The Olympic Games ritually bring us their harvest of emotions and generosity. We think of the enthusiasm of the French judo team, after its gold medal. Or the Italian and Qatari high jumpers, consolidating their friendship by sharing the top step of the podium.
These strong moments should not, however, make us forget the dark faces that the Olympics have never been able to erase. This is not amateurish fiction. Why should champions not be justified in valuing their performances, including financial ones? On the other hand, it is clear that the way in which Hitler made the Berlin Olympics in 1936 a colossal propaganda tool, admittedly thwarted by the exploits of Jesse Owens, remains relevant today.
In Tokyo, if China is at the top of the medal table, it is because the factory of champions has become a real industry there. More than 2,000 schools select young people from the age of 10 there. But beware of those who fail. They are as harshly rejected by society as the victors are idolized, if they proclaim the glory of the regime.
“It was the Japanese police, by protecting the young woman, and Poland, by granting her asylum, which saved the honor. “
More anecdotal but just as worrying, the case of this Belarusian athlete. Having criticized her coaches, she had to be repatriated manu militari. Without the International Olympic Committee finding fault. It is true that its Belarusian branch is chaired by… the son of the dictator. It was the Japanese police, by protecting the young woman, and Poland, by granting her asylum, which saved the honor. The media impact of the Olympics is obviously what motivates the organizing countries. Despite exploding budgets, another dark side. This will be the case for Japan, the epidemic not having helped. So let’s not wait for a miracle for Paris 2024. The IOC will find its account there but the invoice will be for us. It’s a choice.
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