Summer Olympics
At the 1924 Paris Olympics, Tarzan Faced Off With the Ambassador of Aloha
The second Paris Games, exactly one century ago, hosted a 100-meter freestyle race that became an instant classic
The Story Behind This Breathtaking Viral Photo of an Olympic Surfer
Jérôme Brouillet, a photojournalist with the Agence France-Presse (AFP), captured an iconic moment when Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina celebrated after setting an Olympic record
Why Are the Olympic Surfing Events Being Held in Tahiti?
The tiny village of Teahupo’o, known for its monstrous, barrel-shaped waves, will host 48 athletes from 21 countries during the Summer Games
Why Is the Paris Olympics Running Track Purple?
The track incorporates recycled mussel and clam shells in a bid to help make the Summer Games the most sustainable yet
See 15 Picturesque Views of Paris
France’s charming capital city welcomes the 2024 Summer Olympic Games
Tommie Smith’s Raised Fist at the 1968 Olympics Inspired a Massive Golden Sculpture That Signifies the Art of His Protest
At the Smithsonian American Art Museum, an installation by artist Glenn Kaino made in collaboration with Smith reclaims the Olympian’s iconic gesture
From Sleek Swimsuits to Specialized Running Shoes, These Five Innovations Transformed the Olympics
Technology has advanced sports including fencing and pole vaulting
How to Sweat Like an Olympian
This summer, don’t be embarrassed by those pit stains or your drenched workout clothes. Our expert on the science of sweat says perspiration is what makes humans faster, higher and stronger
2024 Olympics Torch and Torchbearer's Uniform Sell at Auction
The sale's big-ticket item, a torch from the 1960 Winter Games, did not end up selling
Ten Surprising Public Figures Who Dreamed of Olympic Gold
The list includes European royals, Darth Vader's stunt double and an American World War II general
Paris Mayor Takes a Dip in the Seine Ahead of the Summer Olympics
The city spent $1.5 billion to improve water quality in the river, where several Olympic events are scheduled to take place
Nine Things You Didn't Know About the Ancient Olympic Games
With an intensive athletes’ boot camp and the threat of execution for unwelcome spectators, the Greek sporting event was a serious affair
The Paris Summer Olympics: Smithsonian's Guide to the Games
Prepare yourself for the Paris Olympics with this comprehensive guide to the history, science, arts and thrills of the worldwide celebration
How the 1904 Marathon Became One of the Weirdest Olympic Events of All Time
Athletes drank poison, dodged traffic, stole peaches and even hitchhiked during the 24.85-mile race in St. Louis
Will the Bistro Save France's Rural Villages?
Because these social hubs are the glue holding communities together, a growing movement seeks to protect them on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list
The Paris Games' Mascot, the Olympic Phryge, Boasts a Little-Known Revolutionary Past
The Phrygian cap, also known as the liberty cap, emerged as a potent symbol in 18th-century America and France
Builders Haven't Finished Reconstructing Notre-Dame Cathedral—But Lego Fans Can
Lego is selling a 4,383-piece model of the historic structure ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics
Spend the Night in the Musée d'Orsay's Clock Room on the Evening of the Olympics Opening Ceremony
Airbnb will allow two travelers to book a one-night stay in the storied Paris museum, where they will watch the ceremony from a balcony overlooking the Seine
'Liberty Leading the People' Returns to the Louvre After a Breathtaking Restoration
Eugène Delacroix's 1830 oil painting had been covered in grime and discolored by eight layers of varnish
How Breaking Went From a Street Dance to an Olympic Sport
This summer, 32 athletes will compete in what's commonly known as breakdancing, a dance sport that combines athleticism and artistry
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