54 Olympic Logos Quiz (Part 1)

[C] Sydney 2000 (Summer) | The emblem for the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics is a striking and distinctive design that captures the essence of the games and the spirit of Australia. It features an abstract representation of an athlete in motion, inspired by the shapes of the Sydney Opera House sails, with a blue flash that also symbolizes the waters of Sydney Harbour. The emblem incorporates a yellow circle and two strokes to represent the sun, embodying the warmth and light of the Australian spirit.

[C] Vancouver 2010 (Winter) | The emblem for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, named "Inukshuk," is a symbol inspired by a traditional Inuit stone landmark used for navigation and as a sign of human presence. The logo features multiple arms in a spiral pattern, representing the convergence of athletes from around the world at the games, as well as the snow-capped mountains that are characteristic of the region. The design is a fusion of the natural beauty of British Columbia and the cultural heritage of Canada, with the Inukshuk symbolizing hospitality and friendship.

[B] London 1948 (Summer) | The logo for the 1948 London Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XIV Olympiad, is a symbol that captures the essence of the event and its host city. The emblem is composed of the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, with the hands of the famous "Big Ben" pointing to 4 o'clock, which was the planned time for the opening of the Games. In the foreground, the Olympic rings are prominently displayed, representing the unity of the five continents and the global nature of the Olympic movement. The 1948 London Olympics were a significant milestone, marking the first Summer Games after World War II and symbolizing a new beginning and hope for the future.

[A] Lake Placid 1932 (Winter) | The emblem for the 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, also known as the III Olympic Winter Games, is a representation of the event and its host city. It features a ski jumper in the foreground, symbolizing the winter sports that were central to the Games. In the background, there is a map of the United States with Lake Placid indicated, highlighting the location of the event. The artist behind the emblem was Witold Gordon. The poster using this emblem was printed in more than 16,000 copies in English, French, and German, with approximately 15,000 of them distributed abroad, primarily in Europe, with the assistance of various organizations and companies.

[C] St. Louis 1904 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1904 St. Louis Summer Olympics is not as standardized as modern Olympic emblems. However, the cover page of the official report is often used to represent the Games of the III Olympiad. It features a view of the host city, enhanced by the use of a fish-eye effect, and includes the Olympic stadium in a newly designed horseshoe shape, the Acropolis, and a girl personifying the goddess Athena presenting the branch of wild olive intended for the victor.

[A] Beijing 2008 (Summer) | The official emblem of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, titled "Chinese Seal-Dancing Beijing," is a fusion of traditional Chinese calligraphy and the dynamism of a moving human figure. It embodies the spirit of the games and the rich cultural heritage of China. The emblem features the Chinese character "Jing," which represents both the host city and a significant Chinese style. The character is stylized to resemble a person running forward, symbolizing progress and the welcoming spirit of Beijing.

[C] London 1908 (Summer) | No official poster was crafted for the 1908 London Summer Olympics, yet the programme cover from the Games of the IV Olympiad serves as a symbolic representation of the event. The programme cover, with its bold title "THE GREAT STADIUM," refers to the iconic venue that hosted the Olympic events in Shepherd's Bush, London. The inscription "THE OLYMPIC GAMES 1908" prominently displayed, indicates the year and the significance of the Games. The programme features an illustration of a male athlete in motion, embodying the spirit of the Olympic Games and the athletic prowess on display.

[C] London 2012 (Summer) | The emblem for the 2012 London Summer Olympics, also known as the "2012 logo," is a design that represents the number 2012 through a series of interconnected shapes. The logo features a bold, abstract representation of the year, with the number "2" and "0" clearly visible, while the "12" is formed by a loop that also resembles a distorted human figure, symbolizing the athletes and the spirit of the games. The emblem is designed in a way that it can be seen as a series of different figures, each performing a different sport, embodying the diversity of the Olympic events.

[A] Lake Placid 1980 (Winter) | The emblem for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, recognized as the XIII Olympic Winter Games, is a symbol that encapsulates the spirit of the event and the host city. It features a dynamic and stylized representation of a mountain range, which is indicative of the Adirondack Mountains that provide a stunning backdrop to Lake Placid. This imagery is intertwined with the Olympic rings, a universal symbol of unity among the five continents, signifying the coming together of the world's athletes in friendly competition.

[A] Stockholm 1912 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1912 Stockholm Summer Olympics is a representation of the parade of nations, with athletes carrying twirling flags, all moving towards a common goal: the Olympic Games. The design is a nod to the ancient Olympic Games, with the athletes depicted in a state of nudity, which was controversial at the time but intended to reflect the classical ideals of the body in sport. The emblem captures the spirit of international unity and the celebration of athletic prowess that is central to the Olympic movement.

