Summer Olympics Competitions Fast Facts CNN Editorial Research Here’s some background information about the Summer Olympics, which is held every four years. Paris is slated to be the host city for the 2024 Olympic Games. Summer Olympics Facts and History The first revival of the Olympics was held in Athens, Greece, from April 6, 1896, to April 15, 1896. The first modern Summer Olympics champion was James Connolly (USA), who won the triple jump event. Fourteen nations and 241 athletes (all men) competed in 43 events at the first modern Summer Olympics. The Olympic Flame was first lit during the opening ceremony of the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam.