Politics, power, and the Paris Olympics: Insight from WashPo sports columnist Sally Jenkins
Jul 27, 2024
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In this discussion, sports columnist Sally Jenkins from the Washington Post sheds light on the complex interplay of politics and sports ahead of the Paris Olympics. She addresses the impact of Russia’s ban, the Israeli athletes competing under a neutral flag, and the looming security concerns. Jenkins also dives into the issues of Saudi sportswashing and the NBA’s entanglement with China, while celebrating the rising prominence of women's sports. This insightful dialogue captures the thrilling yet tumultuous landscape of the global sporting arena.
Geopolitical tensions surrounding the Paris Olympics, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict, complicate the event's international sportsmanship spirit.
The accelerating evolution of women's sports, exemplified by the WNBA, highlights increased visibility and investment impacting female athletes' opportunities in the U.S.
Deep dives
Geopolitical Concerns at the Paris Olympics
The upcoming Paris Olympics face significant geopolitical challenges that could overshadow the event. Issues such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and threats of terrorism create an atmosphere of tension around the games. For the first time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) finds itself at odds with Vladimir Putin, having sanctioned Russian athletes in response to the ongoing war. The logistics of hosting an urban event with large crowds amid these threats pose a complex security dilemma.
The Role of Politics in Sports
Political dynamics are deeply intertwined with the Olympics, raising questions about how much politics should influence the games. The presence of neutral flags for competing nations could represent political statements in light of current global conflicts, specifically around the Palestinian issue. Some argue that the Olympics can foster collaboration among nations, but historical relationships and tensions complicate this ideal. The need for transparency and accountability from the IOC regarding its relationships with authoritarian regimes has become increasingly apparent.
Shifts in Women's Sports and Representation
The evolution of women's sports is accelerating, with the WNBA serving as a prominent example of progress. Recent changes in media visibility and investment allow female athletes to stay in the U.S. and avoid competing overseas under challenging conditions. This shift reflects broader societal changes that have emerged over decades, showcasing women's resilience and contributions to sports. As viewership for women's games increases, it signifies a crucial transformation in the perception and marketability of women's athletics.
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games kick off in Paris this week as the world’s most elite athletes representing more than 200 countries gather in the French capital to compete for gold. Over the next two weeks, we’ll see triumphant wins, heartbreaking losses, superhuman feats of strength, and touching displays of international sportsmanship. But politics loom large at the Olympics, threatening to overshadow the City of Light’s big celebration. Washington Post sports columnist Sally Jenkins joins Ian Bremmer on the GZERO World Podcast to discuss the biggest stories heading into the 2024 Olympics, including the ban on Russia’s Olympic Committee, calls for Israeli athletes to compete under a neutral flag, and security concerns at what Jenkins calls “the most sprawling and urban Olympics in history.” They also dig into the problem with Saudi sportswashing, the NBA’s financial interest in China, and a transformative WNBA season that’s bringing more eyeballs to games than ever before.