MCQ Detailed View

The Olympic Games have been cancelled only three times in history, and all cancellations were due to the two World Wars. The Games were cancelled in the years 1916, 1940, and 1944.

1916 Olympics: Scheduled to be held in Berlin, Germany, but cancelled because of World War I (1914–1918). The war made it impossible for athletes and nations to gather, and resources were diverted to the war effort.

1940 Olympics: Originally awarded to Tokyo, Japan, but cancelled due to the outbreak of World War II (1939–1945). Later, the Games were reassigned to Helsinki, Finland, but they were still cancelled as the war continued.

1944 Olympics: Planned for London, United Kingdom, but also cancelled because World War II was still ongoing. After the war ended, London was eventually given the honor of hosting the 1948 Olympics, marking the return of the Games after a 12-year break.

These cancellations highlight how global conflicts directly impacted international sporting events, as nations focused on survival rather than competition.

Key Facts:

• 1916 Olympics: Cancelled due to World War I, scheduled in Berlin.


• 1940 Olympics: Planned in Tokyo, then reassigned to Helsinki, but cancelled.


• 1944 Olympics: Scheduled in London but cancelled due to World War II.


• Only three cancellations in Olympic history: 1916, 1940, and 1944.


• London later hosted the 1948 Olympics after the war ended.

For exam preparation: The Olympic Games were cancelled in 1916, 1940, and 1944 due to the World Wars.