The Olympic Games has always meant more than just athletic battles of the world's greatest and strongest. The Games often become a forum for political protest, for social change.
Financially, the Olympic brand itself is currently the second largest brand, according to recent reports by CNN, demonstrating the large influence that games may have. As a powerhouse brand, the International Olympic Committee takes on the responsibility, claiming sports may be a gateway towards peaceful global relations and progression. Yet, history does not seem to have supported this statement. Take for example the Munich Olympics, or even the recent decision to award the 2008 Games to Beijing amid human rights issues.
Can the Olympics truly carry more than weight of athletic competition successfully? Wall Street Journal Reporter Andrew Roberts asserts that the Olympics are just athletic competitions and beyond that cannot handle much more.
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Comments [3]
It is worth mentioning that the 1916, 1940, and 1944 Olympics were cancelled because of war.
It is not always about the Jews/Israel! Really, not every topic has to be about that aspect!
Afghanistan invasion by Russia? Last I looked WE were there, and not because we were invited!
My idea of the ideal Olympian is Milo of Kroton, who was the champion wrestler for six Olympic games in ancient Greece. He was also a follower of the philosopher and mathematician Pythagorus. Milo once used his great strength to save his teacher and fellow students from a falling hypotenuse when the roof of their meeting hall collapsed.
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