Despite all the controversy surrounding this summer’s Olympics, no other event captivates the world quite like the Games. Everyone knows the Olympics originated in Greece and the first medals were actually olive branches twisted into crowns. But, do you know what five countries are the only nations to be represented in every Summer Olympic games? Or, what the colors in the Olympic rings stand for?
This summer, while you watch, cheer and discuss the Games, pull out these fun facts to impress your friends and teach them a little history at the same time. Who said sports could not be educational and fun?
1. Rio de Janeiro—this summer’s host city—is the
first host city in South America.
2. Only five countries have participated in every Summer
Olympic Games. Great Britain, Australia, France, Switzerland and Greece
achieved this milestone.
3. Out of these five nations, only Great Britain
boasts at least one gold medal at every Summer Olympics.
4. A common misconception is that each color in the
Olympic ring represents a continent. Rather, when Pierre de Coubertin created
the Olympic rings in 1913, they featured six colors—counting the white
background—to include a color from the flag of every existing nation.
5. Did you know every Olympic Games has a mascot?
The mascot for the Rio Games, Vinicius, is named after Brazilian musician Vinicius de Moraes and is a mixture of different native animals.
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