Why are the Olympic Games held every four years? In 1924, the first Olympic Winter Games were held in France. Between 1924 and 1992, the Summer and Winter Games were held in the same years. Carl Court Getty Images The Olympic Games are held every fours to respect the ancient origins of the Olympic Games, which were held every four years at Olympia. The four-year interval between the Ancient Games editions was named an “Olympiad”, and was used for dating purposes . Time was counted in Olympiads rather than years at the time. The history of the Games goes back around 3,000 years, to the Peloponnese in Ancient Greece. Sports contests organised at Olympia were held every four years and eventually acquired the name Olympic Games.