Popular Olympic Logos and Symbols From 1924 to 2028

Do you love sports, global unity, and creative design? If so, you’re about to discover something epic. This post examines 47 Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028. Each emblem tells a story of pride, culture, and athletic passion.

Picture yourself exploring how these designs evolved over a century. Think about the hard work behind every shape and color. That spark ignites excitement for every game. Dive into the history, details, and fun trivia with us. You’ll gain insight into the unique personalities of each host city poured into its visual identity. By the end, you’ll see how these logos connect the world.

Sound good? Great! Let’s begin our journey into popular Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

What Are Olympic Logos?

Olympic logos and symbols capture the spirit of each host’s games. They blend national pride, local culture, athletic themes, and the well-known Olympic Rings. Designers often work with shapes inspired by host landmarks, cultural icons, or historical references. Colors can point to flags or natural elements. These visuals unite fans and athletes worldwide. An Olympic logo is more than a design it symbolizes unity and sportsmanship. It sparks a sense of excitement that marks every edition of games.

Types of Olympic Logos 

Olympic logos typically fall into several broad styles. Some highlight the Olympic flame, while others feature national symbols, like flags or famous monuments. Certain emblems zoom in on athletic figures or motions, such as runners, jumpers, or skiers. Winter editions often rely on snow crystals, mountains, or bold geometric patterns to reflect icy landscapes. Some logos go abstract, blending lines and shapes to spark a modern vibe. Each variation aims to celebrate the host’s identity while honoring the Games’ universal spirit.

History of Olympic Symbols 

The modern Olympic movement began in 1896, but the idea of a dedicated symbol took shape over time. Early emblems were simple and often featured classical imagery. By the 1920s, host cities started incorporating local symbols. Pierre de Coubertin's interlocked rings became a recurring element that unites every design. Over the decades, shifting design trends have influenced more dynamic shapes, bold colors, and digital interpretations. Today, each game invests heavily in a logo that captures local flavor and international hope.

Popular Olympic Logos and Symbols from 1924 to 2028

Let’s explore popular Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028. Each captures a moment in sports history and reflects the spirit of its host city. You’ll notice how culture, style, and technology shape these designs. Let’s dive in.

1924 Winter – Chamonix

This was the logo for the very first Winter Olympics. It featured alpine scenery with straightforward typography, underscoring the grandeur of the French Alps and focusing on the sport’s rugged setting. Despite basic artwork, it started a unique tradition that would expand into the vibrant Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

1924 Summer – Paris

Paris showcased a straightforward design. It reflected respect for ancient Greek ideals. The word “Paris” appeared in clear, no-frills lettering. This approach underlined a balance between classical heritage and the modern city hosting the games.

1928 Winter – St. Moritz

St. Moritz added a stylized sun to suggest bright alpine days. The visual captured the crisp Swiss atmosphere. Though minimal by today’s standards, it hinted at the exciting combination of winter sports and the majestic mountain environment.

1928 Summer – Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s logo portrayed a dynamic runner carrying a fluttering flag. It celebrated the city’s canals and openness to global visitors. The design leaned on simplicity, offering a warm invitation to athletes worldwide. It’s a piece that fits into our long line of Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

1932 Winter – Lake Placid

The concept was cold and snowy, with pine trees and ice. Its emblem had a triangular peak echoing the Adirondack Mountains. Lake Placid’s name stood out in bold text. People still remember its minimal color palette, underscoring the winter chill and the games’ pioneer spirit in upstate New York.

1932 Summer – Los Angeles

The design featured classic Hollywood glamour. Stars and stripes hinted at American pride, and a stadium silhouette tied the logo to athletic competition. Los Angeles took pride in merging cultural glitz with the global sports arena, paving the way for other US hosts.

1936 Winter – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

This logo had a modern feel for its time. Its logo featured an Alpine peak stylized in sharp lines over the Olympic Rings. Clean shapes and a distinct eagle symbol represented Germany’s national identity—the crisp layout balanced local imagery with the broader Olympic theme.

