Our weekly look back at the key moments in the history of Olympic sports. Follow to discover which events and Olympians made global headlines on the day, relive the records and milestones, and boost your trivia knowledge.

Olympic History

This Week In Olympic History

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 2-8 December.

Melbourne 1956 | Olympic Games

Opening Ceremony at Melbourne 1956. 

This week in Olympic history: 2-8 December - The start of an Olympic tradition

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 25 November to 1 December.
On this day – 26 November: Betty Cuthbert wins the first of a golden trio
Elizabeth 'Betty' Cuthbert was just 18 years

Betty CUTHBERT

Australian sprint sensation wins gold at the Melbourne Olympics.

This week in Olympic history: 25 November to 1 December - Betty Cuthbert becomes Australia's 'golden girl' 

Welcome to This Week in Olympic History, where Olympics.com looks back on the most significant sporting events of the past. This week, we'll cover 18 to 24 November.
Berlin 1936: The first Olympic Games to be broadcast on television
The United Nations General Assembly established World Television Day on 21

Jesse Owens (1913 - 1980) of the USA (right) crosses the finishing line to win the 100 metres at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

This week in Olympic history: 18-24 November – A look back at the first televised Olympic Games

Welcome to This Week in Olympic History, where Olympics.com looks back on the most significant sporting events of the past. This week, we'll cover 11 to 17 November.
On this day – 12 November 1961: Nadia Comaneci is born
Last week we celebrated the birthday of Eliud Kipchoge, and this

Nadia COMANECI

Nadia Comaneci rewrote the Olympic history books with the first perfect '10' in Olympics artistic gymnastics.

This week in Olympic history: 11-17 November – Gymnast legend Nadia Comaneci is born

Welcome to This Week in Olympic History, where Olympics.com looks back on the most significant sporting events of the past. This week, we'll cover 4 to 10 November.
On this day – 5 November 1984: Eliud Kipchoge is born
This week is the 40th birthday of one of the greatest

Eliud KIPCHOGE

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won the Tokyo 2020 marathon in 2021.

This week in Olympic history: 4-10 November – Celebrating marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge's 40th birthday

Welcome to This Week in Olympic History, where Olympics.com looks back on the most significant sporting events of the past. This week, we'll cover 28 October to 3 November.
On this day – 28 October: Figure skating stars at London 1908
It was at the Olympic Games London 1908 that

Figure Skating

London 1908 | Olympic Games

The best pictures from London 1908.

This week in Olympic history: 28 October to 3 November - Figure skating makes Olympic debut in London

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 21-27 October.
On this day – 23 October 1964: Volleyball home Games glory for Japan
This week marks the 60th anniversary of one of the most special

Volleyball

Tokyo 1964 | Olympic Games

The Japan women's volleyball team, who won gold at the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964. 

This week in Olympic history: 21-27 October - Japan's perfection in volleyball victory at Tokyo 1964

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 14-20 October.
On this day – 18 October 1968: Beamon breaks World and Olympic record
‘Beamonesque’ describes an athletic achievement that is outstanding beyond belief, better than

Bob BEAMON

Mexico 1968 | Olympic Games

American athlete Bob Beamon breaks the long jump record at Mexico City 1968.

This week in Olympic history: 14-20 October - Bob Beamon smashes long jump world record

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 7-13 October.
On this day – 13 October 1964: Stouder takes silver on Olympic debut

Sharon Marie STOUDER

Sharon Strouder of the USA won four medals on her Olympic debut at Tokyo 1964, aged just 15.

This week in Olympic history: 7-13 October - 15-year-old Sharon Stouder wins first of four medals at Tokyo 1964

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 30 September-06 October.

Simone BILES

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 05: Simone Biles of Team United States reacts after competing in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Floor Exercise Final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 05, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Simone Biles of Team United States reacts after competing in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Floor Exercise Final

This week in Olympic history: 30 September-06 October - Simone Biles becomes the most decorated gymnast ever

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 23-29 September.

American swimmer Matt Biondi. 

This week in Olympic history: 23-29 September - Matt Biondi's record-breaking Games at Seoul 1988

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 16 -22 September.
On this day – 20 September 1988: Louganis goes from injury to glory at Seoul
Greg Louganis won five Olympic medals in diving, but

Gregory LOUGANIS

Seoul 1988 | Olympic Games

Greg Louganis (centre) of the USA on top of the podium at Seoul 1988.

