It's the inspiring motto of the modern Olympic Games.
...and it has always been, ever since the formation of the International Olympic Committee in 1894.
But does it have any valuable meaning left in it?
Does anybody nowadays pay the solemn respect it deserves?
Those questions are probably not hard to answer, considering all the controversies that have grasped the spirit and choked it since the revival of the sacred Games back in 1896. Just imagine, what in the world would Pierre de Coubertin think or say if he saw the current status of the Games in which he so enthusiastically helped to reintroduce to the world?
With the Beijing Olympics slowly revealing its face behind the horizon, this writer can't help it but wonder where the spirit of the Olympics has gone?
Like a pot of shimmering water baking under the inescapable heat of the sun, the meaning of the Olympic Games is rapidly evaporating. It's daunting to think that it may never condense again, that's to say, the trend may be irreversible.
...and it has always been, ever since the formation of the International Olympic Committee in 1894.
But does it have any valuable meaning left in it?
Does anybody nowadays pay the solemn respect it deserves?
Those questions are probably not hard to answer, considering all the controversies that have grasped the spirit and choked it since the revival of the sacred Games back in 1896. Just imagine, what in the world would Pierre de Coubertin think or say if he saw the current status of the Games in which he so enthusiastically helped to reintroduce to the world?With the Beijing Olympics slowly revealing its face behind the horizon, this writer can't help it but wonder where the spirit of the Olympics has gone?
Like a pot of shimmering water baking under the inescapable heat of the sun, the meaning of the Olympic Games is rapidly evaporating. It's daunting to think that it may never condense again, that's to say, the trend may be irreversible.
But metaphors aside, here are just some of the sweet-tooths that are crumbling away the once sizeable cookie of the Olympic spirit.
1. Let's Go Commercial!
NBC paid $5.7 BILLION for the Olympic broadcasting rights from the Games of Sydney to London. Pause for a moment and think about that. 5 700 000 000 dollars! This was just ONE of the many out-of-their-mind networks who were willing to write 9 digit cheques to cover the 16 day long event. Crazy! Is this what sports has turned into?? A bidding war??
And what about those sponsors then? Do you ever get annoyed when the networks bombast you with endless commercials when you could be watching your favourite sprinter hustle on the track? The truth is that everyone's hungry for the money, Olympic organizers included. But should the Olympics be an item of business? Some may argue yes. But take a step back and think. Aren't the Olympic Games supposed to promote peace, unity, passion and bring the best of the world's athletes together? Where has that ideal gone?
2. The Political Perspective
Beijing 2008 is a perfect example. From accusations concerning Tibet to issues about human rights, we heard all the politics we ever wanted to hear and more. Funny, 'cause Japan last hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998 and I don't remember anyone bringing up the notorious war crimes they had committed.
The accusations on China are getting ridiculous. Yes, it's true they took over Tibet in a not so nice fashion, and yes, they don't have a clean human rights record. But such social and political problems exist or have existed for nearly every country in the world. The United States was in the midst of a segregation and civil rights crisis in the 1960's, but by then, the Americans had already played host to the Olympics four times. China is a developing country and it's far from perfect. But progress is being made in nearly every corner of the blossoming country and picking the Communists' bones is not a way to help with that improvement.
Perhaps it doesn't come as a heart-wrenching surprise that the political needle has been deeply injected into the Olympic vein once again. Seventy-two years ago, during the controversial 1936 Games hosted by the terrifying Nazi regime, Germany only sent Aryan athletes to compete. While that was expected of the nasty Nazis, many nations spoke of a boycott in protest of fascism. Despite that, the good spirit of unity eventually came through and a boycott was yielded.
Current events have also taken their toll on the good spirit of competition. As Hungarians revolted against the mighty Soviets in the streets of Budapest in 1956, the two nations fought in a belligerent and bloody water polo match in Melbourne. A few countries also abstained from Melbourne in disappointment of the Soviets, as well as in response to the Suez Canal Crisis.
The story has unfortunately only gotten worse from there. In 1968, at the groundbreaking Mexico City Olympics, African-American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their arms in a powerful and infamous Black Power Salute during the national anthem of the United States at their medal ceremony. While this political statement is now viewed as an inspirational and even courageous gesture in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, it cannot detach itself from intense scrutiny into the politicization of the Olympic movement.
Boycotts of varied magnitudes struck the Games of Montreal, Moscow, Los Angeles and Seoul. And while the celebrations in Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney and Athens were less politically contentious, the tragedy of political Olympics has already dawned on the upcoming Games and one can only hope the spirit of the eternal flame will prevail in the end.
3. The Needle in the Butt
Ahh...of course, did we really expect the most global sporting event in the world to be immune from the rampant steroid use that has clouded over countless athletes and sports in recent history?
