The Olympics: A Symbol of Peace and Unity?

Sports and politics are inevitably intertwined, with the Olympics being the most evident example of this complex relationship. Article proposed by one of our followers: E. Ferrante from Paris.

"Just as water is the most precious of all elements, as gold is more valuable than any other good, as the sun shines brighter than any other star, so does Olympia outshine all other games." - Pindar, Greek lyric poet

The ancient Olympics, established in 776 B.C., have always been steeped in myth and held significant historical, human, and political importance. According to Plutarch, King Iphitos of Elis and King Lycurgus of Sparta chose Olympia as a neutral, sacred, and inviolable place. This decision symbolized a perpetual truce between the two kings and their peoples.

From the beginning, the Olympics held substantial political significance. They served as a major gathering for the Greeks, allowing them to transcend geographical and political divisions and rediscover their shared Greek identity. More importantly, the games symbolized a period of peace, or more precisely, a suspension of hostilities throughout the Greek world. This truce, known as "ekecheiria," was proclaimed by peace messengers, reaffirming the sanctity of Olympia and guaranteeing asylum for delegations traveling to the city.

For centuries, the Olympics were a time of peace and a celebration of human beauty, symbolized by the athletes. These games required superior ethical and physical preparation.

These principles were embraced by Pierre de Coubertin, who stated:

"Olympism is not a system but a state of mind. Various disciplines and methods can be imbued with it, and it does not belong exclusively to any race or era."

Thus, the universal nature of the modern Olympic Games was established in 1894 at the Sorbonne University, open to all nations to bring people together through sport.

Despite these noble intentions, political power has often appropriated the Olympics for its own ends. For example, the 1936 Berlin Olympics were used by the Nazi regime as a propaganda tool to promote Nazi ideology, showcase a united, powerful, modern Germany, and hide the persecution of Jews and Romani people, as well as rising militarism. This politically charged atmosphere led to the first calls for a boycott, although none were heeded. This set a precedent for future boycotts: in 1976, twenty-two African countries boycotted to protest South Africa's apartheid, and in 1980, sixty-five nations boycotted in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Similarly, in 1984, the USSR and fourteen other countries boycotted.

However, even amid human conflicts, the Olympics have shown that humans can rise above politics and divisions. During the 1936 Berlin Games, German athlete Luz Long assisted Jesse Owens during the long jump qualifications, helping him qualify for the final. In an incredible display of sportsmanship, Owens won the gold medal and set a world record, with Long winning silver. They celebrated together, showing that human respect and pure sentiment can surpass any ideology or political dictate, bringing people and nations closer together.

Given that the Olympics symbolize peace and brotherhood, Paris, the host of the upcoming games, should be a neutral place where athletes, regardless of their countries' actions, can compete peacefully. This stands in contrast to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's statement that "Russian and Belarusian athletes are not welcome in Paris."

Jesse Owens, reflecting on his friendship with Luz Long, said,

"You could melt down all the medals and cups I have, and it wouldn't be worth the 24-carat friendship I felt for Luz Long at that moment."

This sentiment captures the true spirit of the Olympics.