The History and Future of the Olympics Essay -- Exploratory Essays Res

The History and Future of the Olympics It is the year 2004, and everyone who is anyone in the world of athletics is headed to Athens, Greece. To some people Athens is just an ancient city where the myths of Hercules and Zeus were originated, but this year, it's not just an ancient city, it's a reunion of where sports began. Even thought they won't be played in the nude it will still be considered a reunion. That's right; the Olympics are headed back to their hometown of Athens, or at least it's close enough. However, looking back on the years, both modern and ancient, there has been quite a change in our Olympic events. The ancient Olympic event was all about glory, athleticism and total representation of one's own country. It seems to me that the Olympics have lost some of its touch when it comes to athleticism (cryptoworld.com). In addition, whatever happened to the idea of Amateur Athleticism? There was even a federation called International Amateur Athletics Federation formed, and it was stated that in order to participate in the Olympics, one must not be paid. Now, in modern terms, all they must do is take a break from being paid in their professional season to participate. The motto of the ancient Olympics is "Citius, Altius, Fortius", which in terms that we understand, "Faster, Higher, Stronger". Where are these three words are interpreted in table tennis, archery, equestrian, race walking, curling, synchronized swimming, synchronized diving (Contoni). These "games" just are not exciting and have nothing to do with the motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius". So, what does make an Olympic sport a spo rt? The answer is a majority of vote or enough complaints about discrimination against a sport that the International Olympi... ...cs." Physics Web. September 2000. http://physicsweb.org/article/world/13/9/8. Kahn, Jonathon. "Why Too Many Olympic Sports Are Neither." July 12, 2000. March 26, 2004. slate.msn.com/id/86069. Mallette, V. "Technology and the Olympics." Sport Information. http://www.ausport.gov.au/info/factsheets/tech.html. Michaelis, Vicki and Yu, Vincent. "IOC panel wants to drop basesball, add golf." USA Today. April 7,2004 http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2002-08-28-golf_x.htm People's Daily Online. People Daily. Monday, October 20, 2003. March 26, 2004. http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200310/20/eng20031020_126437.shtml. Technology and the Olympics. "Sport Information." 1996. March 15, 2004. http://www.ausport.gov.au/info/factsheets/tech.html "The Olympic Games." Winged Sandals. March 15, 2004. <http://www.abc.net.au/arts/wingedsandals/history2.htm>