Pierre De Coubertin on Sport and Olympism

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GLEAMING AIRSHIP

On the occasion of the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games 2014 Nanjing, China

GLEAMING AIRSHIP Pierre de Coubertin on Sport and Olympism

Katarzyna Deberny Olympic Education Center, Polish Olympic Committee Katarzyna Płoszaj Polish Olympic Academy – Youth Wing Wiesław Firek Polish Olympic Academy – Youth Wing

Warsaw 2014 Text: Katarzyna Deberny, Katarzyna Płoszaj, Wiesław Firek Cartoons and drawings: Anna Jędrzejec Managing Editor: Katarzyna Deberny Consultation and liaison: Grażyna Rabsztyn, Kajetan Hądzelek Critique: Krzysztof Zuchora Translation: Stephen Canty Cover design, typographic design and typesetting: Maciej Jędrzejec Proofreading: Kamila Grzeszczak Printing: Advertising and Publishing Agency: Arkadiusz Grzegorczyk e-mail: [email protected]

This book makes use of the artwork of the pupils at Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie, Polish Olympians Primary School No. 323 in Warsaw, and DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw, as well as the title of the animated film “Stop the war! Here comes the dove”, which was made by the pupils at Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie.

All statements by Pierre de Coubertin were taken from: Pierre de Coubertin, Olympism. Selected Writings, Norbert Müller (ed.), International Olympic Committee, Lausanne 2000. Co-financed by the Olympic Solidarity Program of the International Olympic Committee

ISBN 978-83-7585-240-0 Contents

What is this book about? 8 • Rhythm of the times 65 The life of Pierre de Coubertin 12 • Character 70 First airship cruise 22 • Combat sports 73 Gleaming airship 34 • Stop the war! Here comes the dove 80 • Wandering thoughts 36 • The Olympic flag 84 • The smile of sport 39 • Address to youth 87 • Victory over yourself 43 A perfect match 88 • Sports records 47 Ode to sport 94 • Work 52 Why does Coubertin matter? 106 • Fair Play 55 Worth reading 124 • The spirit of sport 59 Who is who 125 • Progress 62 Notes 129

See afar, speak frankly, act firmly Pierre de Coubertin

period of rapid tech- this t is competition known as the - Olym Wha bout? a book long, long time ago in ancient Olympia, on the Pelo long and fascinating history that lasted from 776 B.C. A The Olympic idea found the person it had been waiting been had it person the found idea Olympic The ponnese in Greece, a pic Games was held every four years. The Games had a this to back hark Games Olympic modern The A.D. 393 to tradition. So what does the title, Gleaming Airship, have to do with all this? for at the end of the 19th century – Pierre de Coubertin. Coubertin decided to revive the Olympic Games for the years, hundred fifteen After did. he so And world. modern the Olympic Games were brought back to life in Athens in 1896. This event coincided with a nological development. Apart from the steam train, the telegraph and the telephone, the airship made quite an impression on Coubertin. Airships were huge balloons that were powered by steam engines and equipped with Henri Jules Giffard, a French scientist and aviation pioneer, and aviation pioneer, scientist Henri Jules Giffard, a French first airship. In 1851, designed and built the world’s Giffard patented the use of a steam engine to drive such a steam engine to drive such Giffard patented the use of which traversed almost 30 km, vessels. The historic first flight, 1852. took place on September 24, 8

What is this book about? What is this book about? 9 - celebration celebration gleaming air joyful way of life keen interest in the changes lot of good into the world. The Olympic ideals – good, The title of this book refers to the words Coubertin that opens people up to themselves and to the future. Coubertin always took a that believed He world. the in place taking progress and sport and Olympism ensured progress and could bring a truth, fairness, beauty, friendship, respect, tolerance, striving for perfection, and world peace – are ever near to each and every one of us. The sports stadium is the ideal place to test our mettle and convince ourselves of what we really are. The Games bring young people together from all over the world, and are a propellers. They aroused the interest of anyone watching anyone of interest the aroused They propellers. as they floated through the air. “Olympism life: his of end the at work his up sum to used has sailed serenely over the world like a ship, the reform of education has borrowed the method of moles.” The authors decided to approach the topic in this way to show that Olympism is a the from Olympism of message the been has This joy. of life in winner ultimate the that moral The beginning. very Ferdinand von Zeppelin built an airship with a framework with a framework built an airship von Zeppelin Ferdinand construction. and could Zeppelin’s airship was larger carry in 1900. It had its maiden flight more passengers. passion fascinated Coubertin, Zeppelin’s creative to have the Internationalwho decided Olympic Committee 1909. with an Olympic diploma in recognize him

