SFH #211: The Olympics

Sport, culture, and education

My lasting first memory of the Olympics was the 1984 track and field competition that featured Carl Lewis all over the TV screen as the ‘fastest man alive’. At least that was my impression. The hype was real and I was enamored. I wanted to be loved and celebrated as much as he was for running fast. And oh boy those gold medals. I still can’t imagine a more impressive symbol of athletic excellence (at least the 6 year old in me can’t). 🏅

As the 2024 Summer Games kick off, I was thinking about how much reverence and love I have for the competition, so I did a quick search of how modern summer games evolved.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin is the answer. This French educator founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and revitalized the Olympic Games providing the foundation for what we see today.

The Olympic Games were originally envisioned by Coubertin as an opportunity to promote global camaraderie and fair competition based on his belief that sports are essential to character development and moral development.

He developed the philosophy of Olympism, which blends sport with culture and education. It aims to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility, and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.

In addition, he contributed to the Olympic Charter, which outlined the principles and rules of the Olympic Movement and included the motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius", emphasizing the pursuit of excellence.

And it was he who suggested the five interlocking rings as the symbol for the Olympics, symbolizing unity between the five continents.

Coubertin’s dedication to the Olympics laid the groundwork for the games we see now, which have grown to become one of the largest and most influential sporting events in the world. His vision of using sports to promote peace and understanding continues to be a central theme of the Olympic Movement.

Happy 2024 Games!