1936 Summer – Berlin

Berlin’s official emblem featured a bell motif. At its center was an eagle and the iconic Rings, reflecting national imagery and the spirit of global competition. The symbol was stark and direct, yet the overshadowing nationalist symbolism remained a complex reminder of that era.

1948 Summer – London

London returned to the Games after World War II. Big Ben took center stage with the Rings in front. The silhouette of the Houses of Parliament behind the Rings symbolized hope and revival. It spoke to a world rebuilding through sport. This design is often praised for blending civic pride with an international message.

1952 Winter – Oslo

Oslo’s emblem depicted the city’s town hall and a ski jumper. The visual was somewhat plain, but it communicated Norway’s snowbound tradition. The interplay of text and image was simple, yet it gave watchers a sense of local flavor.

1952 Summer – Helsinki

Finland’s design highlighted a running track curve with the Olympic rings. The message was clear: this was a meeting of the global sports family. Helsinki’s edition took a pure approach, reflecting Finnish minimalism and the broader Olympic unity.

1956 Winter – Cortina d’Ampezzo

Mountains soared above a stylized snow crystal, and the Rings featured prominently. This scenic approach showed off Italy’s Dolomite peaks. The layout captured Cortina's crisp, mountainous vibe, adding an elegant flair to the ongoing parade of Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

1956 Summer – Melbourne

This design placed the Australian continent under the Olympic torch, with laurel leaves on the sides. It suggested a fresh flame lighting the southern hemisphere for the first time. It was a memorable composition that balanced sporting tradition with a proud nod to Australia’s place on the world stage.

1960 Winter – Squaw Valley

A bold, geometric snowflake overshadowed a bright star. The shape was unique and modern. It showed off the fresh, forward-thinking American West. The dynamic angles hinted at speed, skating, and skiing across the crisp Californian slopes.

1960 Summer – Rome

Rome’s logo featured a she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus atop a Roman column, with the Rings below. The logo blended the city’s legendary founding tale with the Olympic mission, and many admired how it combined ancient history with a modern sports outlook.

1964 Winter – Innsbruck

A stylized shield of Tyrol with the Rings above it. It placed a mountain silhouette behind the city’s coat of arms. Designers kept it neat, highlighting the Alpine aura and the region’s heraldic identity.

1964 Summer – Tokyo

Tokyo’s emblem was striking. A large red circle sat above the Olympic Rings. The bold color referenced Japan’s flag, creating instant national recognition. The golden text “Tokyo 1964” reinforced the country’s rise on the global stage. Even today, it’s regarded as one of the crispest Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

1968 Winter – Grenoble

Grenoble’s logo formed a stylized snowflake with three roses, symbolizing the city’s coat of arms. The Rings sat beneath. The color scheme combined vivid reds, whites, and blues, echoing France’s tricolor and capturing the wintry atmosphere.

1968 Summer – Mexico City

This design used a bold, hypnotic, striped “Mexico 68” wordmark to reflect the era’s pop-art vibe. The black-and-white lines were mesmerizing. The Rings fit into the typography, linking tradition with a cool, contemporary look.

1972 Winter – Sapporo

Sapporo placed a bright red sun disc and a stylized snow crystal above the Rings. The minimal shapes represented Japan’s flag and the snowy setting. The entire piece was calm, reflecting the culture’s refined design sense.

1972 Summer – Munich

Munich’s “Strahlenkranz” (radiant crown) was an abstract spiral. It suggested the sun, a crown, and unity. Placed near the Rings, it embodied optimism. Despite the tragic events of those Games, the logo itself symbolized modernist design and open-minded joy.

1976 Summer – Montreal

Montreal’s logo integrated the Olympic Rings into a minimalist “M.” The top arcs also hinted at a running track. Designers used a bright red to stand out. It became an instantly recognizable mark that tied the city’s initial to the Olympic identity.

1980 Winter – Lake Placid

This updated Lake Placid design stacked geometric shapes to form a mountain, with the Rings on a platform. The lines rose to suggest victory. The approach was clean, capturing the local terrain and the excitement of winter competition.

