History Of Winter Olympics

While many know that the Summer Olympics has its roots in the Olympic games of Ancient Greece, the history of Winter Olympics is less well known. In fact, the Winter Olympics started several decades after the modern Summer Olympics did. While it took a long time to decide to create a separate Olympics for winter sports, the Winter Olympics is now beloved by people all over the world.

Figure skating was originally part of the Summer Olympics, debuting fourteen years after the first modern Olympics. Even though the sport debuted in the summertime, it was a success. However, not all sports were easy to incorporate into the summer games, which helped to bring about the future Winter Olympics.

Issues with the original setting. The need for a separate event for winter sports became obvious when sports like skiing were considered. The idea for Olympic winter games was proposed by Italy's Count Brunetta d'Ussaux, to be incorporated into the 1912 games. However, a separate venue in the wintertime was the preferred proposal.

Debate. Not everyone was happy with the idea of a Winter Olympics. Scandinavian countries had been putting on the Nordic Games, and they felt that the Winter Olympics would ruin their event. The first Winter Olympics was scheduled for 1916 in Germany.

Problems with Implementation. Although the first Winter Olympics was scheduled for 1916, World War I caused the events to be postponed. When the war ended, the events were again scheduled, but this time for the Summer Olympics. It was not until 1924 that the first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix, France.

First Winter Olympics. As can be guessed by the fact that the Winter Olympics has continued throughout the years, the first one was successful. Fourteen events were included, and sports included figure skating, speed skating, bobsledding, ice hockey, and skiing. Although they were the greatest objectors, the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Finland performed the best.