Olympic flags stadium

Olympic flags in stadiums symbolize global unity and the ideals of sport, with the five rings representing all continents.

About this subject

Olympic flags are among the most recognizable symbols of the Olympic Games. Composed of five interlocking rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red on a white background, they represent the union of the five inhabited continents. The design was created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913 and officially adopted in 1914. Each color was chosen because it appears in all national flags of the time, reinforcing the universal character of the Olympic movement.

In Olympic stadiums, the flags are hoisted during the opening ceremony and remain throughout the competition. The protocol dictates that the Olympic flag be raised to the sound of the Olympic anthem, composed by Spyridon Samaras. After the Games, the flag is passed to the next host city during the closing ceremony, a gesture connecting past and future editions. There is also an official Games flag kept in each city until the next edition.

Stadiums that have hosted Olympic Games often maintain permanent masts to display the Olympic flag even after the event. Locations such as the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, built for the 1936 Games, and the National Stadium in Beijing from 2008 are examples where the flag continues to be flown on special dates. The presence of flags also occurs at other sporting events, such as world championships, as a tribute to the Olympic spirit.

Interestingly, the Olympic flag has never been replaced by a new design since its creation, although it has undergone minor adaptations, such as the standardization of colors in 1957. During the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, held in 2021, the flag was raised in empty stadiums due to the pandemic, reinforcing its symbolic power even without an audience. The Olympic flag is protected by international laws and cannot be used for commercial purposes without authorization from the International Olympic Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the rings on the Olympic flag mean?

The five rings represent the five inhabited continents: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. The colors were chosen because at least one appears on every national flag.

Where is the Olympic flag displayed?

It is raised in stadiums during the Olympic Games, at the opening ceremony, and remains until the closing. It is also displayed at IOC-related sporting events.

Does the Olympic flag change every edition?

No. The official flag with the five rings has been the same since 1914. Only the Games flag, which stays with the host city, differs but retains the same base design.