30 Summer Olympics Logos Quiz

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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] 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.

[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.

[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).

[D] Amsterdam 1928 (Summer) | The logo for the 1928 Amsterdam Summer Olympics, known as the Games of the IX Olympiad, is a significant piece of Olympic history. The design of the logo features a runner in action holding a laurel branch, which is a symbol of victory. The bottom part of the poster includes wavy lines in red, white, and blue, representing the colors of the Dutch national flag. This design was created by Dutch artist Joseph Hohannes Rovers and was produced in two sizes, with 45,000 copies in the smaller size and 10,000 copies in the larger size.

[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.

[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] 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.

[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.

[C] Melbourne 1956 (Summer) | The logo for the 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, is a symbol that captures the essence of the event and the host city. The emblem features a drawing of Australia, with a torch and Olympic rings superimposed, representing the unity and global nature of the Olympic movement. In the bottom half, the inscription "MELBOURNE 1956" is extended on each side by laurel branches, a symbol of victory and honor.

[A] Helsinki 1952 (Summer) | The logo for the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XV Olympiad, is a symbol that captures the essence of the event and its host city. The emblem is composed of the tower of the Olympic Stadium, with the Olympic rings positioned at the top, signifying the unity of the five continents and the global nature of the Olympic movement.

[A] Berlin 1936 (Summer) | The logo for the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XI Olympiad, is a significant piece of Olympic history. The emblem features an Olympic bell, with the Olympic rings at its center, symbolizing the unity of the five continents. Atop the bell is the German eagle, representing the host nation. The bell is inscribed with the phrase “Ich rufe die Jugend der Welt!” which translates to “I call the youth of the world!” in English, a call to unity and competition that resonates with the Olympic spirit.

[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] 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] 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] Munich 1972 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad, is a symbol that captures the essence of the event and the host city. The emblem features a stylized depiction of a sun, with the Olympic rings integrated into the design, representing the unity of the five continents and the global nature of the Olympic movement. The emblem also includes the text "München 1972," which specifies the host city and the year the Games were held.

[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.

[A] Athens 2004 (Summer) | The emblem for the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics is a wreath made from an olive tree branch, or kotinos, which is a reference to the ancient Olympic Games where the kotinos was the official award of Olympic champions. The emblem also symbolizes the sacred tree of Athens, the olive tree, and its colors represent the shades of white and blue found in the Greek countryside. This design not only connects the modern games to their ancient origins but also embodies the peace and unity that the olive branch represents.

[D] Seoul 1988 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics is a dynamic and vibrant symbol that captures the spirit of the games and the city's cultural heritage. It features a stylized representation of Taegeuk, a fundamental concept in Korean philosophy symbolizing the balance and harmony of the universe. The use of blue and red colors in the emblem reflects the Korean national flag, further emphasizing the host country's identity.

[B] Mexico City 1968 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad, is a symbol that captures the essence of the event and the host city. The emblem features a combination of the five Olympic rings and the year "68," which was designed by a collaboration of three artists: Pedro Ramirez Vazquez, Eduardo Terrazas, and Lance Wyman. The design recalls the patterns of the Huichol, an Indigenous people of Mexico, and was a reflection of the hippy psychedelia of the time.

[B] Atlanta 1996 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics is a symbol that embodies the spirit of the games and the host city. The logo features a bold, stylized torch, which is a traditional symbol of the Olympic Games, representing the passing of the Olympic flame from one host city to the next. The torch is integrated with the number "100" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic Games, which were first held in 1896.

[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] 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.

[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.

[A] Barcelona 1992 (Summer) | The emblem for the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, designed by Josep Maria Trias, is a dynamic and distinctive symbol that captures the essence of the games and the spirit of the host city. The logo depicts a human figure in a stance that suggests someone jumping over an obstacle, which consists of the five Olympic rings. The characterization of the figure is simplified to the head (in the blue of the Mediterranean), the arms (the yellow of the sun and wide open in a sign of hospitality), and the legs (a vivid red).

[B] Los Angeles 1984 (Summer) | The Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics logo, officially known as "Stars in Motion," is a dynamic and iconic emblem that captures the spirit of the Games. Designed by Robert Miles Runyan and approved in 1980, four years before the event, the logo features three overlapping stars with thirteen stripes, representing the speed and action of the Olympic competitions. The emblem's three stars symbolize the first, second, and third places in the competitions, while the thirteen horizontal lines are inspired by the Star-Spangled Banner, conveying a sense of speed and action. The colors red, white, and blue are a nod to the American flag, positioning the symbol within the proud culture of the United States of America.

[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.