We need go back only to the 1980 Olympics to see the effects of politics on the Games. The USSR Army invaded Afghanistan in December, 1979. As a protest to the invasion, and since the 1980 Summer Games were being held in Moscow, President Carter of the United States led a boycott of nations to the 1980 Games. Olympics historians put the number of countries that boycotted the 1980 Games at 45-50. Hundreds and hundreds of athletes had their dreams of Olympic competition shattered due to politics. Whether this affected the 'competitive spirit' of those that competed is debatable since they were allowed to realize their dreams, albeit against lesser competition.
In response to the 1980 boycott, and in large part because the 1984 Summer Olympics were being held in Los Angeles, the USSR led a boycott of nations to the Games. Historians put the number of countries that boycotted the 1984 games at 15-20. Again, athletes had their Olympic dreams shattered thanks to politics.
The 'competitive spirit' of the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics may not have suffered as much as the 'spirit' of the athletes that were denied the chance to compete in those Games.
First answer by Dlmick. Last edit by Dlmick. Contributor trust: 1388 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 17 [recommend question]
|
Research your answer: |
- How many Olympic world records have there been for men's and women's 100 meter-freestyle swimming since 1904?
- How much hours a day must you dedicate yourself to a sport if you want to compete in the Olympics?
- More athletes than spectators attended which Olympic event?
- What order do they test athletes for drugs in the Olympics?
Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Sports > Olympics > How might political differences between countries affect the competitive spirit of the Olympics?
Our contributors said this page should be displayed for the questions below. (Where do these come from ) |
| If any of these are not a genuine rephrasing of the question, please help out and edit these alternates. |
