I should begin by saying that I am a huge fan of the Olympics. I remember a snow day in February of 2010 when my eyes were glued to the bobsledders and ice skaters on the TV. I would jump side to side to mimic the alpine skiers speeding between gates on the giant slalom. The games might as well have been in my living room.
The excitement I felt in 2010 has carried on to today. I watched speed skate secretly on my phone under a jacket during choir rehearsal in 2018. I have re-watched the pictogram scene from last summer’s opening ceremony at least a dozen times. I am a big fan of the sportsmanship, the stories of incredible athletes who trained their whole life for these games and the cultural education that unfolds as the games proceed. Yet, as I get older and learn more about politics and the history of the world, I find it harder and harder to approach the games with a fully celebratory attitude.
China, the host of this year’s Winter Olympic Games, is under scrutiny for corruption, denial and violation of human rights, censorship and repression of minority groups. Last year’s host, Japan, has a long history of horrific war crimes, including massacre, starvation and medical experimentation. When I look at the list of previous Olympic hosts, there is not a single country without blemish. Each one has committed disgusting abuse against human rights. Truly, I say with some certainty that no country that is competing is blameless either.
Even if you look past the war crimes and human rights abuses, the act of preparing for the Olympics often displaces thousands of people and places the burden of cost on the local taxpayers. According to AP, during the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil, more than 70,000 people were forcibly removed from their houses to bulldoze poorer neighborhoods and build the Olympic Park. Brazil spent an estimated $20 billion to host the games, and many name it as the cause of a lasting economic recession.
However, there is room for redemption for these host countries. Japan stopped their its crimes about 80 years ago and has become a beacon of peace in the Asia-Pacific region. Spain, host of the 1992 games, helped rebuild and revive four miles of coastline as a promise to leave the Olympic venue better than they found it, according to Catalan News. Most countries who want to host the Olympics express the need to “build a legacy” through national pride and the opportunity to host the colossal event.
Some of the greatest moments of mankind are Olympic moments, like Jesse Owens shattering records as the first American track and field athlete to win four gold medals in one game. All at the same time, as a Black American man, he alone disproved Hitler’s theory of a superior white race. And who could forget the moment when Michael Phelps went from 7th to 1st in the second half of the 100 meter-butterfly, winning by only .01 second? Even moments of great sadness have a way of bringing humanity together. The Munich massacre left 17 dead during the 1972 Olympics. Just last year at the Tokyo games, the victims of the massacre were given a moment of silence at any Olympics for the first time in history.
In no way am I suggesting that we cancel the Olympics. However, I am suggesting that we remember the history of the host countries. The excitement and entertainment of the games shouldn’t erase the corruption, the heartbreak or the lives lost. It is a great thing to enjoy the Olympics. I will be watching this year with just as much excitement as always. But I will always remember and mourn with those who have suffered at the hands of the host country.
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