This week in Olympic history: 16-22 September - Greg Louganis wins diving gold a day after hitting head on board 

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 9 -15 September.
On this day – 10 September 1960: Bikila’s iconic Roman run
The Olympic marathon is one of the Games’ standout events for its tradition

Abebe BIKILA

Rome 1960 | Olympic Games

Abebe Bikila won the Rome 1960 men's marathon barefoot, the first black African to become Olympic marathon champion.

This week in Olympic history: 9-15 September - Abebe Bikila wins men's marathon barefoot 

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 26 August – 1 September.
On this day – 28 August 2004: Argentina win two team golds in one day
Going into Athens 2004, Argentina had not

Athens 2004 | Olympic Games

Argentina's gold medallists in football (left) and basketball at the Olympic Games Paris 2004. 

This week in Olympic history: 26 August – 1 September: Argentina’s golden day in Athens

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History," where Olympics.com commemorates the most notable sports events of the past. This week, we'll explore July 29 to August 4.

Derek REDMOND

Aug 1992:  Derek Redmond of Great Britain is helped towards the finish line by his father Jim Redmond after suffering an injury in the 400m semi-final at the Barcelona Olympic Games in Spain. \ Mandatory Credit: Gray Mortimore /Allsport

Derek Redmond helped by his father Jim at Barcelona 1992. 

This Week in Olympic History: 29 July - Aug 4, Derek Redmond's father helps injured son finish race

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History," where Olympics.com commemorates the most notable sports events of the past. This week, we'll explore July 22-28.

Dream Team

This Week in Olympic History, July 22-28: U.S. Dream Team begins domination at Barcelona 1992

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History," where Olympics.com commemorates the most historically significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover July 15-21.

Snapped: reflections and revelations on Comaneci’s perfect 10

This week in Olympic history: July 15-21: Nadia Comaneci scores the first perfect 10 in gymnastics

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History," where Olympics.com commemorates the most historically significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover July 8-14.

Sergei BUBKA

9 Aug 1995:  Sergey Bubka of the Ukraine clears the bar in the pole vault qualifying competition during the World Championships at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden. \ Mandatory Credit: Gary M Prior/Allsport

Sergei Bubka 

This week in Olympic history: July 8-14, Sergii Bubka became first athlete to vault over 6 metres

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 1-7 July.
On this day – 5 July 1924: Paris 1924 Opening Ceremony
As the Olympic Games return to Paris this month, it is a great time

Paris 1924 | Olympic Games

Paris 1924: The Olympic Games come of age

This week in Olympic history: 1-7 July – Paris 1924 opens to the world

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 24-30 June.

Michael PHELPS

Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian in history, was born on 30 June 1985

This week in Olympic history: 24-30 June – The birth of Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian of all time

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 17-23 June.

16 Feb 1936: The Olympic flag is taken down during the Closing Ceremony of the 1936 Winter Olympic Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

Olympic flag

This week in Olympic history: 17-23 June – The first Olympic Day is celebrated

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll be covering 10-16 June.
On this day - 13 June 1928: Uruguay defend men’s football title
Before Brazil, Germany and Italy, Uruguay were the kings of men’s football.

Amsterdam 1928 | Olympic Games

The Uruguayan Olympic gold medal-winning team of 1928, when they defended their men's football title in Amsterdam.

This week in Olympic history: 10-16 June – Uruguay win back-to-back men’s football golds

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 3-9 June.

American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller takes a breath while swimming freestyle. Johnny Weissmuller won three swimming golds and a bronze playing water polo during the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris and two further swimming golds at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam.

Johnny Weissmuller

This week in Olympic history: 3-9 June - Johnny Weissmuller's 17-year world record

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover May 27-03 June.

Football at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics

This week in Olympic history: 27 May - 2 June - Quarter-finals of Olympic football unfold at Amsterdam 1928

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover May 20-26.

The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 1924

This week in Olympic history: 20-26 May - Olympic champion Jesse Owens and the greatest 45 minutes of sport

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover May 13-19.

2017-09-13-Paris-1900-inside-07.jpg

This week in Olympic history: 13-19 May - Women's Olympic debut at Paris 1900

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers significant sports events from the past. This week, we will cover May 5-12.

Tony ESTANGUET

Stockholm 1912

This Week in Olympic Sport History May 5-12, art competitions at Olympic Games Stockholm 1912

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History" where Olympics.com remembers significant sports events from the past. This week, we will cover April 29 - May 5.