It is an absolute shame, a shame beyond what words can describe. Why would anyone in their right mind commit such atrocities to their one and only body? Don't they know that doping is the equivalent of suicide? Don't they know that drugs destroy the virtuous best and the egregious worst of athletes? Is it just because of fame, money and glory that these bright young men and women consume steroids and drugs at a mind-boggling rate? If so, then we have found the textbook definition of "perversity" and we might as well abandon the whole ideal of the Olympic Movement.
At the Athens Games during the summer of 2004, a new record was set for the most competitors testing positive for banned substances. This is no record to be proud of! While many accredit this increase on stricter testing, it is, nonetheless, an unpleasant trend, one that prompts a plethora of debates. The only way to restore the purity and integrity of the Olympics is through promotion of the good spirit. The IOC, while seemingly in control of the doping situation, still lacks a truly committed group of good guys who are willing to reverse the worrisome pattern of chemical consumption.
Even a modest reduction in doping incidents in Beijing would signal a commendable success considering what has gone on with other sports in recent years, but until then, we can only search for the meaning of Citius, Altius, Fortius somewhere else.
4. If you can't beat 'em, Bribe 'em!
"Here's a gift...please vote for our city!"
If you think the IOC members are righteous and honest enough to reject those gifts, think again!
While this accusation doesn't apply to all, or most members of the voting council, there are the mischievous few who will do anything for personal benefit. And considering there are people who will go out of their way to get the votes of the mischievous few, you've got a perfect equation set up for bribery.
Think about it, does it make any sense that the IOC awarded the Winter Games of 2002 to Salt Lake City, Utah when Atlanta, Georgia hosted the Summer Games a mere 6 years prior? What happened to the tradition of rotating on different continents? What happened to giving as many countries a chance be the humbled host as possible? Was all that stomped down the sewers because of bribery?
Sadly, at the turn of 1999, the organizers of the Salt Lake City games admitted to influencing the IOC's vote via bribery. This resulted in numerous, high-profile resignations and revealed not only the shameful actions by the Salt Lake crew, but prompted investigations into other prospective bids that wounded up capturing the ultimate prize. These allegations involved the organizers of Atlanta 1996, Nagano 1998, Sydney 2000, and oh yes, even Toronto's unsuccessful bid for the 2008 Games.
So with such widespread corruption taking place within the IOC, what spirit is left of the Olympics when the group of bureaucrats holding the power of awarding the hallowed Games have proven that they don't even bother respecting the motto of Citius, Altius, Fortius?! What hope is there left for that motto to survive, when all its dignity has been ignored and the IOC is virtually trashing itself by giving the cold shoulder to the very same principles on which it was founded?
IOC bashing aside, who the hell decided it was a good idea to PAY the athletes who win medals??!! This thing is downright Preposterous with a capital P, not to mention, bribery-like. Why do athletes need the greenback as motivation? Why should medalists be awarded, when the most passionate of competitors are typically not the ones on the podium? The ridiculous mindset of some nations reinstates the undeniable fact that the world really does revolve around cash. Sad! Truly sad!
5. Bombs away!
In the post 9/11 world, security everywhere is tighter than ever before. You name it, from the expected sites like airports and train stations and government buildings to the more subtle places such as folks' homes, candy factories and bicycle shops. It seems like wherever you step, there's some guard equipped in full uniform, baton by his side, bitter-faced, coldly ready to scramble through your bag. Needless to say, this has become a dark tradition during the Olympic traditions.
Two terrorist attacks have left their ugly dent in the Olympic spirit as well. Infamously, in 1972, the Palestinian terrorist organization "Black September" left a black mark in Munich, massacring 11 Israeli competitors. Cross the Atlantic and 24 years later, another significant violent incident struck as the Olympic festivities went on in Atlanta. This time, bombs were detonated in Centennial Olympic Park by Eric Robert Rudolph, who amazingly would escape arrest for the next 7 years.
Once again, the role of politics gets its chance to shine. Terrorist strikes can be considered a consequence of politicization and this should shake the nerves of the IOC as it is a grim signal of what could or may happen if more is not done to refill the well of the Olympic spirit.
With security measures at unimaginable heights for the upcoming Beijing Games, it makes one
wonder whether the world can make an improbable return back to the days where only handfuls of cash was needed to purchase an Olympic ticket, not passport, driver's license, home address, email, fingerprint, and the names of your pets. Of course, September 11th changed all of that. The Olympics went from being a wild party to a lockdown after those attacks. If only we didn't need policemen carrying nuclear radiation detectors or AK47s around Olympic sites...if they just carried a warm, cordial smile, then the spirit and the party would be alive and well.
As with a spectrum of other things in life, many people have lost the compassionate ability to appreciate the beauty of sports and sportsmanship. Instead, just about everyone is crazy about money. Just about everyone blindly follows the evil ideals of commercialism while being influenced by the bigotry of the media.
