From 1901 to 1926, Sweden was home to the Nordic Games. Athletes from Scandinavian countries like Norway and Finland competed in a variety of winter sports. When the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to stage their own winter games, the Scandinavian countries refused to participate. They did not want the new event to take away from their games. Therefore, in 1924, the winter games held in Chamonix, France were dubbed International Sports Week. It wasn't until a year later that these games would be renamed the Winter Olympics. This 11-day event included bobsledding, figure skating, hockey, Nordic skiing, ski jumping and speed skating.
Over the years, many things have happened - changes have been made, events have come and gone, and new nations have joined the events. In fact, nation participation has ebbed throughout the years, going from 25 countries, dipping to as few as 17, and eventually ballooning to more than 60. New sports and competitions - like biathalon -- were introduced. While some sports -- like skeleton -- were removed from the program. (Skeleton rejoined the Winter Games in 2002.)
Some changes affected the Winter Games as a whole. Several sports and events were opened to women competitors for the first time. For example, women participated in speed skating events for the first time in 1960. Records were made. The timing of the Winter Games even saw change. In 1988, the Games were extended from the standard 11 days to 16 days. And, in 1994, the yearly schedule changed. Starting with the 1924 Games and continuing through to the Games held in 1992, the Winter Olympics followed the exact four-year cycle observed by the Summer Olympics. Starting in 1994, the Summer and Winter Games still followed a four-year cycle, but instead would alternate every two years.
While there have been changes and innovations, many things remain the same. Whether it's the new or the old that draws you to watch as the events unfold, there's no doubt that as the Winter Olympics celebrates its 20th anniversary, there will be many thrilling moments to witness.
Let's take a look at where the 2006 Winter Games are being held.
Next >> | 
