An Olympic Sized Idea

Sports

 

Two fundamental skills associated with creative or counter-intuitive thinking are: (1) detailed observation and (2) asking the right questions.  (Source: The ImagineIt Project)  In other words, we see something of interest and then ask, “What is this trying to tell me and why might it be important?”  Sometimes a single experience will trigger an idea.  In other cases, it is a collection of related observations.

This was the case as I reflected on the recently concluded Olympic games in Brazil.  The following is a collection of random thoughts compiled during the two-week spectacle.

  • I was less interested in watching this Olympiad than in any previous year.  I was not alone.  Bloomberg News reports U.S. viewership was down 17 percent versus the 2012 games.
  • In sports like basketball and golf, many of the best players in the world chose not to compete.
  • To make space for Olympic golf, the 2016 games will be the last to include freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.
  • There seems to be a proliferation of new sports which are variations of more traditional sports (e.g. the addition of BMX-cycling).
  • USA Swimmer Michael Phelps earned his 13th individual gold medal, breaking the record of 12 held by Leonidis of Rhodes in the 152 B.C.E. Olympics.
  • As with several of the last summer and winter games, news reports about uncompleted or inadequate facilities were rampant.

Of all these observations, the one that fascinated me the most was Phelps all-time record for individual achievement.  I began to wonder, “What would have been Leonidis’ perspective on this 31st edition of the modern Olympic games?  What might we learn about the current iteration of this quadrennial event from an ancient Greek’s experience?”

First, Leonidis would have reminded us of the purpose of the original Olympics.  Not only did it bring together representatives from all corners of the Greek empire.  It also represented “a union of body, mind and spirit.”  The games were accompanied by a cessation of any hostilities among competing factions within Greece.  And the games were always held on the plains of Olympia (thus the title Olympic games).  Originally, the games were a one-day event which were later extended to three then five days.  Sporting events in the early Olympics included  running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, pankration (translation “all force,” a combination of boxing and wrestling) and equestrian events.

Taken together, my observations from Rio 2016 and a new understanding of the original games lead to my Olympic sized idea.  MAKE THE GAMES SMALLER.  The following are just a few ways this might be done.

  • Eliminate any sport for which the Olympic gold medal is not the ultimate achievement.  For example, given a choice between a gold medal and winning the Open Championship, I am convinced every professional and amateur golfer would opt for the latter.
  • Remember the games were a celebration of the human body.  Eliminate sports in which athletes are completely cloaked in protective gear (e.g. BMX cycling).
  • Eliminate any sport which has its own international competition of a caliber equal to the Olympics (e.g. the World Cup).
  • Eliminate events which are more exhibition than competition (e.g. rythmic gymnastics and dressage).
  • Bring back events most associated with the original games.  The decision to eliminate both men and women’s wrestling to make room for golf strikes me as the most egregious violation of the Olympic spirit.
  • Return the games to the “plains of Olympia” as a permanent site with each competing nation contributing to the cost of maintaining the sports venues and the athletes’ accommodations.
  • Disqualify any nation which does not agree to a cessation of hostilities during the competition.  And if a nation violates this pledge during the games, it’s athletes will be disqualified and medals will be forfeited.

Like so many things in our lives, the commercial value of an event or experience now overshadows the original purpose or potential contribution to society.  Such is the case with the modern Olympics.  So, take a minute and listen to Leonidis.  He is one Greek, bearing the gift of the original Olympic movement, of whom we need not be afraid.

For what its worth.
Dr. ESP