Summer Olympics vs. Winter Olympics — What's the Difference?

The Summer Olympics is an international multi-sport event that takes place every four years, drawing participants from countries worldwide. This grand event showcases a vast array of sports, most of which are played outdoors and benefit from warmer climates. From athletics to swimming, the competitions in the Summer Olympics require conditions suitable for those sports. In contrast, the Winter Olympics, also held quadrennially, is devoted exclusively to sports played on snow and ice.

Diving into history, the Summer Olympics, originating in Ancient Greece, have been a longstanding tradition, with the modern games starting in 1896. The Winter Olympics, however, began much later, in 1924, recognizing the global passion for winter sports. Both the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics aim to foster international unity and celebrate athletic prowess, but they cater to distinct sports and seasons.

One can witness sports like basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics at the Summer Olympics. These sports, often played on courts or fields, are tailored for warmer months. The Winter Olympics, on the other hand, proudly features sports like skiing, bobsleigh, and figure skating. These winter-centric sports necessitate cold climates and, often, icy surfaces.

In terms of frequency, both the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics happen every four years. However, they don't overlap; the Winter Olympics occurs two years after the Summer Olympics, ensuring Olympic enthusiasts have a major event to anticipate every two years.