The Olympic Games are held every four years, but because the Summer and Winter Games are staggered, there is an Olympic event every two years overall.

Quick Scoop

  • The Summer Olympics take place every four years (for example: 2016, 2020, 2024, 2028). This follows the ancient Greek tradition of a four‑year “Olympiad.”
  • The Winter Olympics also happen every four years, but on a different cycle from the Summer Games (for example: 2018, 2022, 2026). Since 1994, the Summer and Winter Games have alternated, giving fans an Olympics every two years.
  • This spacing keeps the Olympics special, gives host cities time to prepare massive venues and infrastructure, and gives athletes a full cycle to qualify, train, and reach peak performance.

In simple terms:

  • Each specific Games (Summer or Winter) = every 4 years.
  • Some kind of Olympics on TV = every 2 years.