[B] Sochi 2014 (Winter) | The emblem for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics is a groundbreaking design that embraces modernity and simplicity. It is the first Olympic logo to be in the form of a web address, "sochi2014.ru", reflecting the digital age in which the games were accessed through various screens and devices. The logo is a typographical exercise featuring the internet address on the first line of text, with the figure 2014 next to the Olympic rings, vertically mirroring the letters of the word "Sochi".

[C] Sarajevo 1984 (Winter) | The emblem for the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics, also known as the XIV Olympic Winter Games, is a symbol that encapsulates the spirit of the event and the host city. The emblem features a stylized snowflake with the Olympic rings above, symbolizing the unity of the five continents and the global nature of the Olympic movement. It also incorporates the traditional design of the embroidery produced in the Sarajevo region, adding a touch of local culture and heritage to the emblem.

[D] Paris 1924 (Summer) | The logo for the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the VIII Olympiad, holds a significant place in Olympic history. It is recognized as the first official logo of the Olympic Games. The design features a shield-shaped emblem, which is symbolic of Paris, with a wooden ship sailing on the ocean under a cloudy sky at its center. This logo marked a departure from the previous approach of using posters and signboard paintings to represent the Olympics, introducing a more memorable and communicative emblem that could be easily recognized and associated with the Games.

[A] Rio 2016 (Summer) | The emblem for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics is a vibrant and colorful representation of the host country's spirit and the essence of the games. Inspired by the vision of uniting all Brazilians to deliver the greatest festival on earth and advancing the nation's promise of progress, the logo embodies concepts of passion and transformation that reflect modern-day Brazil. The emblem features three humanized, multi-colored figures in an embrace, symbolizing the Olympic Games' goal of unifying world citizens in harmony regardless of ethnicity or beliefs.

[B] Moscow 1980 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XXII Olympiad, is a significant piece of Olympic history. The official emblem was created by Vladimir Arsentyev and features a dynamic design that includes parallel lines in the shape of a pyramid and a five-pointed star, which serves as a reminder of the flag of the Kremlin. The emblem also incorporates a section of a running track rising into an architectural silhouette typical of Moscow, with the five-pointed star topping the silhouette.

[D] PyeongChang 2018 (Winter) | The emblem for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics is a symbol deeply rooted in Korean culture and language. It is inspired by Hangul, the Korean alphabet, with the shapes forming the logo derived from the first consonants of each syllable in the word "PyeongChang" when written in Hangul. The first character in the emblem represents a gathering place where the elements of Cheon-ji-in – heaven, earth, and human – are in harmony, reflecting the philosophy of the Korean people. The second character symbolizes snow and ice, as well as the outstanding performances of the athletes.

[B] Montreal 1976 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics, celebrated as the Games of the XXI Olympiad, is a significant piece of Olympic history. It features a unique design that includes the Olympic rings mounted on an Olympic podium, which also serves as a graphic interpretation of the letter "M," representing the host city of Montreal. At the center of the emblem, the track and field are depicted, symbolizing the athletic competitions that are at the heart of the Olympic Games.

[B] Tokyo 2020 (Summer) | The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics logo, inspired by the traditional Japanese "ichimatsu moyo" pattern, features a harmonious arrangement of rectangular shapes in indigo blue, symbolizing unity and diversity. It embodies the concept of "Unity in Diversity," representing the convergence of various countries, cultures, and perspectives under the umbrella of the Olympic Games. The design is a sophisticated blend of Japan's cultural elegance and the modern ethos of global connectivity.

[B] Tokyo 1964 (Summer) | The logo for the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XVIII Olympiad, is a symbol that captures the essence of the event and the host city. The emblem features the Olympic rings superimposed on the emblem of the Japanese national flag, representing the rising sun. This design was chosen by the Games Organising Committee from a large number of proposals and was created by Yusaku Kamekura.

[A] Beijing 2022 (Winter) | The emblem for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, titled "Winter Dream," features a dynamic and modern design that captures the essence of winter sports and China's cultural heritage. The logo is inspired by the character "冬" (Dōng), which means "winter" in Chinese and is stylized to resemble a skater and a skier in motion, symbolizing the agility and grace of winter sports.