1980 Summer – Moscow

The rings were placed at the base of a vertical, star-topped column, reflecting the Soviet capital’s monumental style. The ascending lines pointed skyward, communicating ambition, progress, and the drive of athletes who participated under global tensions.

1984 Winter – Sarajevo

Sarajevo’s emblem combined a stylized snowflake with local embroidery motifs. The red color mirrored Yugoslavia’s national hues. Despite its small size, the city presented a warm welcome with a symbol that fused local craft traditions and winter sports excitement.

1988 Winter – Calgary

Calgary’s logo was a red stylized snowflake that also formed a cowboy hat shape, nodding to the city’s western heritage. The Rings sat below. It cleverly blended winter imagery with local culture, leaving a friendly, upbeat impression.

1988 Summer – Seoul

Seoul’s swirling emblem echoed a traditional Korean taegeuk symbol. It represented harmony and motion, and the rings gracefully joined the swirl. This design balanced tradition and progress, evoking unity within a rapidly modernizing nation. It stands out among the Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

1992 Winter – Albertville

Albertville’s fiery swoosh combined a torch and a mountain peak. The red, white, and blue mirrored the French flag. This dynamic mark suggested speed, competition, and the region’s snow-covered summits. It felt fresh, minimal, and memorable.

1992 Summer – Barcelona

Barcelona’s design displayed a bright, abstract figure leaping over the Rings. Primary colors (blue, yellow, red) conveyed energy. This stylized athlete captured the city’s flair and the joyous atmosphere of the Catalonian coast—a spark of freedom radiated from its curves.

1994 Winter – Lillehammer

A stylized aurora above a column shape symbolized Norway’s winter wonderland. The overlapping lines created a shimmering effect, like northern lights. The Rings were placed calmly below. It brought an incredible, magical vibe that resonated with fans around the globe.

1996 Summer – Atlanta

Atlanta’s centennial emblem, which formed a flame rising from the Olympic Rings into a star, marks 100 years of the modern Olympics. The gold gradient gives it a regal look, while the bold number “100” within the shape reminds everyone of the Games’ remarkable journey.

1998 Winter – Nagano

Nagano’s “Snowflower” used colorful petals, each representing a winter athlete in motion. The design was lively and celebratory, embracing the idea of different disciplines coming together. The arrangement created a potent symbol of nature, unity, and festivity.

2000 Summer – Sydney

Sydney’s icon was a vibrant figure that combined the silhouette of the Opera House with a boomerang shape. Its bright tones captured the city’s coastal energy. The figure seemed to leap, reflecting the active spirit of the Games. Many consider it a top favorite among Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

2002 Winter – Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City fused a snow crystal with a desert sun motif. Orange, yellow, and blue represented Utah’s landscapes. The geometric pattern showed mountain peaks layered with warmth. It stood out as an emblem that balanced winter imagery with local color.

2004 Summer – Athens

Athens returned the Games to their birthplace. The wreath of an olive branch formed the main shape. It connected ancient Olympia with modern Greece. The design used soft blues and whites, channeling the Aegean Sea and Greek islands.

2006 Winter – Turin (Torino)

A network of polygons formed a stylized Mole Antonelliana, a key city landmark. The design evoked snow crystals and futuristic geometry. The swirling dots gave it a modern, tech-inspired look, reflecting northern Italy’s blend of art, history, and innovation.

2008 Summer – Beijing

Beijing’s “Dancing Beijing” featured a stylized calligraphic character for “capital.” The figure looked like an athlete, bridging cultural tradition and sports. Red dominated, reflecting China’s national color. It felt lively and celebratory, making it a high-impact design recognized worldwide.

2010 Winter – Vancouver

An inukshuk figure named “Ilanaaq” took center stage. Its multicolor arrangement evoked Canada’s northern heritage. The blocky shapes looked friendly, capturing a sense of warmth despite the winter setting. It was a nod to First Nations art and a welcome to all.

2012 Summer – London

The bold, angular “2012” shape with the Rings embedded in neon pinks and yellows sparked controversy but got people talking. It signified a youthful, edgy London. Critics were divided, yet it stood out as a modern approach among the many Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

2014 Winter – Sochi

“Sochi.ru 2014” was purely typographic, with the Rings beneath. It emphasized the digital age by including a URL-like style. The aim was to be forward-looking. Some saw it as too plain, but it made a statement about global connectivity and the online era.