Rugby Sevens

Rugby XV at the Olympic Games Paris 1924

This Week in Olympic Sport History April 29 - May 5, Olympic Rugby XV competition at Paris 1924

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers significant sports events from the past. This week, we will cover April 22-28.

Ice Hockey

Antwerp 1920

This Week in Olympic Sport History April 22-28, Ice Hockey's Olympic debut in summer 

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover April 15-21.

Dara TORRES

29 JUL 1984:  NANCY HOGSHEAD OF THE UNITED STATES AND CARRIE STEINSEIFER OF THE UNITED STATES CELEBRATE THEIR JOINT GOLD MEDAL FINISH IN THE WOMEN's 100 METER FREESTYLE SWIM COMPETITION AT THE 1984 LOS ANGELES OLYMPICS. HOGSHEAD AND STEINSEIFER WON THE GOLD WITH A DEAD-HEAT TIME OF 55.92 THE FIRST DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL FINISH IN OLYMPIC SWIMMING HISTORY.

Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer celebrate their joint gold medal at Los Angeles 1984

This Week in Olympic Sport History 15-21 April: First-ever tie in Olympic swimming final 

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week covers events from 8 - 14 April.

Teddy RINER

Local hero Spyridon Louis earns cult status in marathon

This week in Olympic sports history: April 8 -14

Welcome to This Week in Olympic sports history, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week, we'll cover 1 to 7 April.

The Panathenaic Stadium during the Athens 1896 Olympic Games (Photo: IOC)

This week in Olympic sports history: April 1-7,  Athens 1896 - The First Modern Games 

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History" on Olympics.com.

Jesse OWENS

Jesse Owens (1913 - 1980) of the USA (right) crosses the finishing line to win the 100 metres at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. He won three other gold medals, in the 200 metres, 4 X 100 metres relay and long jump.   (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

GettyImages-2642611

This week in Olympic sports history: March 25-31, Jesse Owens honoured 

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History" on Olympics.com. This week, we'll highlight notable events and Olympic champions born between March 18 and 24 who have significantly impacted their respective sports.
This week, we mark the birth of several sporting legends, including American speed skating trailblazer Bonnie Blair. Meanwhile,

Bonnie BLAIR

IOC President Thomas Bach awards the Olympic Order to Abe Shinzo on Monday.

This week in Olympic sports history: March 18-24, the Postponed Tokyo 2020 Games

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History" on Olympics.com. This week, we look at the notable events between March 11 and 18 and Olympic champions born between those dates who significantly impacted their respective sports.
This week marks the birthdays of many great sporting legends. Leading the celebration is

Simone Biles

This week in Olympic sports history: March 11-18, Biles' Quest for Olympic Uniqueness

Welcome back to "This Week in Olympic Sports History", where Olympics.com looks into the events that have marked the world of sports every week.
This week, we remember the anniversary of the first Winter Paralympic Games held outside Europe in Nagano, Japan. We also mark the birthday of Team USA

Shannon MILLER

World champion Shannon Miller of the United States flies over the balance beam during the team event compulsory at the World Gymnastics Championships in Sabae October 2. Miller scored a 9.675 on the balance beam

1995-10-02T120000Z_304838377_PBEAHUNDVFH_RTRMADP_3_MILLER

This week in Olympic sports history: March 4-10, Nagano Hosts First Winter Paralympics Outside Europe

So, what happened this Week in Olympic History?
This week, we celebrate the birthdays of several sporting legends, including Ethelda Bleibtrey, a pioneer in women's sports and Olympic gold medallist in swimming at the Antwerp 1920 Olympic Games. We also honour eight-time Olympic champion, Jenny Thompson, born this week in

Swimming

Ethelda Bleibtrey, the pioneering women's swimmer arrested for her swimsuit.

