The Evolution & History of Olympics

Even if you’re not into sports, chances are you can recognize Olympic logos. What makes Olympic logo design services so captivating is their ability to be both incredibly unique and universally recognizable. While each Olympic Games logo incorporates the iconic interlocking rings, symbolizing the event’s unity, every emblem also embodies its own distinct essence and character.

When a new city hosts the games, they’re given the opportunity to infuse their culture, heritage, and values into the designs of superhero logos. This creative freedom has resulted in a plethora of visually striking emblems, although some have not met expectations. Today, we explore the evolution of Olympic Games symbols, pinpointing the most creatively successful superhero logo designs and those that fell short.

In the realm of logo design and branding, few symbols rival the Olympic rings in recognition and significance. Graphic Springs, a provider of custom logo design services, eagerly presents a journey through the rich history and symbolism of Olympic logos. Whether you seek to craft your own logo or seek inspiration for a professional logo design, this article offers invaluable insights and tips applicable to your logo design ventures.

The Olympic Logo Redesigned

The 2020 Olympics showcased the intricate designs for Olympic-associated events, including a unique sweater designed by UK diver Tom Daley. Other notable logo redesigns include the Montreal Olympic Park, the Montreal Olympic Museum’s Heritage Exhibit, and the LA 2028 Olympic Games, which featured unique branding and logos for various organizations, sites, and events. These designs continue to inspire and captivate audiences.

Meaning and history of Olympics Logos

The 1896 Summer Olympics logo is one of the earliest modern Olympic emblems. It revolves around the theme of Ancient Greece. The same visual theme was chosen for the emblem of the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris.

1912–1986

The original iconic five rings logo of the Olympic Games was introduced in 1912 and featured thick lines of the five colored elements. The badge looked solid and bright, yet in comparison to the current logo, it was a bit heavier and darker.

1986–2010

The redesign of 1986 refined the contours of the rings and added some thin white lines to the place of their intertwining. The colors were also refined and made more delightful. This logo definitely looked more professional and stylish than the original version.

2010 — today

In 2010, the empty areas between the rings were painted over. The artists returned integrity to the Olympic symbol and brought it close to the original, which Pierre de Coubertin created in 1913. The modern version differs from the old one in thin and neat lines. The colors have not changed — the designers have updated only the shades.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics Logo

The Olympics emblem is adapted for each game, with traditional rings appearing under the host city’s symbol. The original logo for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was presented in 2015, but was never used due to a lawsuit.

In 2016, Asao Tokolo’s winning logo, featuring a checkered pattern and indigo color, conveys unity and diversity. The inscription “TOKYO 2020” is inscribed between the graphic part and the Olympic rings.

Paris — Summer Olympics 1924

Lake Placid — Winter Olympics 1932

Los Angeles — Summer Olympics 1932

Garmisch-Partenkirchen — Winter Olympics 1936

Berlin — Summer Olympics 1936

St. Moritz — Winter Olympics 1948

Oslo — Winter Olympics 1952

Helsinki — Summer Olympics 1952

Melbourne and Stockholm — Summer Olympics 1956

Squaw Valley, California — Winter 1960

Font and Colors

Intertwining rings symbolize connection and continuity in international events, as noted by Carl Gustav Jung. These rings are based on the Vesica Piscis mathematical form, which intersects two identical discs. The logos change every four years, representing the five continents represented by the five-ringed symbol, red, green, black, yellow, and blue.

Pierre de Coubertin chose colors without specific global meaning, aiming to represent flags of all countries without exception. The six colors symbolize individual states, like rings representing inhabited continents.

Color

The palette includes red, yellow, black, grey, blue, green, and white for the background.

FAQs

What do the 7 Olympic rings represent?

The opinion that there are 7 Olympic rings is wrong. There are 5 of them since they denote only inhabited continents: America (two under one ring), Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania (the sixth continent Australia is included in it), and the Arctic and Antarctic are not inhabited.

What do the 5 Olympic rings stand for?

The 5 Olympic rings represent the parts of the world whose representatives compete in the Olympic Games. These are Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The rings are painted in the colors of the flags of the participating countries: green, blue, red, yellow, black.

What is the 2020 Olympic logo?

The 2020 Olympics was supposed to take place in Tokyo, so its logo is Japanese-style. It was a circle formed from a checkered pattern called “ichimatsu moyo” and dates back to the Edo period.

Who designed the logo for Olympics?

The logo of the Japan Olympics was designed by Tokyo Zokei University graduate designer Asao Tokology. He used several references to ancient Japanese culture.

Conclusion

The Olympic symbol, or ‘Olympic Rings,’ is a globally recognized symbol. The 2000 Sydney Olympics inspired a passion for design and a career in logo design. The challenge of creating an iconic logo, especially if the Olympics return, led to the creation of a logo design company that resonates with global audiences.

The International Olympic Committee announced Australia’s successful bid for the 2032 Olympic Games, with Brisbane as the host city. This excitement sparked a brainstorming session with a renowned logo design USA, aiming to create a symbol that captures Brisbane’s unique culture.

During Sydney’s lockdown due to COVID-19, the author contemplated redesigning the Olympic logo for Brisbane 2032. They explored logo design history and the significance of representing a nation on the global stage. They envision collaboration with a top-tier custom logo design company to elevate the logo and leave a lasting impression.

Throughout my exploration, I realized the immense responsibility and opportunity that comes with crafting a logo for such a prestigious event. As a designer deeply invested in the craft, I’m eager to see how the legacy of the Olympic logo design company will evolve and contribute to the narrative of the Brisbane 2032 Games, leaving a lasting impression on both the local and international stages.