## TL;DR

The Olympic Games trace to ancient Greece (776 BCE, Olympia). Modern Olympics revived by Pierre de Coubertin (1896, Athens). Summer and Winter Games held every 4 years (with exceptions for world wars and 2020 COVID postponement). Motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius — Communiter (Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together).

## Core Explanation

Most successful Olympian: Michael Phelps (swimming, 28 medals, 23 gold). Most golds single Games: Phelps (8 golds, Beijing 2008). Marathon: 42.195 km — route from Marathon to Athens (legend of Pheidippides). 2024 Paris: 329 events, 206 nations. 2028 Los Angeles, 2032 Brisbane. Paralympics (1960+): athletes with disabilities. Boycotts: 1980 Moscow (US-led), 1984 LA (Soviet-led).

## Further Reading

- [The Complete Book of the Olympics (David Wallechinsky)](https://www.aurumpress.co.uk/books/the-complete-book-of-the-olympics/)