Olympic rings: the simplest and most recognized flag in the world

Simple, clean, universal. Five intertwined colored rings on a white background, the graphic symbol that, in a few strokes, tells the very idea of a world united through sport.

We present the Olympic flag!

Where did the idea of the five rings come from?

The icon was created in 1913, by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, father of the modern Olympics, a French sports executive, educator, and historian.
He envisioned a symbol capable of representing all continents and, at the same time, the philosophy of the Games: the peaceful meeting of different peoples.

Thus were born the intertwined rings, each of a different color: Blue - Yellow - Black - Green - Red.

Until 1951, the Official Olympic Manual also stated the association between colors and continents: black - Africa, blue - Oceania, green - Europe, yellow - Asia, red - America. This was later withdrawn by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

They do not represent a particular continent (contrary to popular belief), but were chosen because every nation existing at the time had at least one of those colors in its flag. A way of saying: "There is room for everyone here".

Why is the background white?

White is a symbol of peace and neutrality, and the colored rings stand out perfectly. It's not just an aesthetic choice: it's pure communication. Another successful work in the history of flag design!

The Olympic Flag's Debut

The flag debuted at the Antwerp Games in 1920, right in the midst of reconstruction after the First World War. A context in which speaking of peace through sport was a powerful and not merely superficial message.

Since then, the Olympic flag has accompanied every edition, waving during the opening ceremony and being symbolically handed over to the next host city at the end of the Games.

What is the official meaning of the Olympic flag rings today?

Today, the IOC attributes a very clear meaning to the rings: the union of the five inhabited continents and the friendship that should unite athletes from all over the world.

No hierarchies, no complicated interpretations: five equal, intertwined rings, to say that differences are not only accepted, but are the strength of sport.

The Paralympic Flag

A different symbol with the same energy

Alongside the Olympic Games, there is also the Paralympic Games flag, another recognizable icon featuring three stylized shapes called Agitos (from Latin "I move"), in red, blue, and green, the most common colors in the world's flags.

The Agitos move around a central point, creating a dynamic effect that represents movement, determination, overcoming limits, and inclusion.

If the Olympic flag tells of a united world, the Paralympic flag celebrates a world that moves, fights, and creates possibilities for everyone.

Two different flags, one message: sport truly unites!

Where to buy the official Olympic flag?

Now that you know the history and meaning of the five Olympic rings, you can buy the Olympic flag choosing Petramar quality, high-resistance fabrics and artisanal production in our workshops. Click here >>