The Olympic Games are the world’s most famous sporting event, with participation from nearly every country. The games are divided into the Summer and Winter Olympics, each held every four years. The original purpose of these games is to unite the minds of people across the globe and allow everyone to enjoy a worldwide festival. However, the Olympic Games have increasingly been viewed as a tool for the benefit of a select few. How and why are the Olympics now considered a tragic and brutal event instead of a festival for all?
Since the 20th century, the Olympic Games have been used by politicians for their own agendas. The most infamous example is the 1936 Olympics, held in Germany. While many nations and athletes participated safely, the primary purpose of the games was to serve as Nazi propaganda. Just three years later, Germany initiated the deadliest conflict in history, World War II, which led to the cancellation of two Olympic Games. Thankfully, after World War II, the world was reminded of the true purpose of the Olympics: peace and unity. The London Olympics in 1948 and the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 were successfully held with this spirit in mind.
However, tragic events began to mar the Olympic Games starting in 1968. The 1968 Olympics were held in Mexico, but the Mexican government committed a massacre against college students protesting the games the day before the opening ceremony. Following the games, the Mexican economy also began to decline. Perhaps the most infamous tragedy in Olympic history occurred during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. On September 5, eight members of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village and took eleven Israeli athletes and coaches hostage. Negotiations were attempted, but tragically, all the hostages and terrorists died during an event meant to promote peace.
The 1976 Montreal Olympics in Canada was another turning point, as it became the most financially disastrous in Olympic history. After this, many countries became hesitant to host the Olympics due to the economic strain involved. Unfortunately, financial concerns continue to be a major issue for host countries, as seen with the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics. In recent times, the Olympics have even been used by authoritarian leaders to distract and pacify their populations. For example, Russia invaded Georgia after the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Ukraine after the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Given these developments, many people no longer see the Olympics as a symbol of humanity’s peaceful unity, which was its original purpose. The 2024 Paris Olympics have already been mired in controversy, with political correctness being debated in relation to the opening ceremony. Even during events meant to promote peace, humanity remains divided and embroiled in controversy. In ancient times, people from various regions at least enjoyed the Olympic ceremony in peace. I hope that today, everyone can set aside their anger and adopt a more positive, optimistic attitude during the Olympics.
By. Jungwoo Choe