The Olympic rings were originally designed in 1913 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. They were first displayed on the Olympic Flag in 1920. The five rings are interlaced to represent the idea that the Olympics are universal, bringing athletes from the entire world together. The five interlocking rings represent the five original continents: Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The five colors of the rings (blue, yellow, black, green, and red respectively) were chosen since one of these colors can be found in the flag of each competing nation.

Olympic Motto

The Olympic motto is made up of three Latin words: "Citius, Altius, Fortius", which means "Swifter, Higher, Stronger".

Olympic Creed

Baron Pierre de Coubertin was inspired to adopt this creed after hearing a speech by Bishop Ethelbert Talbot at a service for Olympic athletes during the 1908 London Olympic Games. The Olympic Creed reads: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

Olympic Oath

The Olympic Oath states, "In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams." 

Baron Pierre de Coubertin wrote the oath for the athletes to recite at each Olympic Games. During the opening ceremonies, one athlete from the host nation recites the oath on behalf of all the athletes while holding a corner of the Olympic flag. A judge from the host country also speaks the oath, with slightly different wording. The Olympic oath was first taken during the 1920 Olympic Games by Belgian fencer Victor Boin. 

Olympic Hymn

The Olympic Hymn, also known informally as the Olympic Anthem, is played when the Olympic Flag is raised. It was during the 1896 Olympic Games held in Athens when the Olympic Hymn was first played. The music was composed by Spirou Samara. The lyrics were written by Greece's national poet, Costis Palamas. In 1958, the International Olympic Committee declared it as the official Olympic Anthem. The Olympic anthem is played as the Olympic flag is raised during the opening ceremony, and again as the flag is lowered at the end of the Games.

Olympic Flame and Torch

The Olympic Flame or Olympic Torch is a symbol of the Olympic Games. The tradition of lighting an Olympic Flame comes from the ancient Greeks. During the Ancient Olympic Games, a sacred flame was ignited from the sun’s rays at Olympia in Greece and then kept burning until the closing of the Olympic Games. This flame represented the "endeavor for protection and struggle for victory." The flame was first introduced into our Modern Olympics at the 1928 Amsterdam Games. The modern Olympic Torch relay was first introduced at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. The Olympic flame is lit at the ancient site of Olympia by women wearing ancient-style robes. The Olympic Torch is then passed from runner to runner from the ancient site of Olympia to the Olympic stadium in the hosting city. The flame is then kept alight until the Games are completed. The Torch Relay symbolizes the passing of Olympic traditions from one generation to the next!

Olympic Mascot

The first official Olympic Mascot dates back to the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Since then, Olympic Mascots have become a main element of the Olympic image. Olympic Mascots are selected by the local organizing committee of the host city. Typically the mascot is derived from characters or animals especially associated with the host country.  Serving as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Fuwa carries a message of friendship and peace -- and good wishes from China -- to children all over the world.

Olympic Medals

The Olympic medals are designed for each individual Olympic Games by the host city's organizing committee. The medals - gold, silver, and bronze - represent the highest levels of athletic achievement at the Games. Olympic medals must be at least 60 millimeters in diameter and at least three millimeters thick. The gold and silver Olympic medals must be made out of 92.5 percent pure silver, with the gold medal covered in at least six grams of gold.