The Political Heritage of the Olympic Games: Relevance, Risks, And Possible Rewards

The political goal of the Modern Olympism is clearly stated in the Olympic Charter: "to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity." (1) This goal hasn't changed in the 100+ year history of the modern Games; indeed it was inspired by the 1,000+ year history of the Ancient Olympic Festival. But we now know that the 19th century European revivalists manipulated Hellenic ideals to suit their own upper-class agendas, and we may wonder whether the Games' ancient political heritage has any relevance to the modern Movement at all. Today's Olympic challenges include discrimination based on religion and gender, cultural hegemony and saber-rattling among the wealthy and powerful, and global environmental degradation. The ancient Olympic Games may have helped to foster peace in antiquity, but it is hard to see how a religiously and culturally homogeneous festival that excluded females, foreigners, and slaves could teach any lessons to its younger, secular, cosmopolitan descendent. A closer look reveals, however, that ancient and modern Olympic politics are not so different as they may first appear. The ancient Olympic Games were successful precisely because they used sport to effectively address issues of social discrimination and national rivalry, while inspiring diverse individuals to unite for a common cause. If the modern Olympic Movement wishes to achieve its political goals, it should understand the relevance, risks, and possible rewards of its ancient political heritage.