The Olympics is an event that the various nations of the world get excited for in their own patriotic ways. It is a time for the nations to unite and share a common passion while at the same time planning to defeat each other - even if some athletes have a head start because of where they come from. Nevertheless, it is certainly an event that can capture the world's attention and combine us all to create a global audience.
(Australian hurdler Sally Pearson competing at London, 2012)
We tune in to the opening ceremonies to see the state of the venue and how much money has gone into the production of the evening. The entire Athens Olympics in 2004 cost approximately $11 billion. That is a frighteningly big commitment for a country that was reportedly almost $400 billion in debt (Derek Gatopoulos, Huffington Post 2010).
The money aspect comes into play long before the Olympics actually start. It is obvious that athletes from wealthier countries will be more likely to afford the high level of training that they need to reach Olympic standard. According to BBC sports journalist Matt Slater (2008), the United States Olympic Committee estimated that in 2006, China had 185,184 athletes participating in training at 1782 specialist sports schools. Wealth combined with a large population will surely give a country Olympic domination.
These figures suggest that the Olympics are not truly global, though the event does attract a lot of media attention. As a result, the media have created some kind of global cultural flow meaning that sport is something we can all have in common (even if the aim is to defeat all other competing countries), whether we are from a more modernised part of the world or somewhere that is still developing.
References
Gatopoulos, D 2010, 'Greek Financial Crisis: Did 2004 Athens Olympics Spark Problems In Greece?', Huffington Post, 6th March 2010, retrieved 8th August 2012, <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/03/greek-financial-crisis-olympics_n_598829.html>
Slater, M 2008, 'China vs USA - who will win this blockbuster battle of the superpowers?', BBC Sport Olympics Blog, 6th August 2008, retrieved 8th August 2012, <http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/08/china_v_usa_who_will_win_this.html>
This was a lovely article that I really enjoyed reading especially the part about China having so many athletes! I also think you looked at the two sides of the argument really well. If I had to change something, I might suggest sticking to one side of the debate because it is such a small word limit, but I think you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I like the fact that you acknowledged both sides of the argument, because everyone else seems to forget that although it is not a truly global even, the Olympics, in its most basic form, creates that cultural flow of competitive sport which can be shared by any country in the world. You have great references in your article, particularly the statistics, which definitely support and enhance your argument. Your writing style is great, it is academic but not overly formal and there is a good amount of original content which is pleasing to read. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI find it easy to read your blog because you have clearly explained yourself from real life example. Globalisation has positive and negative side, you did cover that by simple presenting both side of argument. Another great example how wealthier countries such as China spend fortune to develop their athlete. Also how you used figures to support your point of view did really get my attention. Keep it up lovely blog
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