The Olympic Movement has seen more than its share of nastiness, hatred and terror. That has
reduced the spirit and meaning of the once great motto to a mere dot. But it is still a breathable and savable distance away from extinction. From time to time come a few athletes who express the highest of Olympic ideals and earn the utmost respect of others with their virtuous sportsmanship. The greedless athletes who persevere and struggle to the finish line despite injury or failure. The selfless athletes who don't whine or brag but instead congratulate others and are just happy to be in the competition. Those are the role models that will make the spirit resurrect to its full potential! Unfortunately, they don't get the attention they deserve.
When the ancient Greeks gathered for the celebration of the Olympic Games back when human civilization was only beginning to thrive, they did it in the spirit of unity, ebullience, harmony, respect, camaraderie, collaboration and inspiration. That was the original essence of the Olympic Games and that is what is missing from the Movement today.
What has this world come to?!
1. Let's Go Commercial!
NBC paid $5.7 BILLION for the Olympic broadcasting rights from the Games of Sydney to London. Pause for a moment and think about that. 5 700 000 000 dollars! This was just ONE of the many out-of-their-mind networks who were willing to write 9 digit cheques to cover the 16 day long event. Crazy! Is this what sports has turned into?? A bidding war??
And what about those sponsors then? Do you ever get annoyed when the networks bombast you with endless commercials when you could be watching your favourite sprinter hustle on the track? The truth is that everyone's hungry for the money, Olympic organizers included. But should the Olympics be an item of business? Some may argue yes. But take a step back and think. Aren't the Olympic Games supposed to promote peace, unity, passion and bring the best of the world's athletes together? Where has that ideal gone?
2. The Political Perspective
Beijing 2008 is a perfect example. From accusations concerning Tibet to issues about human rights, we heard all the politics we ever wanted to hear and more. Funny, 'cause Japan last hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998 and I don't remember anyone bringing up the notorious war crimes they had committed.
The accusations on China are getting ridiculous. Yes, it's true they took over Tibet in a not so nice fashion, and yes, they don't have a clean human rights record. But such social and political problems exist or have existed for nearly every country in the world. The United States was in the midst of a segregation and civil rights crisis in the 1960's, but by then, the Americans had already played host to the Olympics four times. China is a developing country and it's far from perfect. But progress is being made in nearly every corner of the blossoming country and picking the Communists' bones is not a way to help with that improvement.
Perhaps it doesn't come as a heart-wrenching surprise that the political needle has been deeply injected into the Olympic vein once again. Seventy-two years ago, during the controversial 1936 Games hosted by the terrifying Nazi regime, Germany only sent Aryan athletes to compete. While that was expected of the nasty Nazis, many nations spoke of a boycott in protest of fascism. Despite that, the good spirit of unity eventually came through and a boycott was yielded.
Current events have also taken their toll on the good spirit of competition. As Hungarians revolted against the mighty Soviets in the streets of Budapest in 1956, the two nations fought in a belligerent and bloody water polo match in Melbourne. A few countries also abstained from Melbourne in disappointment of the Soviets, as well as in response to the Suez Canal Crisis.
The story has unfortunately only gotten worse from there. In 1968, at the groundbreaking Mexico City Olympics, African-American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their arms in a powerful and infamous Black Power Salute during the national anthem of the United States at their medal ceremony. While this political statement is now viewed as an inspirational and even courageous gesture in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, it cannot detach itself from intense scrutiny into the politicization of the Olympic movement.Boycotts of varied magnitudes struck the Games of Montreal, Moscow, Los Angeles and Seoul. And while the celebrations in Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney and Athens were less politically contentious, the tragedy of political Olympics has already dawned on the upcoming Games and one can only hope the spirit of the eternal flame will prevail in the end.
3. The Needle in the Butt
Ahh...of course, did we really expect the most global sporting event in the world to be immune from the rampant steroid use that has clouded over countless athletes and sports in recent history?
It is an absolute shame, a shame beyond what words can describe. Why would anyone in their right mind commit such atrocities to their one and only body? Don't they know that doping is the equivalent of suicide? Don't they know that drugs destroy the virtuous best and the egregious worst of athletes? Is it just because of fame, money and glory that these bright young men and women consume steroids and drugs at a mind-boggling rate? If so, then we have found the textbook definition of "perversity" and we might as well abandon the whole ideal of the Olympic Movement.At the Athens Games during the summer of 2004, a new record was set for the most competitors testing positive for banned substances. This is no record to be proud of! While many accredit this increase on stricter testing, it is, nonetheless, an unpleasant trend, one that prompts a plethora of debates. The only way to restore the purity and integrity of the Olympics is through promotion of the good spirit. The IOC, while seemingly in control of the doping situation, still lacks a truly committed group of good guys who are willing to reverse the worrisome pattern of chemical consumption.