- need to talk about Olym- about talk to need way that is easy to approach and suitable for for suitable and approach to easy is that way What we become depends on any number of factors – Coubertin’s gleaming airship continues to soar around a by inspired was book This pism in a in pism young people, and that portrays Pierre de Coubertin is the one who is fair and fights to the very end comes Olympics. from the our our family, schooling, our friends, but also, and perhaps above all, on ourselves. After all, we choose the ideals wewish to live by. Let us not forget, then, the those of foundations the laid that have which and centuries for have vived sur Olympism is one such ideal. world’s great civilizations. the world. Of that, there can be no doubt. Let’s repeat after future depends on you! Coubertin – The

10 Coubertin was the personCoubertin was ancient ideawho revived the Games.of the Olympic Who was Pierre de Coubertin? to him that this, It is thanks the world’s greatest sporting celebration, has been held since 1896.

What is this book about? What is this book about? 1111

- backdrop selection of Coubertin’s conversation feel to it, as if Coubertin’s story was be- was story Coubertin’s if as it, to feel conversation modern visionary whose thoughts enter into every Happy reading! of important and interesting world events. The “Gleam- ing Airship” section includes a cor are thoughts These Olympism. and sport on thoughts as a discussion on sport The today. authors have made every effort to bring you closer to this fascinating figure from thefrom figure fascinating this to closer you bring to effort time when the Olympic idea was being revived. The book a has ing told off the cuff. The history of modern Olympism and biography are presented Coubertin’s against a roborated by events in the history of the modern Olympic Games, recounted as short stories. Every reader will be able to find similar attitudes in the Olympic competitors theshows book This country. own her or his in heroes and relationship between sport and art, and presents the history of Olympic art competitions. Finally, the pupils from three Polish junior schools helped make this book possible by taking on the challenge of interpreting Coubertin’s poem “Ode to Sport” artistically. Pierre de Coubertin 1863 1937 The life of Pierre de Couber t in

12 The life of Pierre de Couber t in

13 I was born Paris This is heavy. in Paris on We’re not going to 1863 January 1, 1863. make it. Pity we’re in such bad shape.

1871 As a child, I witnessed the Franco-Prussian War in which my country was defeated. Olympia Rugby 1883 I practiced a lot of School sports, including fencing, rowing, boxing and cycling.

When I was 12, I was sent to a Jesuit school where one of my subjects was Greek. When I was 20, I made my Archaeological work was being carried out first trip to England and in Olympia, in Greece, at the time. visited the grave of the outstanding educator, Thomas Arnold, who introduced sport into school education. We don’t have the energy. We’re out of condition. We don’t have any PE classes. We But my work just sit in class all day. My main was focused on passion sport, Olympism Necessary was general and education school history. reform. reform To my mind, the ancient Greek concept of “Ekecheiria” 1892 (the Olympic, or “sacred” truce) worked as follows: “Let us export rowers, runners and fencers; there is the free trade of the future, and on the day when it is introduced within the walls of old Europe the cause of peace will have received a new and mighty stay.”

William Penny Brookes (who founded the Wenlock Olympian Games in the village of Much Wenlock) inspired me to revive the Olympic idea. I thought of doing it at the international level. “It is clear that the telegraph, railways, the telephone did more for peace I made several than all the treaties and all trips to the the diplomatic conventions. USA to look Well, I do hope that athletics at its school will do even more.” system and its universities. 1889 1893

Sport played a major role in the USA.

