Olympic Games

An international athletic competition held every four years in separate summer and winter venues which gathers the finest athletes in the world to compete in a variety events. Summer events include archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, canoe/kayak, cycling, diving, equestrian, fencing, field hockey, gymnastics, judo, karate, modern pentathlon, racquetball, roller skating, rowing, sailing, shooting, soccer, softball, squash, swimming, table tennis, tae kwon do, team handball, tennis, track and field, triathlon, volleyball, water polo, water skiing, weightlifting, and wrestling. Winter events include biathlon, bobsled, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, luge, skiing, and speedskating. Apart from a few sports in which professional athletes may compete, participants must qualify as amateurs and are selected based on their performance in the Olympic trials. Included are organizations that sponsor, organize, hold, promote, sell tickets to and publicize the events; provide information about competition schedules; and/or maintain information about current standings.