2016 Summer – Rio

Rio’s logo was a fluid, three-dimensional shape of people holding hands in a loop. Its curves depict Sugarloaf Mountain. The logo's lively colors and free-flowing form matched Brazil’s festive spirit. It radiated motion and warmth, perfect for a tropical host city.

2018 Winter – Pyeongchang

A minimal design that merged two Korean letters into playful shapes evoked ice crystals and cosmic imagery. Like the Rings, it showed a cultural link while projecting a friendly welcome. Bright colors in geometric elements gave it a cheerful personality.

2020 Summer – Tokyo

Tokyo’s revised logo used a checkered ring called “ichimatsu moyō.” It merged tradition and modern design, capturing Japan’s sense of harmony. The deep blue squares formed a circle of unity. Despite delays in the event, the logo symbolized resilience and cultural pride.

2022 Winter – Beijing

Beijing’s winter emblem combines a skater’s shape at the top with a skier’s at the bottom, all in a sweeping stroke of color. It bursts with energy. The lively reds, blues, and yellows give it a dynamic flair, tying in with the city’s earlier Summer Games heritage.

2024 Summer – Paris

The tagline was “Made for Sharing,” and the logo was shaped like a gold medal and a flame. The design also formed a silhouette of Marianne, a French national icon. It melded artistry with Paris’s elegance, hinting at the city’s spirit of romance and collective joy.

2026 Winter – Milan-Cortina

This emblem featured a sleek “Milano Cortina 2026” wordmark with a stylized “Futura” concept. The lines suggested mountain peaks and a forward arrow. The design used a cool pastel palette. It communicated a light, modern approach to winter sports while celebrating Italian flair.

2028 Summer – Los Angeles

Los Angeles returns as host. The official “LA28” design stands out with customizable “A”s. Each “A” can be adapted to reflect cultural, artistic, or sporting motifs. This flexible approach sums up LA’s creativity and honors the city’s story since 1932. It’s the final stop in this parade of Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028.

These popular Olympic logos and symbols share a global narrative. Each design channels local pride and captures the pulse of its era. From classic heraldry to abstract modern art, the Games’ visual identity continues to evolve. They remind us that sports can connect continents, inspire hope, and reflect a host city’s unique personality for generations.

Conclusion 

We’ve roamed through Olympic logos and symbols from 1924 to 2028. Each emblem reflects its era, its host’s spirit, and the unifying power of sports. From Paris in the 1920s to Los Angeles shortly, the Games capture global attention through creativity and collaboration. 

These designs remind us that unity, pride, and celebration are woven into every ring and flame. They mark moments in time that stand for more than trophies. They’re about people coming together for something bigger than themselves.

Olympic Logos and Symbols from 1924 to 2028 FAQs

Why do Olympic logos often use the same rings?

The interlinked Rings symbolize five continents joining together. Pierre de Coubertin created them as the enduring marker of the Olympics. Every host city respects that legacy by incorporating it in some way. These Rings represent unity and friendly competition, reflecting the Games’ global mission.

Do Winter and Summer logos always look different?

Yes. Winter logos often feature snowflakes, mountains, or icy themes, while Summer logos explore the sun, water, and broader cultural elements. Designers adapt national motifs and local culture to their season’s vibe. Both share the Rings or torch, but they visually distinguish winter’s chill from summer’s warmth.

How long does it take to create an Olympic logo?

Design periods vary, but the process can span months or even years. Committees form, briefs are written, and contests may be held. Host cities want a symbol that captures local identity, international appeal, and timeless spirit. Revisions and feedback loops can be intense, ensuring a memorable final choice.

Are these logos copyrighted?

Yes, Olympic logos are protected. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and local committees guard these designs. They strictly limit how the emblems appear in branding, merchandise, and media. Unauthorized use can lead to legal issues, so always check guidelines or seek permission before using any official Olympic marks.