[B] Antwerp 1920 (Summer) | The poster for the 1920 Antwerp Summer Olympics, a pivotal moment in the Olympic narrative, is a visual ode to the spirit of the Games and the city that hosted them. It represents the flags of the participating nations all flying together. In the top right, the coat of arms of the organising city. In the centre, a discobolus, a reference to the Games of Antiquity. In the background, the city of Antwerp with the Tower of Notre Dame. 90,000 copies were made in 17 languages (large format).

[B] Rome 1960 (Summer) | The logo for the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XVII Olympiad, is a symbol that captures the essence of the event and the host city. The emblem features the Olympic rings above a Roman she-wolf, from which Remus and Romulus are suckling. These twin brothers, according to legend, founded the city of Rome. Between them, is the date "1960" written in Roman numerals. This design is a nod to the rich history and mythology of Rome.

[B] Chamonix 1924 (Winter) | The 1924 Chamonix Winter Olympics were originally staged as the International Winter Sports Week and were later recognized as the first Winter Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The official poster, a work of art by Auguste Matisse, encapsulates the spirit of the Games with its depiction of an eagle in flight over a bobsleigh track, set against the stunning Alpine backdrop of Chamonix.

[D] Innsbruck 1964 (Winter) | The logo for the 1964 Innsbruck Winter Olympics, also known as the IX Olympic Winter Games, is a symbol that captures the essence of the event and the host city. The emblem features a stylized snowflake in white, with the Olympic rings and the coat of arms of the City of Innsbruck linked together, symbolizing the unity of the Olympic movement with the host city's identity. The design was part of a national competition launched by the Innsbruck Organizing Committee, which was won by Professor Wilhelm Jaruska from Vienna’s Academy of Graphic Arts.

[C] Paris 2024 (Summer) | The emblem for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics is a sophisticated design that embodies the spirit of the Games and the essence of France. It combines three distinct symbols—the gold medal, the Olympic flame, and Marianne, the personification of the French Republic. The gold medal, forming the circular backdrop of the logo, symbolizes the pinnacle of athletic achievement and victory. The central element is a dynamic representation of the Olympic flame, embodying passion, hope, and transformation. Below the flame, the logo subtly incorporates Marianne's face, characterized by her iconic hairstyle and the outline of her lips, representing the values of humanism, fraternity, generosity, and sharing that are central to both sport and the French Republic.

[C] St. Moritz 1928 (Winter) | The logo for the 1928 St. Moritz Winter Olympics, also known as the II Olympic Winter Games, is a symbolic representation of the event and its host city. The poster that serves as a visual representation of the Games features the Swiss and Olympic flags against the backdrop of the Piz Corvatsch mountain, which is part of the Grisons Alps. This design was used to promote the country, the region, and the natural beauty of the surroundings, which are ideal for winter sports.

[B] Los Angeles 1932 (Summer) | The logo for the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, known as the Games of the X Olympiad, is a significant piece of Olympic history. The emblem is composed of the American flag presented in the form of a shield, which is a symbol of the host nation. Accompanying the flag, in the foreground, are the iconic Olympic rings, representing the union of the five continents. The Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger) is also featured, along with a laurel branch, a symbol of victory and honor in the sporting world.

[C] Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936 (Winter) | The emblem for the 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen Winter Olympics, also known as the IV Olympic Winter Games, is a representation of the event and its host city. It features the Olympic rings in the foreground with the summit of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Alps and a ski track leading to the mountains in the background. The emblem is inscribed with "IV. OLYMPISCHE WINTERSPIELE 1936 GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN". This emblem and poster design captures the spirit of the Olympic Winter Games and the unique setting of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, highlighting the city's beauty and its significance as the host for this historic winter sports event.

[B] Athens 1896 (Summer) | Unlike the modern Olympic Games, the 1896 Athens Summer Olympics did not have an official emblem in the contemporary sense. The cover page of the official report from these Games has become a symbolic representation of the I Olympiad. The emblem prominently features the inscription "776-1896," which serves to commemorate the long and storied history of the Olympic Games, spanning from their ancient beginnings to their revival in the modern era.

[D] Paris 1900 (Summer) | No official emblem was designated for the 1900 Paris Summer Olympics, which were held in conjunction with the Universal Exhibition. However, the various posters that were created to promote the athletic events serve as a visual representation of the II Olympiad. These posters, which featured sports such as athletics, rowing, cycling, fencing, and gymnastics. Among these, a notable poster depicts a female fencer, holding in her right hand the three traditional weapons of fencing: the foil, the épée, and the sabre. This was a significant depiction as it was unusual for the time to show a female athlete, and it is noteworthy that women did not compete in the Olympic fencing competitions until 1924.