Rufaro Faith Mazarura's 'Let the Games Begin' is a rom-com set in the Olympic village
Aug 20, 2024
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Rufaro Faith Mazarura, a fresh voice in rom-coms, shares her love story set against the fictional 2024 Olympics, where star runner Zeke and intern Olivia’s whirlwind romance unfolds amidst the chaos. She discusses why the Olympics serve as a perfect backdrop for romance and reflects on the lack of similar stories. The conversation also dives into the humorous challenges of writing within the constraints of the International Olympic Committee’s legalities, including the quirky details about cardboard beds. A delightful blend of love, competition, and creativity!
The vibrant setting of the Olympic village fosters unexpected romances and emphasizes the universal connections among diverse athletes.
Rufaro Faith Mazarura creatively navigates legal restrictions from the International Olympic Committee, allowing for imaginative storytelling within a realistic framework.
Deep dives
The Inspiration Behind the Novel
The novel centers on the romance that unfolds during a fictional version of the 2024 Olympics held in Greece, featuring two characters, Olivia and Zeke. Zeke, a 100-meter sprinter from Great Britain, is grappling with the emotional weight of his father's loss, while Olivia arrives as an intern only to face the disappointment of losing her dream job. Their initial dislike transforms into romance as they navigate personal challenges together amidst the excitement of the Olympic atmosphere. This setting mimics the dynamic environment of a college campus, creating opportunities for connection and drama among athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Exploring the Unique Setting
The Olympic village is portrayed as a unique and vibrant location filled with elite athletes, creating a rich backdrop for romantic entanglements. Rufaro Faith-Mazarura contrasts her expectations of a strict environment with the reality of athletes sharing experiences, such as long queues at a McDonald's and forming friendships. This vibrant mix of cultures and personalities allows for various romantic possibilities, with the narrative suggesting that these interactions might lead to encounters reminiscent of popular romance tropes. By integrating characters from different countries, the novel also emphasizes representation and the universality of the Olympic experience.
Navigating Copyright Challenges
While writing the novel, Rufaro faced complexities regarding the International Olympic Committee's strict policies on intellectual property. She had to creatively adapt by inventing a fictional Olympic organizing body to avoid potential legal issues while still capturing the essence of the Olympic spirit. This decision allowed her to explore themes and statements about international organizations without risking conflict with real-world entities. The careful handling of brand names and references in the text shows how an author can navigate creative freedom within existing legal frameworks.
The fictional Olympics at the heart of Rufaro Faith Mazarura's novel, Let the Games Begin, kick off in Athens. And in the middle of one of the most important athletic competitions in the world, star runner Zeke and Olympic organizing committee intern Olivia are thrown together against all odds in what becomes a whirlwind romance. In today's episode, the author speaks with The Indicator's Wailin Wong about why the Olympics are such a good backdrop for a rom-com, why there was a dearth of these stories, and how the International Olympic Committee's copyright rules impacted her writing.
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