I always made a lot of sketches during my trips. These days, I would probably take pictures with my smartphone. Paris 1894 1895 I organized a Congress at the Sorbonne This year is the beggining of world cinematography. Sport to revive the Olympic Games. has always been a common topic in film thanks to the recording of the movement of the human body. University of Paris (the Sorbonne)

“A Trip to the Moon” (1902), directed by the famous illusionist Georges Méliès, was the first sci-fi film. Méliès pioneered special effects.

Athens 1896 After a lot of difficulties, I achieved my goal - the first modern Olympic Games were held!!!

Paris 1900 The second Olympic Games were held in conjunction with the World’s Fair and lasted longer.

These Games were not a success. But I still had faith in my country... Saint Louis

World Fair

St Louis 1906 1904 In 1906, I proposed that painters, sculptors, The St. Louis Games lost sight of the Olympic Idea. musicians, architects and writers take part in Instead of being an athletics competition, they were the Olympic Games. an entertainment spectacle with the World Fair in the background. This really got me down :( London 1908

It was only in London that the Games became a genuine celebration of sport. Dorando Pietri appeared to be the first to have crossed the finish line after completing the marathon (42,195 m). The officials helped him cross the line.

Although this had him disqualified, Queen Alexandra presented him with a cup for his courageous effort.

Teams from all five Ode continents competed to Sport I presented Ferdinand for the first time at von Zeppelin (inventor the Stockholm Olympic of the airship) with an Games. The first artistic Olympic Diploma at an competition was also held International Olympics here. I won a gold medal Committee Session. for my “Ode to Sport” :) Berlin 1909 Stockholm 1912 After giving it a lot of thought, in 1913 I created an Olympic 1916 symbol. This was destined Due to World War I, to become one of the most 1913 1914 the next Olympic recognized symbols in the world. - Games were not Who would have thought it? :0 held. This was the The Olympic Flag was presented first such case in at the Olympic Congress the history of the in Paris on 17 June 1914. Olympic Movement. In ancient Greece, wars and conflicts had to stop for the Games (ekecheiria) :(

Paris 1924 There is an interesting film "Chariots of Fire" (1981) directed by Hugh Hudson. It tells the fact based story of two runners who Paris competed in the Olympic Games in Paris,. Everybody should watch it!!!

Antwerp 1920 The Games held in the Chamonix 1924 reconstructed post-war The first Winter Olympics were held world were modest but in Chamonix in 1924. The Olympic with effective organization torch has been lit from the fireplace and special entertainment. in the home of Sondre Norheim During the Opening Ceremony three times (1952, 1960, 1994), in the the Olympic Oath was sworn valley of Morgedal, and in Telemark, for the first time. Norway. Sondre was a great skier, craftsman and skiing pioneer. Los Angeles 1932 Amsterdam 1928 The next important moment was when the Olympic cauldron was lit. For the first time

the flame was brought from NEWSPAPEJanuszR Kusocinski I did not go the Greece in Olympic tourch wins gold medal! all the Games, relay in 1936. but I always tried to keep up with what was going on. The newspapers were often my 1935 main source of “Olympism is part of history. To celebrate information. Today, the Olympic Games is to lay claim to history. I would definitely History is also the best guarantee of peace. read online about To ask people to love one another is merely Janusz Kusociński a form of childishness. To ask them to respect each other is not utopian, but in order to respect winning gold medal each other they must first know each other.” in 10,000 metres run. I believe that sports journalists Berlin 1936 fulfill a very The Berlin Olympics were important role. held in an atmosphere of propaganda. They announced the inevitability of World War II to the world :(( 1937 I was tired. I stopped working for the Olympic Movement. The beautiful Polish gold medalist, Halina Konopacka, took part in the ceremony to place my heart at Olympia - my spiritual home (1938).

