, that city collaborates with the Olympics committee to select the Olympic dates. Typically, dates are announced at least one to two years before the event. As of March 2011, the next Summer Olympics event is more than 400 days away. The 2012 Summer Olympics in London runs from July 27 to Aug. 12. The games typically begin in July or August.
Schedule
Once the Summer Olympics dates have been set, the organizations then collaborate to establish a schedule. Olympic Games always begin with the torch relay and opening ceremonies. Although each host city designs and implements its own opening ceremony, the ceremony generally involves artistic performances, choreographed dances, music, fireworks, cultural references and athlete recognition. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, the Olympic games begin. During the next several weeks, sport competitions occur and Olympic medals are awarded. At the conclusion of the games, the host city has a closing ceremony. During this celebration, the next host city will be recognized.
Summer Sports
As of the 2012 Summer Olympics, sporting events include track and field athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, football, handball, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling. Water sports include canoe slalom, canoe sprint, diving, rowing, sailing, swimming, synchronized swimming and water polo. The cycling competitions feature BMX, mountain bike, road and track cycling competitions. Three different equestrian competitions take place: dressage, eventing and jumping. Gymnasts perform in artistic, rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics. Additional events include archery, boxing, fencing, judo, shooting and tae kwon do. Athletes will also participate in modern pentathlon and triathlon events.
Fun Facts
At the first Olympics Summer Games of the modern era in 1896, host country Greece won 47 medals, giving it the highest count of all competing countries. However, the United States has won more Summer Olympics medals than any other country. After the 2008 Olympics, United States athletes had won nearly 2,200 Olympic medals.
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