Even a modest reduction in doping incidents in Beijing would signal a commendable success considering what has gone on with other sports in recent years, but until then, we can only search for the meaning of Citius, Altius, Fortius somewhere else.
4. If you can't beat 'em, Bribe 'em!
"Here's a gift...please vote for our city!"
If you think the IOC members are righteous and honest enough to reject those gifts, think again!
While this accusation doesn't apply to all, or most members of the voting council, there are the mischievous few who will do anything for personal benefit. And considering there are people who will go out of their way to get the votes of the mischievous few, you've got a perfect equation set up for bribery.
Think about it, does it make any sense that the IOC awarded the Winter Games of 2002 to Salt Lake City, Utah when Atlanta, Georgia hosted the Summer Games a mere 6 years prior? What happened to the tradition of rotating on different continents? What happened to giving as many countries a chance be the humbled host as possible? Was all that stomped down the sewers because of bribery?Sadly, at the turn of 1999, the organizers of the Salt Lake City games admitted to influencing the IOC's vote via bribery. This resulted in numerous, high-profile resignations and revealed not only the shameful actions by the Salt Lake crew, but prompted investigations into other prospective bids that wounded up capturing the ultimate prize. These allegations involved the organizers of Atlanta 1996, Nagano 1998, Sydney 2000, and oh yes, even Toronto's unsuccessful bid for the 2008 Games.
So with such widespread corruption taking place within the IOC, what spirit is left of the Olympics when the group of bureaucrats holding the power of awarding the hallowed Games have proven that they don't even bother respecting the motto of Citius, Altius, Fortius?! What hope is there left for that motto to survive, when all its dignity has been ignored and the IOC is virtually trashing itself by giving the cold shoulder to the very same principles on which it was founded?
IOC bashing aside, who the hell decided it was a good idea to PAY the athletes who win medals??!! This thing is downright Preposterous with a capital P, not to mention, bribery-like. Why do athletes need the greenback as motivation? Why should medalists be awarded, when the most passionate of competitors are typically not the ones on the podium? The ridiculous mindset of some nations reinstates the undeniable fact that the world really does revolve around cash. Sad! Truly sad!5. Bombs away!
In the post 9/11 world, security everywhere is tighter than ever before. You name it, from the expected sites like airports and train stations and government buildings to the more subtle places such as folks' homes, candy factories and bicycle shops. It seems like wherever you step, there's some guard equipped in full uniform, baton by his side, bitter-faced, coldly ready to scramble through your bag. Needless to say, this has become a dark tradition during the Olympic traditions.
Two terrorist attacks have left their ugly dent in the Olympic spirit as well. Infamously, in 1972, the Palestinian terrorist organization "Black September" left a black mark in Munich, massacring 11 Israeli competitors. Cross the Atlantic and 24 years later, another significant violent incident struck as the Olympic festivities went on in Atlanta. This time, bombs were detonated in Centennial Olympic Park by Eric Robert Rudolph, who amazingly would escape arrest for the next 7 years.Once again, the role of politics gets its chance to shine. Terrorist strikes can be considered a consequence of politicization and this should shake the nerves of the IOC as it is a grim signal of what could or may happen if more is not done to refill the well of the Olympic spirit.
With security measures at unimaginable heights for the upcoming Beijing Games, it makes one
wonder whether the world can make an improbable return back to the days where only handfuls of cash was needed to purchase an Olympic ticket, not passport, driver's license, home address, email, fingerprint, and the names of your pets. Of course, September 11th changed all of that. The Olympics went from being a wild party to a lockdown after those attacks. If only we didn't need policemen carrying nuclear radiation detectors or AK47s around Olympic sites...if they just carried a warm, cordial smile, then the spirit and the party would be alive and well.As with a spectrum of other things in life, many people have lost the compassionate ability to appreciate the beauty of sports and sportsmanship. Instead, just about everyone is crazy about money. Just about everyone blindly follows the evil ideals of commercialism while being influenced by the bigotry of the media.
The Olympic Movement has seen more than its share of nastiness, hatred and terror. That has
reduced the spirit and meaning of the once great motto to a mere dot. But it is still a breathable and savable distance away from extinction. From time to time come a few athletes who express the highest of Olympic ideals and earn the utmost respect of others with their virtuous sportsmanship. The greedless athletes who persevere and struggle to the finish line despite injury or failure. The selfless athletes who don't whine or brag but instead congratulate others and are just happy to be in the competition. Those are the role models that will make the spirit resurrect to its full potential! Unfortunately, they don't get the attention they deserve.When the ancient Greeks gathered for the celebration of the Olympic Games back when human civilization was only beginning to thrive, they did it in the spirit of unity, ebullience, harmony, respect, camaraderie, collaboration and inspiration. That was the original essence of the Olympic Games and that is what is missing from the Movement today.
What has this world come to?!
-Danny Zhang
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