The Olympic rings They are, without a doubt, one of the Most representative elements of the Maximum Fair Sports. Its design is universally known and keeps much of the philosophy with which the Olympic Games began. However, The intertwined rings They are also a clear example of design powerbecause they have transcended the time and remain a reference of the sports encounter and the values that surround it.
What is the meaning of the Olympic rings?
Also known as Olympic ringsS, this series of intertwined circles are usually attributed different positive meanings such as the union of countries, peace and Olympic values. According to the International Olympic Committee, the hoops are a Representation of the Olympic Movementwhich «seeks to contribute to the construction of a better and more peaceful world», through the sport and values of Olympism: respect, excellence and friendship.
Each of the hoops that make up the Design has a specific color: Blue, yellow, black, green and red, which represent each of the continents. Thus, when they appear intertwined they symbolize the union of these regions and athletes from different parts of the world, according to the Olympic letter, rule 8. The same document – which delimits the use of the designs used in the Olympic Games – establishes that the five color of a single color can also be used.
Who created the Olympics rings?
First presented in 1913, The Olympic hoops were created by the French Pierre de Coubertinthe aristocrat who founded the Games and the Olympic movement. «These five rings represent the five parts of the world, now conquered for the cause of Olympism, and willing to accept their fertile rivalries,» Coubertin said of his design. «Moreover, the colors thus combined reproduce those of all nations without exception,» he added, according to the IOC.
The original design presents five intertwined rings on a white backgrounda combination preferred by the IOC, which also allows them to be used in monochromatic versions. A year after the creation of the hoops, In 1914, the Olympic flag debutedbut the Olympic rings were not used as a symbol until 1920 in the Olympics of Holland. Since then each edition is surrounded by design.