Despite Flaws, Olympic Games Remain Essential in Today's World
The Olympic Games have undeniable faults and weaknesses, yet in many crucial respects, they represent exactly what humanity needs at this moment in history. As global tensions rise and divisions deepen, the Games continue to serve as a rare platform for international cooperation and shared human achievement.
Historical Roots in Turbulent Times
When French educator Pierre de Coubertin and Greek philanthropist Demetrios Vikelas co-founded the modern Olympic movement in 1894, the world was experiencing significant turmoil. Japan had begun using its upgraded military capacity to attack China and its vassal state Korea, with clear ambitions to dominate both nations. Meanwhile, France and Russia established a secret treaty whereby Russia promised to come to France's aid if Germany attacked.
The United States had officially surpassed Great Britain as the world's largest economy, beginning a quiet but rapid ascent toward greater international influence and its own brand of imperialism. In Africa, European colonial powers were creating partitions and local conflicts, some of which persist to this day. Power was shifting from Great Britain and Europe toward ambitious rivals across the globe.
A Vision for Peace Through Sport
Against this backdrop of international ferment, Coubertin invited 2,000 educators, politicians, philanthropists, and business leaders to Sorbonne University in Paris. There, on June 23, 1894, they enthusiastically acclaimed a proposal to revive the Olympic Games. The movement's stated goals were both simple and lofty: to promote friendship, fair play, and what Coubertin called the "joy of effort" rather than mere victory.
"Wars break out because nations misunderstand each other," Coubertin famously declared. "We shall not have peace until the prejudices that now separate the different races are outlived." The first Games under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee were held in Athens just two years later, bringing together 241 athletes from 14 different nations.
Modern Challenges and Compromises
The Olympic founders likely could not have imagined the many ways their movement would become compromised and politicized over the nearly nine decades that followed. The Games have been used repeatedly as propaganda tools and political footballs. International Olympic Committee members have faced expulsion and sanctions over allegations of bribery, nepotism, and corruption.
The financial burden of hosting the Olympic Games has skyrocketed dramatically, with the estimated cost of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games reaching approximately $8.4 billion. Despite these significant challenges and controversies, the Olympic movement has demonstrated remarkable resilience and continues to capture global attention.
Enduring Global Appeal
Research conducted for the International Olympic Committee by Nielsen, Ipsos, and Publicis Sport & Entertainment reveals that more than five billion people worldwide followed the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. Media rights-holders, including CBC in Canada, consistently garner massive audiences and millions of digital engagements during Olympic events.
The celebration of Canadian speed skating gold medalists Ivanie Blondin, Valerie Maltais, and Isabelle Weidemann during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics exemplifies the powerful national pride and international camaraderie the Games continue to inspire. Despite their imperfections, the Olympic Games provide a unique platform for nations to set aside differences and celebrate shared human achievement, athletic excellence, and the possibility of peaceful competition.
