London 2012 (United Kingdom)
The 2012 Summer Olympics were held in London, marking the city's third time hosting the Games. This event emphasized sustainability, with venues like the Olympic Stadium built using recycled materials and later repurposed for community use. It was like the Commonwealth Games on a grand scale. Superbly organized, great facilities, and a real party atmosphere. The athletics stadium was packed to capacity on the first morning, and runners with no chance, finishing half a lap behind the second last, were given a round of applause.
Nearly everything was ready a year ahead, and the opening ceremony, which factions of the press expected to be a farce, was an unequivocal triumph. I believe I am right in saying that in the chaotic run-up to 2016, London was the first to be approached to bail them out if needed.
Beijing 2008 (China)
Known for its grand opening ceremony, the Beijing Olympics featured iconic venues like the Bird's Nest Stadium. China topped the medal table, securing its position as a global leader in athletics. The first Olympics that were broadcast in HD. The opening drum performance was most spectacular, and Chinese gold medal gymnast winner Li Ning's "fly-walk" around the top of the stadium was never done before.
If you saw the U.S. NBC broadcast at the end, even Bob Costas said this was the "most memorable Olympics" ever in his long Olympics experience.
Those Olympic Games were amazing! Nothing will be quite the same after Beijing. The opening ceremony was an incredible feat.
All other efforts to imitate it will be futile. The only possible serious contender will be Tokyo 2020 if they use all of their global soft power, such as manga characters, Japanese pop music, and traditional festivals.
Sydney 2000 (Australia)
The Sydney Olympics showcased advancements in environmental sustainability, with venues like the Solar Village and extensive water recycling systems. The event drew over 10,000 athletes from 199 nations, setting a record for Olympic participation at the time. Set the standard to which Beijing and London attempted to mimic. Truly spectacular games with filled stadiums, a gaggle of volunteers, polished organization, and an unequaled friendliness, sense of security, and magical atmosphere.
London experienced half-filled venues, ordinary weather, and security paranoia. How it is frequently labeled 'the best' Olympics (usually by Brits) is ridiculous.
Sydney's Olympics were the best because the pool was in good condition, the timekeeping was well done, and the commentators were great.
Rio 2016 (Brazil)
Rio de Janeiro was the first South American city to host the Olympics, though economic challenges and political controversies surrounded the event. The Games featured landmark moments, including the debut of rugby sevens and golf. Although the media did all they could to jeopardize the atmosphere at the games, there were only a few hiccups, and the people really participated.
208 nations "lived under the same roof," respecting each other. It was amazing to see North and South Korea taking a selfie, North Korea at the podium with the US, Usain Bolt's happiness, the beautiful scenery of Rio, and so many other mesmerizing moments.
I love how they translated Brazilian culture, colors, and emotions so well in the impeccable designs, the best visual identity among the others.
The tropical atmosphere paired with the people's warmth really suited Brazil's vibe.
Athens 2004 (Greece)
Returning to the birthplace of the Olympics, Athens hosted the Games with a focus on celebrating Greek history and culture. This event also introduced strict security measures following the 9/11 attacks. Security was flawless, construction was on time, no major issues reported, birthplace of the movement, and a beautiful opening ceremony.
The classiest and most sophisticated opening and closing ceremonies. They set the standard for future games.
Most incredible opening ceremony. Loved seeing the Acropolis lit up at night. Truly amazing!
Atlanta 1996 (United States)
Celebrating the centennial of the modern Olympic Games, the Atlanta Olympics were known for heavy corporate sponsorship. An unfortunate event, the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, marred the Games but did not disrupt the competition schedule. There were better Olympics, but Atlanta pulled it off very well.
The opening and closing ceremonies rocked! Competitions were intense. The city suffered from lackluster architecture and some logistical problems, but they were overshadowed by the Games themselves.
The bombing was tragic, but to blame Atlanta is like blaming the victim of a murder. I think Atlanta deserves more love than it got.
When Kurt Angle won his gold medal.
Great city. Too bad there won't be another one here for a long time.
Barcelona 1992 (Spain)
The 1992 Olympics were the first since the end of the Cold War, with 169 nations participating, including newly independent states. This marked a revitalization of Barcelona, modernizing infrastructure and establishing it as a major European city. Dream Team. Summer Sanders. US swimming was solid. All in all, just a solid and very memorable Games!
This and Sydney 2000 did much better for the country. 1992 made Spain's image and popularity skyrocket around the world.
