When did the world's first high-speed train line open?
Japan's Shinkansen "bullet train" opened in 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympics. It was the world's first high-speed rail line.
- Home
- Fact categories
- Olympic Facts
Olympic Facts
Olympic facts and facts about olympics.
24 facts on this shelf
What was the first official Olympic mascot?
The first official Olympic mascot was Waldi, a colorful striped Dachshund created for the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. The marathon route was even designed in the shape of a Dachshund.
Has cricket been in the Olympics?
Cricket was played at the Olympics only once, in 1900, but it's scheduled to return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
What was the Dream Team?
The 1992 US Olympic basketball "Dream Team," featuring Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, was the first US Olympic team with NBA players and won gold in Barcelona.
Where was the first Olympic basketball tournament played?
Basketball debuted at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where games were played outdoors and the final was played in pouring rain.
What is a Golden Slam?
In 1988, Steffi Graf won all four Grand Slam tournaments and an Olympic gold medal in the same year, the only "Golden Slam" in singles history.
When did volleyball join the Olympics?
Indoor volleyball became an Olympic sport at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Who were the "Witches of the Orient"?
Japan's women's volleyball team, nicknamed the "Witches of the Orient," won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 1964.
When did beach volleyball join the Olympics?
Beach volleyball became an Olympic sport at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
When did table tennis join the Olympics?
Table tennis became an Olympic sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Which country dominates Olympic table tennis?
China has won the large majority of Olympic table tennis gold medals.
Which country has won the most Olympic gold medals in field hockey?
India has won eight Olympic gold medals in men's field hockey, more than any other country.
When did field hockey join the Olympics?
Men's field hockey first appeared at the 1908 London Olympics.
When did Olympic field hockey move to artificial turf?
Olympic field hockey moved to artificial turf at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Which country won Olympic rugby gold in 1920 and 1924?
The US won Olympic rugby gold in 1920 and 1924.
When did rugby sevens join the Olympics?
Rugby sevens joined the Olympics in 2016.
Which state turned down the Olympics?
Colorado is the only state to turn down hosting the Olympics. Voters rejected funding for the 1976 Winter Olympics in Denver.
How many times has Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics?
Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964 and 2021. The 2021 Games were delayed a year by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which city has hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics?
Beijing is the only city to host both the Summer Olympics, in 2008, and the Winter Olympics, in 2022.
Are Olympic gold medals pure gold?
Olympic gold medals are mostly made of silver, with a gold plating.
When was breaking in the Olympics?
Breaking, or breakdancing, debuted as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Is bridge recognized as a sport?
The International Olympic Committee recognizes bridge as a "mind sport."
Was Alan Turing a fast runner?
Alan Turing was an excellent long-distance runner, and his best marathon time was close to Olympic level.
When were the first Olympic Games?
The first recorded Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, and athletes competed nude.