Most Iconic Olympic Games Host Cities
By
Dan Holmes
Contributor Updated: 14 February 2024
Dan Holmes Contributor
Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.
Olympic Games Host Cities
When you think of Olympic Games host cities, certain locales pop into your mind. The memories and history are more vibrant from a handful of cities that have served as past locations for the games. In this list we primarily look at Summer Olympics hosts, though we have one winter games location that made our article about the most iconic Olympic Games host cities.
The next Olympics will be the summer games in Paris in 2024 [1], which means sports fans across the globe will seek betting sites with Olympic odds. The modern Olympics began in 1894 when Frenchman Baron Pierre de Coubertin started an organization called the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Two years later, Greece hosted the first event in Athens, in 1896. The first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924 in France in Chamonix.
However, the Olympics go way back to ancient Greece [2], when soldiers participated in athletic events in Athens for at least 400 years, from the 8th century B.C. to the 4th century B.C. The modern games were a way for de Coubertin and his committee to promote sportsmanship and athletic excellence, while also fostering international amity.
In the more than 120 years since the modern Olympic Games were born, Olympic locations history has marched on, with 42 cities in 23 different countries serving as hosts. In this article, we choose the most iconic cities to have hosted the Olympic Games in summer and winter.
Paris, France
Called “La Ville Lumière,” or “The City Light”, Paris is usually cited as one of the best, if not the best Olympic location. It’s also revered as a city for lovers, for art, and as a cradle of the Renaissance. The architecture in Paris is unparalleled, and the museums and cafés are unmatched, which is a big reason why Paris has served as the Summer Olympics host three times (1900, 1924, and upcoming in 2024).
Each of the previous times Paris was an Olympic Games host city, the world has been fascinated by the beauty and majesty of the most European city of them all. Athletes from around the world have gathered in the Mediterranean haven, a city with all the amenities for hosting an international event that requires so much.
When the Games are held in Paris, it’s special because that’s where the IOC was founded, and the idea for the modern Olympics was hatched by France’s own, Baron de Coubertin. It was he who thought up the Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which in Latin means “Swifter, Higher, Stronger”.
Where did de Coubertin find it? It came from a philosophy of his dear friend, Father Henri Martin Dideono, who was the longtime headmaster of Paris’s Arcueil College. Indeed, the modern Olympics owe much to the French, so each time the games come to France and Paris, it’s like coming home.
Los Angeles, USA
For many observers, the 1984 Games in Los Angeles were the greatest sporting event in the history of the Olympics. The event proved to be a significant chapter in the history of the Olympic movement, characterized by the triumphs of several iconic athletes, and the tremendous viewership and interest in the Games worldwide.
The ’84 Summer Games took place from July 28 to August 12, and were notable for several reasons, including its organizational success, commercial innovations, and innovative closing and opening ceremonies. In many ways, the Olympics have not been the same since Los Angeles 1984. Those games elevated the event, and still serves as an iconic time in the history of the competition.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the 1984 Olympics was the meticulous planning and execution by the organizers. Unlike previous editions, the Los Angeles Games relied heavily on corporate sponsorships and private funding, a departure from the traditional model of public financing. This approach resulted in a surplus, making the 1984 Olympics one of the few profitable Games in history.
The financial success demonstrated the potential for hosting the Olympics as a financially sustainable venture, influencing future host cities to adopt similar models. The Los Angeles Olympics were also distinguished by technological advancements and a focus on media coverage. The Games saw the introduction of innovative technologies, such as electronic timing and scoring systems, which improved the accuracy and efficiency of recording results.
Additionally, the 1984 Olympics were the first to be widely broadcast on cable television, reaching a global audience and setting new standards for Olympic coverage. The increased exposure contributed to the commercialization of the Games, paving the way for the lucrative broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals that characterize the modern Olympic movement.
In terms of athletic achievements, the 1984 Olympics showcased remarkable performances from athletes who seized the opportunity in the absence of some traditional powerhouses. American Carl Lewis emerged as a track and field sensation, matching Jesse Owens’ historic feat from the 1936 Berlin Olympics by winning four gold medals in the same events [3].
Swimmer Michael Gross of West Germany, known as the “Albatross,” set world records in the 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly. The 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles left an indelible mark on the Olympic movement. The city remains one of the greatest Olympic host cities.
Even without East Germany and Russia taking part (the latter then part of the U.S.S.R.), the Games were memorable. The Olympics went off so well that the man who organized them, Peter Ueberroth, parlayed it into a gig as Commissioner of Major League Baseball. LA has twice hosted the Summer Olympic Games, in 1932 and 1984, and they will host again in 2028.
London, England
Three cities, Paris, Los Angeles, and London, have been named hosts of the modern Olympic Games three times. For London, the city served as Summer Olympics hosts in 1908, 1948, and 2012. The 1948 Olympic Games in London, often referred to as the “Austerity Games”, took place against the backdrop of a post-World War II world recovering from the ravages of conflict.
Held from July 29 to August 14, 1948, these Games were significant for their emphasis on unity, resilience, and the ability of sport to foster international understanding. London, chosen as the host city despite facing the challenges of post-war reconstruction, showcased a spirit of resourcefulness and determination.