It showed Barcelona to the world... And the world is still coming to see it.
Moscow 1980 (USSR)
The Moscow Olympics were the first held in Eastern Europe and saw a major boycott led by the United States, protesting the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Despite the absence of several countries, the Games featured over 5,000 athletes.
Los Angeles 1984 (United States)
The Los Angeles Olympics were notable for being financially profitable, thanks to private funding and corporate sponsorships. A Soviet-led boycott saw 14 countries withdraw, a response to the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games. Use of existing stadiums and arenas. No need to build new ones. Green Olympics before being green was cool.
Wonderful Olympics. Well run. Opening and closing ceremonies were outstanding and very impressive.
Seoul 1988 (South Korea)
These Olympics highlighted South Korea's economic progress and showcased Korean culture on a global stage. The event saw the participation of both East and West Germany, along with the Soviet Union and the United States, after a series of Olympic boycotts in prior Games. This was the historical game with the reuniting of West and East nations.
I pray that South Korea will do another amazing opening and closing ceremony at PyeongChang 2018.
True to its slogan: Harmony and Progress.
The Newcomers
? Paris 2024 (France)
The 2024 Summer Olympics, held from July 26 to August 11, marked Paris's third time hosting and the centennial of its 1924 Games. Events utilized iconic Parisian landmarks, including beach volleyball at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, and equestrian events at the Palace of Versailles.
? Tokyo 2020 (Japan)
Delayed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics were held without international spectators. This marked the first postponed Games in Olympic history and included new sports such as skateboarding and surfing.
The Contenders
Montreal 1976 (Canada)
Montreal was Canada's first city to host the Summer Olympics, though budget overruns led to substantial debt that took decades to repay. This Games also saw a large African nations' boycott due to apartheid policies in South Africa. 14-year-old Nadia Comaneci scores the first perfect ten and wins three Olympic gold medals.
Mexico City 1968 (Mexico)
Mexico City hosted the first Olympics in Latin America, marked by significant altitude challenges due to its high elevation. The Games became a stage for the famous Black Power salute by U.S. athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Probably one of the most politically moving Olympic Games. I'm surprised this wasn't number one.
Rome 1960 (Italy)
The Rome Olympics were the first Games covered extensively on television and introduced the first Paralympic Games. Memorable performances included Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila's barefoot marathon victory, symbolizing athletic prowess and global unity.
London 1948 (United Kingdom)
Known as the "Austerity Games," London hosted the first Olympics after World War II with limited resources and no new venues. Despite post-war hardships, 59 countries participated, signaling the resilience of the Olympic spirit. A struggling world, devastated, damaged, and empty, just three years after the end of World War II, a city moved out of the rubble and reignited the flaming passion for sport everyone has deep down.
The world moved on from horror, and London helped that process. The simple Olympics.
Helped put the world back on its feet!
Berlin 1936 (Germany)
The Berlin Olympics are widely remembered for the political overtones, as Nazi Germany used the Games as a propaganda tool. However, American athlete Jesse Owens's victories challenged racial narratives promoted by the regime. Huge Olympics for black athletes.
Melbourne 1956 (Australia)
Melbourne hosted the first Olympics in the Southern Hemisphere, though political tensions led to several boycotts. The Games also marked the debut of an Olympic tradition with the introduction of a torch relay across Australia.
Athens 1896 (Greece)
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens with 14 countries participating, reviving a tradition dating back to ancient Greece. Events were held in the refurbished Panathenaic Stadium, with Greece achieving a strong home-country showing.
Amsterdam 1928 (Netherlands)
Amsterdam introduced the Olympic flame ceremony, which has since become a tradition. Women were also allowed to compete in track and field events for the first time, expanding female participation in the Games.
Tokyo 1964 (Japan)
Tokyo was the first Asian city to host the Olympics, marking Japan's return to the international stage post-WWII. These Games saw the debut of judo and volleyball, sports that have since become Olympic mainstays. The 1964 Summer Games were the first Olympics held in Asia.
London 1908 (United Kingdom)
The 1908 Olympics were initially set for Rome but were relocated to London due to a volcanic eruption in Italy. These Games also established the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles, aligning with the route from Windsor Castle to White City Stadium.
Los Angeles 1932 (United States)
Known for economic efficiency during the Great Depression, the Los Angeles Olympics introduced the Olympic Village concept. The Games featured fewer countries due to financial constraints, though it achieved global success with new innovations.