Historic Olympic Photos Capture Iconic Moments

From the 1900 Olympics to the upcoming 2026 Winter Games, these images showcase the thrill and triumph of the world's greatest athletic competition.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, we're reflecting on some of the most powerful and memorable photos from past Olympic Games. From the 1900 Olympics in Paris to the 2024 Games in Paris, these images capture historic moments, record-breaking performances, and the sheer excitement of the world's greatest athletic competition.

Why it matters

The Olympic Games have long been a source of global unity, inspiration, and awe. These iconic photos not only document the evolution of the Olympics over more than a century, but also highlight the incredible athleticism, sportsmanship, and cultural significance of the Games.

The details

The collection includes a wide range of images, from the 60m sprint at the 1900 Paris Olympics to Usain Bolt's record-setting performance in Beijing in 2008. Other highlights include female gymnasts on wooden balance beams in 1908, Jesse Owens' triumph at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and the USA 'Dream Team' winning gold in 1992. More recent moments, such as Kerri Strug's injured vault in 1996 and Katie Ledecky becoming the most decorated U.S. female Olympian in 2024, also make an appearance.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6—22, 2026, in Lombardy and Northeast Italy.
  • The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924 in Chamonix, France.
  • The 1900 Olympics took place in Paris, France.
  • The 1904 Olympics were held in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • The 1908 Olympics were in London, England.

The players

Jesse Owens

An American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Kerri Strug

An American gymnast who competed at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where she famously completed an injured vault to help the U.S. team win gold.

Katie Ledecky

An American swimmer who has become the most decorated U.S. female Olympian, with a total of 14 gold medals over her career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These historic Olympic photos not only capture iconic moments in sports history, but also reflect the global significance and cultural impact of the Games. As the world prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, these images remind us of the enduring power and inspiration of the Olympic spirit.