Favorite Olympic Songs of All Time

1984 Olympics Games - Los Angeles, U.S.A

“Reach out”, the official theme song, was written by an Italian composer, Mr. Giorgio Moroder for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics which was broadcast worldwide.

“The time is right for you to come and make your stand. Reach out, reach out……Reach out, reach out for the medal” are parts of this lyric..

1988 Olympics Games- Seoul, Korea

“Hand in hand” is another official theme song written by Mr. Giorgio Moroder for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and was performed by a group of Koreana in Korean in the beginning of the song, accompanying with the English version.

“Oh if you put your hand in my hand
Put your trust in me and I won't let you down
I will always be there for you
Oh if you put your heart in my heart
Take a walk with me and I will show you now
We can leave the pain behind us hand in hand”

The above quote of the song has then become famous to the world. Indeed, it has been regarded as the best songs ever composed for the Olympics.

1992 Olympics Games- Barcelona, Spain

“Barcelona”, the official theme song of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, was composed by Mr. Freddie Mercury from Spain. He composed this song as soon as Barcelona was selected for the Olympic city after the Olympics in Seoul, Korea.

He was supposed to perform the song with an operatic soprano Montserrat Caballé, but due to his death a year before the Olympics, the song was played over a travelogue of the city instead at the opening ceremony. Due to Freddie's death, the song was replaced with “Amigos Para Siempre” (Friends for Life), written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black, and sung by Sarah Brightman and José Carreras during the closing ceremonies.

1996 Olympics Games- Atlanta, U.S.A

“Reach”, the official theme song of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, U.S.A, was composed by Diane Warren and Gloria Estefan. This Olympics theme song Reach was originally sang by Gloria Estefan at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Gloria, a female singer, had once paralysis due to one major accident, but she had a strong determination to fight against the disease she was facing at that moment.

She did not succumb to a disease and finally she stood on the stage to sing Reach with all her heart which won her an award from the Grammy that year.

Her determination to live has inspired many people who listened to her song. “The Power of the Dream” was sung by Celine Dion during the closing ceremonies.

2000 Olympics Games- Sydney, Australia

“The Flame”, the official theme song of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, was composed by John Foreman. The Flame was performed live by an Australian pop singer, Tina Arena at the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Games. Tina's performance was amazing and she received as much attention for both her voice and dress. Indeed, her performance at the Olympic ceremony has won her a major boost in a singing career, which has marked a distinct departure for her upcoming albums. You can watch the video here.

2004 Olympics Games- Athens, Greece

“Oceania”, the official theme song of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, was composed by Bjork. Oceania was performed by an eccentric Icelandic singer, Bjork before 70,000 spectators at the Greek Capital's new Olympic Stadium at the four-hour opening ceremony, which was televised worldwide.

2008 Olympics Games- Beijing, China

“Yongyuan de Pengyou” (Forever Friends) is the official theme song of the 2008 Olympics which will be held at the Beijing National Stadium in Beijing, China. This song was composed by Mr. Giorgio Moroder, Micheal Kunze and other musical composers. This theme song has already translated into Malay, Cantonese, Spanish, and English.

On the 100th day before the games begin, about 100 artists were gathered in Beijing to perform the 100-day countdown theme song called “Beijing Huan Ying Ni” (Beijing Welcomes You).

“One world one dream” was released to promote the Olympic Games in Beijing. .