Would Pierre de Coubertin really be turning in his grave, if he were aware of what had become of his Olympic idea, as some critics claim? Maybe he would have problems with the participation of women on an equal basis. Maybe some sports would have appeared strange to him. It seems certain he would not have been a friend of a rampant commercialization.
On the other hand, he was not an unworldly utopian who put his own ideals above the real possibilities of the Olympic Games of contributing to peace and understanding between peoples. A pious wish? The opposite is given credence on the Korean peninsula. Where once was mutual hostility between North and South, now the talk is no longer of shared teams but shared Olympic Games, too.
The anniversary of the Olympic Founding Congress, held 125 years ago in Paris, is the main focus of this Journal. The issue is also dedicated to Coubertin, who proclaimed the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894 and appointed a committee, the IOC, for its management. A vision became reality. It was work that he accomplished without significant support and financial resources.
There is no doubt that the preparation and organisation of the Olympics presents each host city with major challenges. The reward includes a unique opportunity to present their own culture to the world and to give their people an unforgettable experience. However, before the award comes an application process, whose highs and lows can be read about in this issue.
Although the 1894 Congress lasted for some days there is no photographic record to illustrate it. Cinematography began only in late 1895 so there is no moving footage either. This also explains why the first modern Games of Athens in 1896 was not filmed. Filming of the Olympic Games began in 1906, as detailed in the first article of a new series by David Wallechinsky.
Eventually, Hollywood took on the story as well. In 1962 came the release of a feature film about the first marathon in 1896. It starred Jayne Mansfield and two-time Olympic decathlon champion, Bob Mathias. Myles Garcia tells the story of this movie.
The badges worn by Greek Olympic participants in 1896 were certainly not remakes. Ioannis Thomakos has discovered an original, and he also provides photographic proof of the authenticity of the first NOC pin in history.
The Spanish Olympic Academy now bears the title ‘Royal’ in its name, in celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2018. Conrado Durántez reflects on the history of the oldest National Olympic Academy. He also offers a glimpse into his new book about Emperor Theodosius the Great and the ancient Games of Olympia, which have disappeared into the fog of history.
This issue is rounded off by a report from Robin Voigt on the IAAF’s Heritage Legends Night in Monte Carlo. Among the 12 great athletes honoured was her grandfather, Olympic champion Emil Voigt.
Our series on IOC Members has reached Part 29.
– Volker Kluge, Editor
Members of ISOH may view the digital version of this issue by clicking here.
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