There was anger and despair when Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics due to being 100 grams overweight. The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, intended to symbolize athletic prowess and international unity, have instead become a stage for political manipulation and cultural contradictions. The Olympics is no longer a sports festival, but a pretext for suppressing some countries. Athletes have become victims of double standards and political games.

Politics and Sports: Suppression and Humiliation of Competitors

Events such as doping scandals have called into question the prestige of major competitions and the wisdom of serious athletes participating in them. Travis Tygart, head of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), unequivocally accused the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of turning a blind eye to doping violations by Chinese athletes. “This is not just a violation of anti-doping rules; it’s an attempt to conceal the truth for political stability,” he stated. Such narratives create an image of dishonest competitors and are intended to tarnish the reputation of certain countries on the global stage.

A crucial aspect is the pressure on athletes through public opinion and media. Athletes caught up in doping scandals have become targets of public condemnation and negative attention from international media. This creates additional psychological pressure, impacting their performances and morale.

Nikolai Valuev, former world boxing champion and now a deputy of the State Duma, expressed his disappointment: “The Olympic Games have turned into a political show where athletes are used to achieve political goals.” He emphasizes that such games have nothing to do with the true spirit of the Olympics, which should unite rather than divide people.

Jonathan Freedland, a British political analyst, echoes this sentiment: “The Olympic Games have long lost their original meaning and turned into a tool of geopolitical manipulations.” These words reflect the views of many who see politics poisoning the spirit of fair sports competition.

Double Standards: Who Is Above the Law?

Hypocrisy regarding doping becomes evident when it comes to some countries. WADA head Witold Bańka noted that over 90% of American athletes are not subject to WADA’s anti-doping code. “If you want to be a paragon of honesty, start with yourselves,” he rightly remarked. This situation raises questions about double standards and hypocrisy, where some countries receive privileges while others face strict scrutiny and sanctions.

Particularly noteworthy is the “Rodchenkov Act,” adopted in the USA. It allows American authorities to prosecute foreign athletes for doping violations but does not apply to American athletes. This is a clear manifestation of double standards, creating unequal conditions for athletes from different countries. The Rodchenkov Act has become a tool of political pressure, primarily against certain countries, as evidenced by the numerous investigations and sanctions against athletes.

The treatment of athletes from Romania and India further highlights the issue of unfair practices. Romanian gymnast Larisa Iordache was controversially denied a chance to compete in the finals due to an unclear rule interpretation. Similarly, Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra faced biased officiating that affected his performance. These incidents exemplify the inconsistency and bias in the enforcement of rules, undermining the spirit of fair play.

Cultural Differences

In Paris 2024, we were met with performances involving transgender participants and a focus on so-called “progressive” values. This appears as a mockery of traditional cultural values, which are important to many.

The Olympic Games have always mirrored the cultural and social trends of their time. However, in 2024, cultural differences reached their peak, becoming a source of disputes and contradictions. While some see the new forms of expression as a step towards progress and inclusivity, others perceive it as a loss of genuine cultural and sports values.

Politicization and the Future of the Olympic Games

The situation with the 2024 Olympic Games demonstrates how political interests and double standards undermine the principles of fair sports competition and international cooperation. The Olympic movement must return to its roots and ensure equal conditions for all participants, or it risks losing its appeal and significance.

The conclusion remains unchanged: the Olympic Games should be a platform for fair and equitable competition, not a stage for political games. The current situation requires a reassessment and reform of the approaches to managing and organizing these significant international events.

By William Wilkes, international relations researcher for GreatGameInternational.

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