Summer Olympic Games

The Summer Olympic Games are a sporting event consisting of multiple contests. The Summer Olympics are held every four years. The International Olympic Committee organizes the games.

The Summer Olympics have a long and storied history. The Summer Olympics dates back to 1894. The first Olympics games were held in Athens, Greece in 1896. This was the first major international sporting event as 14 countries participated in the event. The 1896 Summer Olympics were viewed as a success and was a catalyst for future Olympic Games.

The Summer Olympics gained popularity and events throughout its history. Currently, there are over 300 Summer Olympic events. They include events in diving, swimming, track and field, archery, basketball, polo, rowing, rugby, sailing, water polo, weight lifting, wrestling, boxing, Taekwondo, synchronized swimming, judo, shooting, gymnastics, badminton, baseball, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, field hockey, handball, modern pentathlon, softball, table tennis, volleyball and the triathlon.

The most recent Summer Olympics games took place in Beijing, China in 2008. The 2008 Summer Games show just how far the Olympics have evolved over the years. In 1896, there were only 42 events. In 2008, there were over 300 events. China, the host country, won the most gold medals with 51. The United States won the most medals with 110, 36 of them being gold medals. The 2008 Summer Olympic Games also saw Michael Phelps, an American swimmer, win eight gold medals in Beijing, an Olympic record.

The next installment of the Summer Olympics happens in 2012. The games will take place in London, England.