Why Olympic Sports Should Represent the Pinnacle of Athletic Achievement

The Pinnacle of Athletic Achievement

The Olympics have long been regarded as the ultimate stage for athletes worldwide, but the question arises: Should every sport included in the Olympics represent the pinnacle of achievement for its athletes? For many, winning an Olympic gold medal is the dream of a lifetime, the highest honor they can achieve. This is particularly true for sports like sprinting, swimming, and gymnastics, where Olympic glory is often the ultimate goal. Little kids dream of standing on the podium, hearing their national anthem, and feeling the weight of a gold medal around their necks.

However, not all sports share this sentiment. For example, basketball and tennis athletes often prioritize NBA championships and Grand Slam titles over Olympic medals. This raises an important point: If the Olympics are to maintain their prestige, they should feature sports where an Olympic gold medal is considered the highest achievement.

The Prestige of International Competitions

The Olympics should focus on the prestige of international competition rather than mere viewership numbers. Football (soccer) players, for instance, typically value the World Cup over the Olympics. Similarly, tennis players often see Grand Slam titles as more prestigious than Olympic medals. This disparity indicates that the Olympics might not be the pinnacle event for every sport, and perhaps it shouldn't try to be.

In contrast, sports like triathlon and road cycling have a unique place in the Olympics. While events like the Ironman and Tour de France are significant, the Olympic versions of these sports offer distinct challenges and prestige. The Olympic road cycling event, for example, is a single race, unlike the multi-stage Tour de France, making it a unique and prestigious competition in its own right.

Unique Olympic Sports

Some sports are uniquely suited to the Olympics due to their format and international appeal. Olympic boxing, for instance, is different from professional boxing due to differing rules and protective measures, which adds to its credibility and veneration. Similarly, Rugby 7s works well for the Olympics, even though 15s rugby has the World Cup as its pinnacle event. These sports add diversity and excitement to the Olympic lineup while maintaining their unique prestige.

Women's soccer in the Olympics is another example where the competition is on par with the World Cup in terms of prestige. This equality enhances the sport's appeal and ensures that the Olympics remain a significant event for female soccer players worldwide. Golf and tennis, on the other hand, offer fewer chances to win an Olympic gold compared to their major tournaments, making it less of a pinnacle event for these athletes.

Rethinking Olympic Inclusion

To improve the Olympic experience for all involved, it may be necessary to pare down the number of sports included. By focusing on sports where an Olympic gold medal is the most prestigious award, the Olympics can maintain their status as the ultimate international competition. This approach would ensure that the Olympics remain the pinnacle event for each sport, attracting the best athletes and offering the highest level of competition.

The UCI road race world championship, for example, is a more accurate comparison to the Olympic road race than the Tour de France, emphasizing the unique prestige of the Olympic event. Similarly, Olympic basketball, despite lacking a comparable World Cup, remains a unique international competition that draws top talent from around the world.

The Ultimate Goal

An Olympic gold medal should be the most notable victory mentioned in an athlete's obituary for it to be considered the biggest competition in that sport. This level of prestige ensures that the Olympics remain the ultimate goal for athletes worldwide. By focusing on sports where Olympic victory is the highest achievement, the Games can continue to inspire future generations and maintain their status as the pinnacle of international competition.