The Olympic Games is the most recognised sporting event of our time, with 2008 Summer Olympics boasting the largest global viewership. Which estimated by Nielsen Media Research was 70% of the world’s 7-billion human population (watched some part of the coverage).
With that insane coverage in mind, it’s no surprise that countries clamour for a chance to bid on hosting the greatest ever sporting event. But amongst all the fame and fortune there are huge problems that is swept under the carpet while the exciting hype for hosting the games is planned.
Me (on the right) with a friend outside the Panathinaikon Stadium where the first modern day Olympics took place in 1896.
As the cost of Rio 2016 exceeds £3.8 billion of the taxpayer’s money, in reality there are few citizens of Brazil that will be able to afford tickets to the games. Many of these citizens choosing instead to view them from their rooftops.
The closing ceremony of 2012 in London reportedly cost £20 million with the likes of George Michael, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and The Queen making appearances.
London Olympic Closing Ceremony 2012
This money fuelled circus that is the Olympics today could not be further away from what the ancient Greeks created over 2000 years ago, a sacred festival dedicated to their God of Gods Zeus with 5 activities to compete in.
This draws me to the question, what is the essence of the Olympic Spirit?
The Origins of the Olympic Games
The Olympic Games originate from Greece circa 776 BC and were dedicated the Greek Gods of Olympia, specifically the God of all Gods, Zeus. It was a religious festival that lasted 5 days combining athletic competitions and religious ceremonies of ritual sacrifices for Zeus.
A model of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia
The events that the men competed in was a pentathlon (pente meaning 5 in Greek) and consisted of 5 sporting activities; long jump, discus and javelin throwing, sprinting and wrestling. And later on chariot racing and Pankration.
The sprint - the first competition created
Fun Fact: Did you know that the famous Wrestler Milo was said to have trained by carrying a calf every day. As the calf grew in size, so did his muscles.
The winners of the games were held highly in society and considered heroes of their states. It was the greatest achievement to be a winner at the Olympic Games (many of the winner’s men marrying the richest women). The prize was an olive branch wore around the head like a crown.
Fun Fact: Did you know that no women were allowed to compete in the Olympic Games but could own the horses used in the chariot race? Women had their own version of the Olympics held in honour of Hera (wife of Zeus) every four years.
As the Greeks were constantly at war with other states, a sacred truce was introduced 1 month before the Olympic Games began to allow people to travel safely to partake or watch the games. The Scared Truce meant that wars would stop to allow for the safe passage since the Games were considered more important than war as they were a religious festival.
Fun Fact: Did you know that even though the Olympic Games were ‘international’ only Greeks who spoke Greek could take part?
Back to modern day and as the Olympic Games reach their crescendo in Rio, debates over high building and running costs begin to circulate. I ask how responsible is it to take on hosting the games in countries that cannot afford it?
What methods are being taken to make sure that the construction is worth it after the hype has died down?
I trawled through this article and found some rather beautiful images of past Olympic Games sites that have now been left forgotten.
Beach Volley Venue, Beijing, 2008
Bobsled Track, Sarajevo, 1984
Training Pool, Athens, 2004
Soviet Venue, Moscow, 1980
Tennis Court, Atlanta, 1996
Swimming Pool, Berlin, 1936
Modern day Olympic Games have positives and I like the rest of the world will be tuning in to watch my favourite sports events and the competitors break world records and make history. I will share the joy and jump up cheering when my country win medals.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Olympics.
But as the firework smoke clears and cheers of the closing ceremony die down, my mind will go back to the bid promises of high use for the new sport stadiums, pools and arenas and I want to know that the country will be able to maintain the promise and won't allow these new additions to society to go to waste.
I would love to know what your thoughts are on the topic of new builds to house the Olympics and to open a positive discussion below. So please feel free to make your comments and share your thoughts.
But before I go, here is a small youtube clip of me performing my own ten meter non-Olympic forward chest slide, yelp included.
Natnot xx