(Summer Olympic Games) The Summer Olympic Games are an international multi-sport event held every four years, organised by the International Olympic Committee. The Olympics are the most prestigious of such events in the world, featuring a larger range of sports than others. Olympic victory is generally considered to be the most prestigious achievement in any field of sport. Competitors represent their countries of origin, with gold medals being awarded for first place, silver for second and bronze for third, a tradition which started in 1904. Further reading: List of modern Summer Olympic Games