Olympics: The contemporary Olympic Games, often known as the Olympics, are major international athletic events that feature summer and winter sports contests in which thousands of participants compete in a range of disciplines. With over 200 countries competing, the Olympic Games are regarded as the world's most important sporting event. The Olympic Games are held every four years, with the Summer and Winter Olympics alternated every two years within that time. The ancient Olympic Games, which took place in Olympia, Greece from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, were the inspiration for its establishment. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was formed in 1894 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, and the first modern Games were held in Athens in 1896. The Olympic Charter defines the organisation and power of the IOC, which is the governing body of the Olympic Movement. Several modifications to the Ol...