This week in Olympic sports history: February 26 - March 3, Olympic Trailblazer Ethelda Bleibtrey

Welcome to This Week in Olympic Sports History, where Olympics.com remembers the most significant sports events of the past. This week covers events from February 19 to 25.
During this week in history, we witnessed one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history - 'The Miracle on Ice' in Lake

Lake Placid 1980 | Olympic Winter games

Members of the 1980 United States Olympic hockey team that won the gold
medal in Lake Placid, wave as their former team captain, Mike Eruzione,
holds the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony of the Salt Lake
2002 Olympic Winter Games, February 8, 2002. Athletes from 77 countries
will participate in the XIX winter games in Utah, February 8-24.
REUTERS/Shaun Best

RR/CRB

Members of the 1980 U.S. ice hockey team that won Olympic gold 

This week in Olympic sports history: 19-25 February

Welcome back to "This Week in Olympic Sports History," where Olympics.com analyses the most memorable moments in Olympic sports and honours the birthdays of some of the greatest Olympians ever.
This week, we're marking the birth of one of our time's most iconic and influential sports personalities: Michael Jordan. The

Basketball

23 FEB 1988:  MICHAEL '' EDDIE THE EAGLE '' EDWARDS OF GREAT BRTIAIN IS MOBBED BY REPORTERS DURING THE 90 METRE SKI JUMP COMPETITION AT THE 1988 WINTER OLYMPICS. EDDIE THE EAGLE FINISHED IN LAST PLACE BUT WAS MUCH LOVED BY THE SPECTATORS.

'Eddie the Eagle' surrounded by reporters at the 1988 Calgary Olympics

This week in Olympic sports history: 12-18 February, Eddie 'the Eagle' Olympic legacy

Welcome to "This Week in Olympic Sports History," where Olympics.com explore the moments that have left their mark on Olympic sports.
This week, we are commemorating the first anniversary of a significant addition to the Olympic landscape—the debut of the podium as part of the medal ceremony, while we also

2nd August 1948:  800 metre Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners on the winners rostrum at the 1948 London Olympics at Wembley Stadium. Left to right Marcel Hansenne, Malvin G Whitfield and Arthur Wint.  (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Winners Podium

This week in Olympic sports history: 29 Jan - 4 Feb, First podium medal ceremony

Welcome back to "This Week in Olympic Sports History," where Olympics.com looks into the events that have marked the world of sports every week.
This week, we remember the anniversary of the first Olympic Winter Games held in Chamonix, France, while the fourth Winter Youth Olympic Games are underway in

Kobe BRYANT

Chamonix 1924

Olympic family mourns the loss of Kobe Bryant

This week in Olympic sports history: 22–28 Jan, First Winter Games and Bryant's Passing

Welcome back to this Week in Olympic Sports History. Olympics.com looks into the events that have marked the sports every week.
This week, we celebrate the birth of Pep Guardiola, the maverick who revolutionised modern football and won a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Also, one of the

Muhammad ALI

Muhammad Ali stands tall with a gold medal

This week in Olympic sports history: 15–21 January, The Invention of Basketball and Ali's legacy

So what has happened from 8-14 January in Olympic sports history?
The second week of the year sees a number of Olympic qualifying events taking place all over the world.
Additionally, many Olympic champions have been born in week 2 of 52, and Olympics.com takes a look at some of

Faith KIPYEGON

Joe Frazier

This week in Olympic sports history: 8–14 January, Joe Frazier Olympic legacy

What has happened from 1–7 January in Olympic sports history?
The first week of the year has never seen any Olympic events take place, although this time of year is no stranger to sports events, with winter sports seasons reaching an important point of the season. The Four Hills Tournament

The Olympic rings and Paralympics logo are projected onto Paris' Arc de Triomphe at the start of 2024

This week in Olympic sports history: 1–7 January, Al Kraenzlein Olympic pioneer

Ryan CROUSER

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 02: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera) Ryan Crouser of Team United States competes during the Men's Shot Put Qualification on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 02, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

GettyImages-2165013236

This week in Olympic history: 16-22 December - Shot put sensation Ryan Crouser is born

This Week In Olympic History 

*This Week in Olympic Sports History is a captivating weekly feature on Olympics.com that takes sports enthusiasts on a journey back in time, celebrating the most unforgettable moments in the history of the Olympic Games. This engaging segment shines a spotlight on key historical events, groundbreaking achievements, and iconic quotes that have defined the spirit and legacy of the Olympics over the years. Each week, it meticulously curates a selection of storylines that not only commemorate the birth anniversaries of legendary Olympic athletes but also emphasize the incredible impact they've made on the world stage. By highlighting the rich tapestry of stories that make up Olympic history, "This Week in Olympic Sports History" serves as a source of inspiration and reflection for fans around the globe. Whether you're a sports history aficionado or a casual fan looking to deepen your understanding of the Olympic legacy, this feature is your go-to destination for a weekly dose of Olympic nostalgia, heroism, and excellence.*