It's Supposed to Be One of the Pinnacles of Sport. It Actually Kind of Blows.

Introduction

The Olympics are often hailed as the pinnacle of sport, a global celebration of athleticism and human achievement. But what if I told you that the Olympics are actually kind of a joke? Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing athletes who compete in the Olympics, and there are some truly inspiring stories of triumph and perseverance. But the Olympics are also plagued by a number of problems that make them less than the ideal sporting event.

In this article, I will take a closer look at some of the problems with the Olympics and explain why I believe they are actually kind of a joke. I will also offer some suggestions for how the Olympics could be improved.

The Problems with the Olympics

1. The Olympics are too commercialized.

The Olympics have become a huge business, and the IOC is more interested in making money than in promoting sport. This commercialization has led to a number of problems, including:

• Rising ticket prices that make it difficult for ordinary people to attend the Games.
• The proliferation of corporate sponsorships that can be distracting and even offensive.
• A focus on profit over principle that has led to the IOC making some questionable decisions, such as awarding the 2022 Winter Olympics to Beijing despite China's human rights record.

2. The Olympics are too politicized.

The Olympics have always been a political event, but in recent years they have become even more so. This is due in part to the increasing use of the Games as a platform for political protest. In 2016, for example, several athletes took a knee during the national anthem in protest of police brutality in the United States. This led to a backlash from some viewers who felt that the athletes were disrespecting the flag and the country.

The IOC has tried to crack down on political protests at the Olympics, but this has only served to further politicize the Games. In 2021, the IOC banned athletes from kneeling during the national anthem. This ban was widely criticized by athletes and activists, who argued that it was a violation of their freedom of speech.

3. The Olympics are too focused on nationalism.

The Olympics are supposed to be a celebration of global unity and cooperation. But in reality, the Games are often more about nationalism and rivalry. This is due in part to the way that the Olympics are organized. Athletes compete for their countries, and the medal count is used as a measure of national pride. This can lead to a lot of chest-thumping and jingoism, which can be off-putting to viewers.

The IOC has tried to reduce the focus on nationalism at the Olympics, but this has been difficult to do. The Games are still seen by many as a way to measure national strength and prestige. This focus on nationalism can lead to a number of problems, including:

• A lack of cooperation between athletes from different countries.
• A focus on winning at all costs, even if it means cheating or breaking the rules.
• A lack of respect for athletes from other countries.

How to Improve the Olympics

The Olympics are a flawed event, but they have the potential to be so much more. Here are a few suggestions for how the Olympics could be improved:

• Reduce commercialization. The IOC should focus on promoting sport rather than making money. This could be done by reducing ticket prices, limiting corporate sponsorships, and reinvesting the money saved into the development of sport.
• Reduce politicization. The IOC should create a clear and consistent policy on political protests at the Olympics. This policy should be based on the principles of freedom of speech and respect for others.
• Reduce nationalism. The IOC should find ways to reduce the focus on nationalism at the Olympics. This could be done by changing the way that the Games are organized and by promoting a message of global unity and cooperation.

Conclusion

The Olympics are a unique and special event, but they are also flawed. The IOC needs to address the problems that plague the Games if they want to keep the Olympics relevant and meaningful in the 21st century.