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The Olympic Games are the world's leading international sporting events, featuring summer and winter sports competitions with thousands of athletes from over 200 nations participating. They are held every four years, alternating between Summer and Winter Olympics every two years since 1994.

The modern Olympics were inspired by the ancient Olympic Games, which originated in Olympia, Greece, around the 8th century BC and continued until the 4th century AD. Baron Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, leading to the first modern Games in Athens in 1896. The IOC is responsible for the Olympic Movement, which includes all involved entities and individuals.

The Olympic Games have evolved significantly, introducing the Winter Olympics for snow and ice sports, the Paralympic Games for athletes with disabilities, and the Youth Olympic Games for younger athletes. Controversies and challenges have arisen over the years, including issues related to amateurism, corporate sponsorship, and political factors, such as boycotts during the Cold War and the postponement of the 2020 Olympics due to COVID-19.

The Games also feature several rituals and symbols, such as the Olympic flag and torch, and athletes compete for medals: gold for first place, silver for second, and bronze for third. Hosting the Olympics can bring economic benefits and challenges for the host city, impacting infrastructure and tourism while promoting international cooperation and cultural exchange.