The Olympic Rings — History, Meaning, and Legacy

Today, we're talking about one of the most recognizable symbols in the world — the Olympic rings. You’ve seen them waving on flags, hanging over stadiums, and shining during the Opening Ceremonies. But where did they come from? Who designed them? And what do they actually mean?

Let’s go back to the early 20th century.

The five interlocking rings were designed in 1913 by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. De Coubertin was a French educator and historian who believed in using sport as a way to promote peace, understanding, and education across nations. After reviving the Olympics in 1896, he wanted to create a symbol that could visually express the ideals of the Games — unity, international friendship, and respect.

He introduced the rings as part of the official emblem for the 1914 Olympic Congress in Paris. Although World War I would cancel the 1916 Olympics, the rings were finally used in the Games for the first time in 1920, in Antwerp, Belgium. Since then, they’ve been an enduring image of the Olympic Movement.

So what do the rings represent?

The five rings represent the five continents traditionally participating in the Olympic Games — Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. While that may seem geographically vague, it wasn’t about strict political divisions. The idea was that every part of the world was included. Each ring is a different color: blue, yellow, black, green, and red — and they are interlocked on a white background.

Now here’s something many people don’t realize: the colors weren’t assigned to specific continents. Instead, de Coubertin explained that at least one of these six colors (including the white background) appeared in every national flag at that time. The rings weren’t meant to divide the world — they were meant to unite it.

This design carries deep meaning. The interlocking of the rings represents the interconnectedness of humanity and the coming together of athletes from all over the world, regardless of race, religion, or politics. In essence, the rings are a global handshake — a symbol of peace through sport.

The Olympic rings also serve a larger purpose — they remind us that the Games are more than competition. They are about friendship, excellence, and respect — the three core Olympic values. They encourage us to compete fairly, treat one another with dignity, and build a better, more peaceful world through sport.

As the Olympics continue to evolve, the rings remain timeless — a simple design with a powerful message. Whether you’re a young athlete dreaming of the podium or a fan watching from home, the rings invite all of us to be part of something greater: a worldwide movement rooted in hope, unity, and the human spirit.