The Olympics should be cancelled

By. S. Chamberlain

129 years... thats how long the  Modern Olympic Games have been going on for.  3,000 years is how long ago the ancient Olympic games happened. The games are literally history. We need to think about our future. The games are no longer only about celebration and sport, they have also become about politics; athletes are protesting instead of competing. The games are becoming a form of sportswashing, and they are leaving the host cities in serious debt. 


For many host cities, the price of Olympic Glory is long term debt and even experiencing stagnation. Most countries spend between USD 10 – 50 billion on flashy stadiums, Olympic villages and infrastructure, for only 2 weeks of games. These projects usually run over budget, and put pressure on city governments. Millions of people are also displaced due to the Olympics. In Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the favela Community of Vila Autodromo was destroyed. Dwellings were demolished and hundreds of families were forced to leave so they could build for the upcoming sports events. Not only are the Olympics a financial burden but they also uproot families, not necessarily for the better? 


In theory the Olympics are supposed to be an international event, including all nations, however it actually reflects the inequality amongst countries. The same countries are always winning, for instance the USA, China, Russia, the UK, Japan and Germany. This is because they are wealthier countries, and invest more into their athletes training and practice. For instance, during Tokyo Olympics 2022 the top 10 countries won aproximately 60% of the medals, while over 70 nations didn’t win a single medal. This shows that developing nations have a much smaller chance at winning the games when compared with more developed countries, suggesting that only economically advanced nations really compete against each other.  


Before globalization started the Olympics were glorified and known as a celebration. However, nowadays it is more of a way to position your nation in society. It is no longer a tradition, it has become an unacceptable way to enhance your global reputation. The nations use the games as a method to show off, it makes them look powerful internationally, they spend billions to show a polished image to the public. Not only this, but countries also boycott others for political statements. An example is the 1980 and 1984 games where the US and the Soviet Union boycotted each other’s games during the cold war. Moreover, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC), banned South Africa from participating in the Games due to their apartheid policies, further proving how politics are a major factor in the Olympics.  Not only do the nations themselves get involved politically, but so do individual athletes, from black power salutes to kneeling during national anthems. Many have been punished instead of celebrated for speaking out and protesting.  


The Olympics sell themselves as prestigieous and unifying. However in reality the games are only leaving debt and gradual deterioration to their host countries. These games are expensive, political and unfair. It is time we question ourselves; what are we really cheering for?  
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