I had always dreamt that my life’s work would continue after my death. I am extremely happy that this has 2014 happened. Although I have been dead for a long time, I keep watch over my work. I believe in the Olympic idea and I hope that you do too! :D

- travels to the United - travels to the United - President of the IOC - Secretary General of the IOC gy olo 1925 1896 - assistance with the organization - - at the Sorbonne in Paris for the first - at the Sorbonne in Paris for the first - organizes Le Havre Congress on Sports - - organizes the congress at the Sorbonne - organizes the congress at the Sorbonne - presents his vision for the modern of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens of the first modern Olympic Games in time proposes reviving the Olympic Games time proposes reviving the Olympic Games 1896 1894 1896 1897 1889 and 1893 1892 1894 1894 Education and Hygiene in Paris at which the International Olympic in Paris at which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is established and was Games decided that first modern Olympic will be held in Greece Olympic Games at the Parnassus Literary Society in Athens in student life; presents his ideas about in student life; presents physical education in school life States and Canada, and visits a number States and Canada, makes a very positive of universities there; role of sport appraisal of the educational n Chro - Pierre de Coubertin is born - Pierre de Coubertin - travels to England; visits 1887 - obtains his baccalauréat in science - obtains his baccalauréat - passes his baccalauréat in humanism - passes his baccalauréat - - secretary general of the Union - completes his studies at the School - completes his studies - editor-in-chief of “Revue Athletique”, - travels to Much Wenlock, England, the legendary Rugby School, where Thomas Arnold had once been headmaster of French School Sport Associations (USFSA) of Political Sciences; becomes interested of Political Sciences; becomes interested in the educational system; devotes himself towards reforming the French educational system the USFSA monthly magazine at the invitation of William Penny Brookes, as a special guest at the Wenlock Olympian Games where some sport events were demonstrated to him 1890 1890 1883 1885 1881 1885 1 Jan 1863 1880 igh School at St Ignace in Paris after High School at St Ignace 20

Ode to Sport 1906 - founds the Association for Educational 1927 - visits Olympia for the last time Reform and publishes its program “Youth 1937 - dies suddenly of a heart attack Education in the Twentieth Century” 1938 - Coubertin’s heart is placed 1906 - initiates the Olympic Art Competitions in a commemorative stele in Olympia, at a conference held at the Comédie not far from the ancient Française theater in Paris Olympic stadium 1912 - writes the Olympic Oath 1912 - wins the gold medal in literature in the Olympic Art Competition T HE LIFE OF p ierre de c ouber t in for the “Ode to Sport” 1914 - presents the Olympic Flag at the 1914 Paris Congress of the Olympic Movement to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the IOC 1916 - moves the IOC Headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland 1925 - resigns as IOC President 1926 - creates the Bureau International de Pédagogie Sportive (International Sports Education Bureau)

21 First airship cruise

Pierre de Coubertin valued those capabilities of the “The course of the human mind that allowed inventors, scientists, archi- times in which we lived tects and writers to lead the world into the future. How- was completely altered ever, he mostly valued people who achieved what at first blush appeared to be crazy ideas, but which later time and again by the turned out to be milestones in world history. Airships appearance of brilliant sailing through the skies were one such idea, as they inventions.” symbolized the invincibility of human will and action. A lot of time had to elapse before Coubertin’s Olymp- Pierre de Coubertin, 1924 ism took to the skies. The world took quite a while to come round to the young Frenchman’s ideas. Coubertin was 20 when he first thought of reviving the Olympic Games and it took him 13 years to make it happen. He was not afraid to set himself and the world a great challenge. He wanted the Olympic Games to be an opportunity for athletes from all over the world to come together

First airship cruise in a spirit of friendship, respect and peace.

Where did the idea that sport makes people better come from? Coubertin was influenced by the British educational system, especially the work of Thomas Arnold, the headmaster of Rugby School. This was based on physical education in schools, student councils, and sporting clubs and societies. Coubertin was convinced that changing the French idea of what a school should be and encouraging French people to play sport would improve their physical condition and restore their dignity after e.g. their defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), while the Olympic Games would help fire the collective imagination.

