Olympic ideal is one we should promote

The Olympic Games were formally opened in London yesterday.

It was the third time since the modern Olympics were inaugurated in 1896 that the Games have been in London.

Many changes have been witnessed in that time.

The French educationalist, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, is generally credited with being the father of the modern Olympics. He understood the importance of physical education and he inspired the Olympic idea as a means of encouraging physical exercise and promoting healthy living.

The Olympic ideal stressed that the most important thing was not winning, but taking part. In the ancient Olympics in Greece, only winners were recognised, but when the Games were revived in Athens in 1896, all of the participants were awarded a competitor’s medal, while each winner and runner-up received special silver and bronze medals.

In the later quest for gold, silver, and bronze medals, the media has often overlooked the importance of taking part. There is no doubt, however, that the ideal of actually participating is of crucial importance to the vast majority of the competitors.

De Coubertin saw the games as a means of promoting peace. They were stopped only three times during the 20th century — in 1916, 1940 and 1944, during the First and Second World Wars. Otherwise, they continued even when major powers were engaged in other wars.

The modern games have never stopped any conflict, but they have provided a focus and an outlet for nationalism that may well have helped to avoid armed conflicts.

When the Olympic Games were held in London for the first time in 1908, they provided a peaceful outlet for the intense rivalry that existed between Great Britain and its former colony, the US.

By the time they were held in London for a second time in 1948, the Iron Curtain had divided Europe, and the Games provided a sporting outlet for those on each side of the curtain.

Both sides used the games as a means of trying to promote the superiority of its own system of government.

In the process, cheating — in the form of questionable judging and drug-taking — undoubtedly tarnished the games.

Countries from behind the Iron Curtain sought to use sport to promote the claims that the communist system was superior.

But even before the advent of communism, other countries were using the same methods. Probably no country was immune from its people using underhand tactics.

Measures should be implemented to ensure that the Games are as honest and fair as possible, because otherwise, such cheating has the potential to undermine the Games themselves.

For all their faults, the Olympics have undoubtedly been an invaluable aid in promoting the ideal of physical health, but they have also done much more.

In former times, national idols frequently made their reputations posthumously on a battlefield. Now they are more likely to be living proof of accomplishments on the sporting field. It is important in the interests of humanity that this Olympic ideal should be protected and fostered.