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Symbols ofThe Olympics

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The Olympic rings werefirst used by Baron Pierrede Coubertin in 1914.

Pierre de Coubertinwas the founderof the modernOlympic Movement.

The Olympic Flag

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Pierre saw a similar design with circles onan artefact from ancient Greece.

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The flag features five rings to represent thefive continents of the world.

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The different coloured rings are linked toshow the unity and fair play of the Games.

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The flag was first used at the 1920 OlympicGames in Antwerp, Belgium.

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The Olympic Flame

The Olympic Flame relay firstbegan in the lead up to the BerlinGames in 1936.

The Flame is carried using torchesall the way from Greece to thehost country.

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The flame reaches the mainstadium of the Games at theopening ceremony and is usedto light a cauldron that burnsuntil the closing celebrations.

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Olympic Medals

Medals are awarded to the topthree finishers of each event.

Gold medals are for 1st place.

Silver medals for 2nd place.

Bronze for 3rd place.

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Gold medals are actually made ofgold-plated silver.

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In addition to medals,winners are presentedwith a bouquet offlowers.