Why Do the Olympic Rings Have Different Colours?

The History of the Olympic Rings' Colours

The Olympic rings are among the world's most recognisable symbols, representing the unity and brotherhood of athletes worldwide. Designed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913, these five interlocking rings of different colours - blue, yellow, black, green, and red - on a white background, hold profound and historical significance.

At that time, tensions in Europe were rising, and nationalisms were strengthening. Pierre de Coubertin aimed to promote greater global unity. Thus, the interlacing of the rings symbolises the fraternal coming together of all the world's athletes, united by the Olympic ideal.

• Blue: This colour represents Europe. Europe has a rich history in the Olympic Games, being the continent where the modern games were revived in 1896 in Athens. Legendary athletes such as British sprinter Sébastien Coe and German swimmer Michael Groß have marked European Olympic history.
• Yellow: Asia is symbolised by the colour yellow. Asia has produced many remarkable athletes, such as Japanese gymnast Kohei Uchimura and sprinter P.T. Usha.
• Black: The black Olympic ring represents Africa, a continent that has seen exceptional athletes like Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie and South African sprinter Wayde Van Niekerk shine on the global stage.
• Green: Oceania is symbolised by green. This continent, though smaller, has produced incredible talents such as Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser and Fijian sprinter Banuve Tabakaucoro.
• Red: The Americas, encompassing North and South America, are represented by red. Legends like sprinter Usain Bolt and American swimmer Michael Phelps have elevated the level of Olympic performances for this continent.

The Pride of the Olympics Returning to France

France last hosted the Olympic Games in 1924 in Paris. In 2024, one hundred years later, the Olympic Games return to France, marking a historic moment and immense national pride. Among the highlights of these games, the surfing events will be held at Teahupo'o on the island of Tahiti.

Surfing was not a discipline during the Paris Olympic Games of 1924. In fact, surfing made its Olympic debut very recently, at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The decision to hold the surfing events at Teahupo'o, renowned for its spectacular waves and idyllic setting, acknowledges the importance of Polynesian culture and the excellence of local surfers.

The Teahupo'o Bracelet by Poemotu

To celebrate this triumphant return of the Olympic Games to France and the unity of nations around sport, Poemotu has renamed the mythical surf bracelet "Teahupo'o". This bracelet, available in various sizes suitable for women, children, and men, is made from neoprene, a material reminiscent of surf wetsuits and is available in 12 colours, notably in those representing each Olympic ring: blue, yellow, black, green, and red.

Each bracelet is adorned with a genuine Tahitian pearl, symbolising the beauty and natural wealth of Polynesia.

Choose the colour of the continent of your choice or select them all to symbolise the unity and diversity of nations gathered under the banner of the Olympic Games.

The Teahupo'o bracelet is more than a piece of jewellery; it is a tribute to Olympic values and the spirit of Teahupo'o, where nature and sport meet in a global celebration of humanity.