The Youth Olympic Games are an elite sporting event for athletes ages 15-18 and are held every four years, just like the Olympic Games. The first summer edition was held in Singapore in 2010, followed by the first winter edition in Innsbruck in 2012. The second summer edition was held in Nanjing in 2014. Following the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games, the third summer edition will be held in Buenos Aires in 2018.
The Summer Youth Olympic Games feature nearly 4,000 athletes in a program of 32 sports and last 13 days, while the Winter Youth Olympic Games include more than 1,100 athletes competing in seven sports over 10 days.
In addition to competition, the Youth Olympic Games integrate a Learn & Share Program based around five pillars: Olympism, social responsibility, skills development, expression and well-being.
Chronology
Year | Host City | Nations | Events | Sports | Athletes | Male/Female |
2010 | Singapore | 204 | 201 | 26 | 3,522 | 1,846/1,676 |
2012 | Innsbruck | 69 | 63 | 7 | 1,022 | 556/466 |
2014 | Nanjing | 203 | 222 | 28 | 3,759 | 1,908/1,851 |
2016 | Lillehammer | 71 | 70 | 7 | 1,067 | 567/500 |
2018 | Buenos Aires | 206 | 241 | 32 | 3,998 | 1,999/1,999 |
Team USA Makeup
Year | Host City | Athletes | Male | Female |
2010 | Singapore | 82 | 32 | 50 |
2012 | Innsbruck | 57 | 37 | 20 |
2014 | Nanjing | 94 | 48 | 46 |
2016 | Lillehammer | 62 | 42 | 20 |