The infrastructure was minimalistic, with many venues using temporary structures and existing facilities that had survived the war. Athletes experienced shared accommodations and relied on rationed food due to ongoing economic constraints. Despite these challenges, the ’48 Summer Olympics emphasized the importance of participation over extravagance, symbolizing a commitment to rebuilding and fostering global harmony.
The 1948 Olympics marked the return of the Games after a 12-year hiatus due to World War II, and this resumption of the international sporting spectacle held deep symbolic significance. The event aimed to transcend political and cultural divides, bringing together nations still grappling with the aftermath of the war.
The triumph of Dutch sprinter Fanny Blankers-Koen [4], who won four gold medals in athletics, became a symbol of individual resilience and sporting excellence in the face of adversity. Overall, the 1948 London Olympics stood as a testament to the power of sport to unite a healing world.
In contrast, when London next hosted the Olympics, it showed why it’s one of the greatest cities in the world. The 2012 Olympic Games in London captivated the world with their blend of athletic prowess and cultural celebration. The event showcased state-of-the-art facilities and embraced sustainable practices.
London’s iconic landmarks, such as the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre, provided stunning backdrops for the competitions. The Games witnessed unforgettable moments, including Usain Bolt’s sprinting dominance and Michael Phelps becoming the most decorated Olympian in history.
The cultural festivities, exemplified by the opening ceremony directed by Danny Boyle, celebrated British history and diversity. London 2012 left a lasting legacy of sporting achievement and cultural vibrancy, which is why London is one of the most iconic Olympic Games host cities in history.
Athens, Greece
Greece represents the heritage of the Olympics. It’s where, more than 2,000 years ago, athletes competed in several sporting competitions in the first recorded athletic competition that included multiple nations. Athens is an ancient city that once served as the hub for civilization, and gave birth to many important breakthroughs like democracy, public education, and urban planning.
The 1896 Olympics in Athens (the first modern games) marked the revival of the ancient Olympic Games, igniting a tradition that endures to this day. Held from April 6 to April 15, 1896, those Games were a testament to the vision of IOC founder de Coubertin, and the efforts of the Greek hosts in rejuvenating the spirit of ancient athletic competition. Athens truly emerged as an international city due to its hosting of the Olympics.
Athens, the birthplace of the Olympics, was a fitting venue for this historic event. The Panathenaic Stadium, dating back to antiquity, was refurbished to host the various competitions in 1896. The Games attracted participants from 13 countries, with 43 events spanning track and field, gymnastics, wrestling, and weightlifting.
The opening ceremony, held in the Panathenaic Stadium, evoked the grandeur of ancient Greece. King George I of Greece officially inaugurated the Games, and the raising of the Olympic flag symbolized the unity of nations through sport. The competitions featured a mix of amateur athletes, and their dedication and passion for sportsmanship were central to the ethos of these Games.
That spectacle established the opening ceremony as an iconic affair. That year, Athens showed why it was a beautiful and important city. Notable among the competitors in 1896 was Spyridon Louis, a Greek runner who won the marathon, etching his name into Olympic history [5]. The marathon itself had historical significance, recalling the legend of Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persians in 490 BCE in the ancient competition.
The 1896 Olympics lacked the scale and global representation of contemporary Games, yet its impact was profound. These Games set the stage for the modern Olympic movement, emphasizing international unity, fair competition, and the pursuit of excellence.
The success of the Athens Games paved the way for subsequent editions, becoming a quadrennial celebration that transcends borders and promotes the shared values of athleticism and camaraderie. Athens as host city served as a pivotal locale, rekindling the flame of the ancient Games and establishing the foundation for the modern Olympic spirit.
Tokyo, Japan
Though one of the smallest countries to host the Olympics based on geography, Tokyo has shown it must be taken seriously in the list of Olympic locations. In the history of the event, Tokyo was the setting for one of the most important hosts of the Games.
The 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo marked Japan’s reemergence on the global stage after the devastation of World War II. Held from October 10 to October 24, the SummerGames showcased Japan’s remarkable post-war recovery and technological prowess. Iconic structures such as the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, and the iconic Nippon Budokan illustrated a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Japan is a unique country, and Tokyo is a remarkable city that illustrates the honored, ancient eastern tradition of the culture. How could the Olympic Games in Tokyo (held in 1964 and 2021) not be incredible? Tokyo 1964 symbolized resilience, technological prowess, and the power of sport to unite nations, leaving a lasting legacy as a symbol of Japan’s revival and the worldwide festival of the Olympic movement.
References
- The Olympic Games Of Paris 2024, Paris2024.org, Retrieved January 15, 2024
- Olympic Games, Wikipedia, Retrieved January 15, 2024
- Burnton, Simon, (June 29, 2012), 50 stunning Olympic moments No44: Carl Lewis’s four golds in 1984, The Guardian, Retrieved January 15, 2024
- Fanny Blankers-Koen, Wikipedia, Retrieved January 15, 2024
- Local hero Spyridon Louis earns cult status in marathon, The Official Olympics Website, Retrieved January 15, 2024
