Olympic Games

The host city is chosen by a majority vote of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during a formal session. Cities must undergo a rigorous bidding process, proving their infrastructure and financial viability, before the final vote occurs. The IOC evaluates candidate cities using the Olympic Agenda recommendations.

The Olympic Truce, or 'Ekecheiria,' is a tradition originating in Ancient Greece that calls for a cessation of all hostilities during the Games. While the United Nations officially endorses this resolution for the modern Games, it is largely symbolic and lacks strict enforcement mechanisms on the global stage. Nations have historically broken the truce during various modern Olympiads.

The modern Olympic Games were revived and first held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, organized by Pierre de Coubertin. This inaugural event featured 14 participating nations and 43 different events. It marked the rebirth of a tradition that had been dormant for nearly 1,500 years.

Originally held in the same year, the IOC shifted the Winter Games to alternate even years from the Summer Games starting in 1994. This staggered schedule, known as the Lillehammer shift, allows broadcasters to maximize revenue without competing with themselves. It also gives winter sports athletes a distinct spotlight for their specific events.