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What role do politics play in the selection of Olympic medalists?

Angie Trosdall

Politics play a significant role in the selection of Olympic medalists, often leading to controversy and criticism in the sports world. While the initial purpose of the Olympics was to bring nations together through healthy competition, politics have transformed it into a platform for countries to assert their dominance and power.

One way politics influences the selection of Olympic medalists is through funding. Governments often provide significant financial support to their athletes to ensure their success. This financial backing not only provides athletes with resources such as equipment, infrastructure, and training but also gives them an advantage over international competitors who may have less backing from their own governments. This financial edge can often result in some countries dominating certain Olympic events year after year, while others struggle to compete at all.

Another way politics plays a role in the selection of Olympic medalists is through diplomatic relations between countries. Olympic organizations will occasionally award events to certain countries as a reward for achieving economic or diplomatic successes. Countries hosting the Olympics, therefore, have an additional incentive to ensure their athletes perform well and win medals. This added pressure can result in an increased chance of foul play or cheating as the stakes are higher.

Politics can also play a role in the selection of Olympic athletes themselves. Countries may choose to exclude athletes who do not conform to certain political beliefs or campaigns. This can mean a talented athlete is excluded from their national team, even if they are capable of winning a medal. Conversely, some countries may include athletes who are not good enough to compete, solely to appear more diverse and inclusive.

Furthermore, politics has led to an ongoing debate over the fairness and transparency of the Olympic selection process. Some argue that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) makes its decisions based on financial and political motivations, rather than the athletes' athletic abilities. As a result, many fans and athletes have criticized the selection process, calling for greater transparency and accountability in how medalists are chosen.

In conclusion, politics undoubtedly plays a significant role in the selection of Olympic medalists. It can alter the financial balance of different countries, put pressure on athletes to perform under enormous stress, and even lead to unfair exclusion and inclusion of athletes based on their political beliefs. The sports world must work together to ensure that the selection process is fair, just, and based solely on athletes' abilities, in accordance with the original purpose of the Olympics.