Sweden first participated at the Olympic Games at the inaugural 1896 Games, and has sent athletes to compete in every Games since then with one exception, the sparsely attended 1904 Summer Olympics. Sweden has earned medals at all Olympic games except for two, the 1896 Games and the 1904 Games (the latter of which Sweden did not compete at). The only other nation having earned medals at every Olympic game since 1908 is Sweden's neighboring country Finland. Sweden hosted the Games on one occasion, the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm. The equestrian events of the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne were held in Stockholm, due to quarantine reasons. Swedish athletes have won a total of 503 medals at the Summer Olympic Games, and another 176 at the Winter Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee had Swedish officer and sports instructor Viktor Balck as one of its original members. The Swedish Olympic Committee was created and recognized in 1913. Medal tables Sweden hosted the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm. Sweden also hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics Equestrian events in Stockholm. *Purple border colour indicates tournament was held on home soil. (1912) Medals by Summer Games Medals Overall Medals by Winter Games Medals by Summer Sport *This table does not include six medals – three gold, two silver, and one bronze – awarded in the 1908 and 1920 figure skating events. Best results in non-medalling sports: Medals by Winter Sport *This table includes six medals – three gold, two silver, and one bronze – awarded in the 1908 and 1920 figure skating events. Best results in non-medalling sports: Individual statistics Most medals According to official data of the Swedish Olympic Committee. This is a list of people who have won three or more Olympic gold medals for Sweden. Medals won in the 1906 Intercalated Games are not included. It includes top-three placings in 1896 and 1900, before medals were awarded for top-three placings. Most appearances Age records Hosted Games Sweden has hosted the Games on one occasion. In 1956, the equestrian competitions were held in Stockholm. Unsuccessful bids Summary by Summer sport Non-participations Sweden has participated in most summer sports, but they have yet to participate in: Field hockey, Rugby football (neither Rugby sevens or the discontinued discipline Rugby union), Sport climbing and Surfing. Sweden never participated in the following discontinued sports: Baseball/Softball, Basque pelota, Cricket, Croquet, Jeu de paume, Karate, Lacrosse,