Why do the olympics comes around only once every four years?

Question

Why do the olympics comes around only once every four years?

Answer 1

The 4 year cycle seems to have originated from the ancient origins of the Olympic games.

But, the more modern answers "cost", "preparation time", and so on might be valid reasons to keep it every 4 years.  You'll note the Winter Olympic games are also every 4 years, but between Summer Olympic games years so there are 2 years between Summer & Winter Olympics.

Answer 2

there is so so so much preparation for the atheletes and the cities that host the olympics.  All the venues are built before brand new.  "most"

Answer 3

If it were any more frequent, I think people would get sick of them to be perfectly honest. It wouldn't be profitable enough. Having them once every four years makes it more of a special event. As others have mentioned, the cost and preparation is also a huge factor.

Answer 4

It is so so expensive to host the Olympics. It absolutely couldn't be a yearly event.  

Answer 5

So then the host city will have time to prepare, like make the stadiums.. That's why they announce the host city so early and have it every 4 years.. Don't you know how long it'll take to be something liek the water cube or the birds nest??