While the eyes of the entire sports community are on the finale of the World Cup, thousands of athletes are preparing for their most important event: the Olympic Games. The Games, which once had the slogan “what matters is participation,” have long been focused on fame, power and business.

The origins of the Olympic Games date back to ancient Greece, where they were held in honor of the god Zeus. The modern Games were revived in 1896 thanks to Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator who wanted to promote sport and friendship among nations.

Today, the Olympic Games bring together thousands of athletes representing more than 200 countries. They participate in sports such as athletics, swimming, football (soccer), basketball, and gymnastics. Competitors strive to win gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Beyond the competition, the Olympic Games promote important values ​​such as respect, excellence, friendship, and solidarity. They also help to bring nations closer together and celebrate the world’s cultural diversity.

One of the most important symbols of the Olympic Games is the Olympic flame. It is lit in Greece and carried by torchbearers to the host city. The flame represents peace, unity, and the connection between the ancient and modern Olympic Games. Another important symbol is the Olympic flag, which features five interlocking rings. These rings represent the five inhabited continents of the world and symbolize the unity of athletes from different countries.

Each edition of the Olympic Games is hosted by a different city. The host city prepares stadiums, transportation, and accommodations for athletes and visitors. Hosting the Games can bring economic benefits and international recognition to a country.

The Olympic Games also include the Paralympic Games, where athletes with disabilities compete at a high level. These competitions demonstrate courage, determination, and the power of sport to inspire people around the world.

The Olympic Games encourage young people to participate in sports and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Millions of spectators around the world watch the Games and support their favorite athletes and teams. Thanks to the Olympic Games, people from different cultures can meet, share experiences, and build mutual understanding. The Olympic Games then are much more than a sporting event. They unite people from different cultures, encourage fair play, and inspire millions of people to pursue their dreams through sport.

Since their inception in the late 19th century, the Olympic Games have undergone numerous transformations. While some disciplines, such as athletics, swimming, and gymnastics, have been present for a long time, other sports appear or disappear depending on the era. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) regularly seeks to modernize the Olympic program to maintain public interest and reflect the evolution of sporting practices worldwide. Recent editions of the Olympic Games perfectly illustrate this desire for change, notably with the introduction of new sports in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games marked a significant milestone in this evolution. Several relatively new disciplines were highlighted to attract a younger audience and reflect new sporting trends. Among these sports were skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing, which had already made their debut at the Tokyo 2021 Games. These disciplines enjoyed great success thanks to their spectacular nature and their popularity with younger generations.

The main novelty of Paris 2024, however, was breakdancing. This discipline originated from hip-hop culture, which emerged in the 1970s in the United States. Breakdancing competitions pit dancers against each other, showcasing acrobatic moves, strength maneuvers, and artistic performances judged by a panel of judges. Its inclusion in the Olympic program demonstrated the International Olympic Committee’s commitment to embracing more modern and urban sports. While this experiment sparked considerable debate, it also demonstrated the Olympic Games’ ability to evolve with the times.

The next Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028. This edition will also bring several significant changes. The American organizers secured the addition of five sports to the official program: cricket, flag football, squash, lacrosse, and baseball/softball.

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. Widely played in countries like India, Pakistan, Australia, and England, it boasts hundreds of millions of fans. Its inclusion in the Olympic Games therefore, represents an opportunity to reach a vast audience. Although cricket was already on the Olympic program in 1900, its return after more than a century is a major event.

Squash will also make its Olympic debut. This racquet sport, played in an enclosed space, has been practiced in many countries for several decades. Despite its international popularity and numerous requests from its federations, it had never been accepted into the Olympic Games. Its inclusion in Los Angeles 2028 is therefore considered a significant recognition for athletes in this discipline.

Flag football is a simplified version of American football. Unlike traditional American football, physical contact is limited. Players must pull a flag attached to their opponents’ waists rather than tackling them to the ground. This sport is particularly popular in the United States and is experiencing rapid growth in several parts of the world. Its inclusion in the Olympic Games will introduce this sport to an international audience.

Lacrosse will also make a comeback. This team sport, whose origins date back to the Indigenous peoples of North America, is played with a stick used to carry and throw a ball. Already featured in some Olympic Games in the early 20th century, it returns in a modern form called “Lacrosse Sixes,” which offers a faster and more dynamic game.

Finally, baseball and softball will be reinstated to the Olympic program. These two sports have been included in several editions of the Games before being removed and then reintroduced on certain occasions. Their return to Los Angeles is largely due to their immense popularity in the United States, as well as in several countries in Asia and Latin America.

The evolution of the Olympic program demonstrates that the Games are not static. Organizers constantly strive to balance tradition and modernity. Traditional sports retain their central place, but new disciplines are added to reflect contemporary tastes and the evolution of sporting practices worldwide. This strategy also makes the Games more attractive to younger generations and to countries where certain sports are particularly popular.

The Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 editions perfectly illustrate the Olympic Games’ capacity for renewal. The introduction of breakdancing in Paris and the arrival of cricket, squash, flag football, lacrosse, and baseball/softball in Los Angeles demonstrate the Olympic movement’s commitment to adapting to societal changes. These changes allow the Games to remain one of the most-watched and important sporting events in the world while opening their doors to new disciplines and athletes.

At the Olympic Games, to participate or to win: which should you really prioritize?

The Olympic Games are one of the most important sporting events in the world. Every four years, thousands of athletes from different countries come together to compete in numerous disciplines. For a long time, one phrase has been associated with the Games: “It’s the taking part that counts.” Yet, many believe that winning is the main objective. So, which should you really prioritize: participating or winning?

Participating in the Olympic Games is already a tremendous achievement. Athletes must train for years to reach a sufficiently high level. They dedicate a great deal of time and energy to their preparation. For some athletes, being present at the Games represents the culmination of a dream. They have the opportunity to represent their country and compete against the best athletes in the world.

However, it’s normal to want to win. Athletes don’t participate just to be there: they also strive to achieve the best possible results. An Olympic medal rewards the efforts, sacrifices, and determination demonstrated throughout their careers. Victory is often the result of hard work and great perseverance.

But the Olympic Games are more than just medals. They also convey important values ​​such as respect, fair play, courage, and pushing beyond one’s limits. Some athletes remain famous not for their victories, but for their exemplary behavior or their ability to never give up despite difficulties.

In my opinion, participating and winning are two complementary goals. Winning is important because it rewards the athletes’ efforts. However, participating remains essential, as it allows one to live a unique experience and represent their country with pride. Ultimately, what matters most is giving your best while respecting the values ​​of sport.

Adrien Gravereaux

Sources:
Olympics.com
Britannica.com – Olympic Games
Britannica.com – Pierre de Coubertin
Paralympic.com 

https://www.olympics.com/en/ 
https://www.britannica.com/sports/Olympic-Games https://www.olympics.com/ioc/olympic-values
https://www.paralympic.org
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pierre-de-Coubertin