Inspirational spirit

From organizational, aesthetic and sports performance perspectives, there is a broad consensus that the Paris 2024 Olympics were a resounding success, benefiting both French society and the international community. As with the 2008 Beijing Olympics and other events of similar scale and evocative power, the images from these occasions will remain in our collective memory and, in doing so, create shared points of reference for humanity. The momentum will continue with the start of the Paralympic Games on Aug 28.

Aristotle (384-322 BC), whom Dante (1265-1321) referred to as "the master of those who know", wrote in his Nicomachean Ethics: "At the Olympic Games, it is not the most beautiful or strongest who are crowned, but those who compete." In this sense, the Paralympics embody the Olympic spirit in its purest form.

The Paris gathering served as a moment of unity and joy, celebrating athletic prowess while fostering a spirit of cohesion across diverse cultures and nations. The Olympics, inherently competitive, showcase a range of outcomes with winners and losers, yet they are underpinned by principles of fair play and adherence to accepted rules. This competitive nature is accompanied by an overarching ethos of respect and camaraderie among participants, reflecting the ultimate goal of the Games: to bring people together through sport.

Since their inception in 776 BC in Ancient Greece, the birthplace of European civilization, the Olympic Games were accompanied by an Olympic truce, allowing athletes and pilgrims to travel safely to the Games. The last recorded celebration of the ancient Games occurred in AD 393.

When Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) revived the Games at the end of the 19th century, with the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896, it was also a time when the first international organizations were emerging, such as the International Telecommunication Union founded in 1865. These early structures of international governance were both products and drivers of globalization, contributing significantly to human progress.

Coubertin's influence on our understanding of the Olympic spirit is profound. Beyond his remarkable work as a social activist, it's important to recognize that Coubertin was also an educator deeply interested in the personal growth of individuals and the advancement of society. He is often quoted as saying: "The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." However, Coubertin, inspired by humanistic values, also believed that "To spread these principles is to build up a stronger, more valiant, and above all, a more scrupulous and generous humanity".

Despite this, the Olympics are not a panacea for the world's persistent issues. Major global challenges such as poverty eradication and climate change remain unresolved, and conflicts did not cease during the Games. However, the spirit of the Olympics offers a glimpse into a more hopeful future and suggests a pathway forward. It reminds us that, while sports may not solve all problems, they can inspire and guide us toward a more unified and cooperative world.

Due to its widespread influence, distinctive popularity, and positive values, sport is well-positioned to support the United Nations' goals for development and peace. To highlight this potential, the UN General Assembly designated April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. It is clear that the international community is prepared to leverage sport for a purpose that extends well beyond mere physical activity.

The Olympic spirit should not be an ephemeral experience revisited only once every four years. Instead, it is crucial to cultivate this spirit continuously, especially among young people. By fostering values of unity, respect, and fair competition, we can encourage a generation that values cooperation and mutual understanding. This is not just about sports but about applying these values to other aspects of life.

Expanding the Olympic ethos beyond the realm of sport could have profound implications. If humanity can come together for the Olympics, it stands to reason that we might also strive to apply similar principles to other areas of global interaction, such as multilateralism. While trade and politics are undoubtedly more complex than athletic contests, they are still fundamentally human endeavors. The same principles of fair play and cooperation can be applied to these spheres, suggesting that the dynamics observed in the Olympics might serve as a model for broader international relations.

Let us consider trade among nations as an example. Competition under agreed-upon rules is actively taking place, pushing companies to deliver better products and services. The Marrakesh Agreement, which established the World Trade Organization nearly 30 years ago, has been successful despite various challenges. The primary difficulty lies in the negotiation process needed for all parties to agree on the rules, whether they pertain to security, trade, finance or environmental protection. Then comes the implementation of the rules, followed inevitably by their revision when they no longer align with the distribution of power.

In essence, the Paris 2024 Olympics demonstrated that, even amid global challenges, moments of unity and shared purpose are possible. The spirit of the Games provides a valuable lesson in how cooperation and respect can bridge divides. As we look forward to the Los Angeles Olympics and beyond, it is important to remember and nurture this spirit, not just in the context of sports but in our collective efforts to address the world's pressing issues. By doing so, we can build on the hope and inspiration generated by the Olympics to create a more connected and harmonious global society.

The author is the founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.