22 Coubertin stuck to his guns despite many obstacles and setbacks. His romantic visions of a better world and the support of his closest friends were what kept him going. He knew that bringing people around to his ideas and dreams was not going to be easy. He devoted a great deal of time and effort into helping to organize special sporting competitions that were of international significance and which observed set ceremonies. The idea of organizing the Games did not come to Coubertin out of the blue, but was the outcome of his education, interests and travels, as well as the people he met. The story of the circumstances involved in holding the first Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 is the story of the trials and tribulations and the life of an individual who was not afraid to dream and who was determined enough to achieve those dreams, no matter what stood in the way. The separate fates of Coubertin and the roots of the modern Olympic Games are so deep and intertwined as to be inextricable. It would be hard to find anyone nowadays who has not heard of the International Olym- pic Committee (IOC), the body that organizes the Sum- mer and Winter Olympic Games. The Olympic flag,

which features five interlocking rings in different colors First airship cruise on a white background, is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. This creation can therefore be said to be a prized possession that belongs to all of us and which is part of the common heritage of humanity.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded on the initiative of Pierre de Coubertin in 1894 for the purpose of nominating and leading the Olympic Games every four years.

23 Over 200 years ago, an English antiquarian named Richard Chandler discovered the buried rubble of Olym- pia, the place where sporting competitions had once been held periodically for over 1,000 years. This recalled the descriptions by ancient writers of the games formerly held there. The discovery was such an inspiration that the site was excavated by German archeologists in the hope of restoring the ancient Olympic stadium.

.27 m 192 First airship cruise

The word “stadium” comes from ancient Greek and originally referred to a place where agony, i.e. contests, were held. The word could also mean “distance”. The stadium at Olympia was 600 Olympic feet (192.27m) long. According to Greek myth, only Hercules could run down it in a single breath. The word “arena” (Latin: harena, arena – sand) referred to a wheel-shaped place for wrestling. In ancient Rome, however, it took on an “anti-Olympic” connotation through its association with lurid battles featuring gladiators and animals.

24 After a lot of hard work, in 1881 the first excavation pro- gramme ended and the sacred site of Olympia (Altis) was well discovered. Sporting contests, combined with religious ceremonies, were held here and offerings were made to the god Zeus. Competitors and supporters came from all Greek cities (poleis) every four years to take part in a very special experience – the Olympic Games. This was the most important of the four sporting competitions that were held in ancient Greece at the time. Apart from the Olympics, there were the Pythian Games in Delphi, the Isthmian Games in Corinth, and the Nemean Games in Nemea. Unfortunately, nature did not smile on Olympia. The sanctuary was destroyed by an tsunami, and the ruins of the stadium, temples and altars were covered with a thick layer of earth.

Kladeos First airship cruise Alfeios

Peloponnese

25 Coubertin mainly learnt about the ancient Olympic Games held in the sacred grove at Olympia through his classical school lessons and the work of German archaeologists (e.g. Ernst Curtius) and the lectures they gave. From the begining of 19th Century, Europe had become enthralled with the civilization of ancient Greece. Artists and writers travelled around what used to be known as Hellas, and dedicated works to these places and the events that had occurred there. Olympia was so popular that Coubertin saw it as an opportunity to realize his dreams, especially as he was not the first to have thought of reviving the Games. On several occasions, the Greeks themselves had staged competitions similar to those once held there. The “Wenlock Olympian Games” had also been held in the English village of Much Wenlock since the middle of the 19th century. Coubertin was able to watch these sporting contests in England on one of his visits there. He personally met with William Penny Brookes, the man who had set them up and continued to organize them. Brookes was one of Coubertin’s chief inspirations. Coubertin often looked back on this trip and

First airship cruise recalled his fascination with English sport after returning to France. The annual Much Wenlock Games had captured his imagination and confirmed him in the conviction that sport was ideally suited for educating children and youth in a spirit of mutual honor and respect. He was keen to introduce what he had seen in England into French schools. He spent a long time trying to find a way to change schools so that children and young people would want to go there and enjoy the time they spent there. He believed that schools were not student friendly. Students were taught a lot of unneces-

26 sary things and were bored. Coubertin claimed to have found a way to improve learning conditions in school as a result of his experiences and trips to England. What he prescribed was more PE classes and sports lessons outside class time. Having seen the effect that playing games and participating in sports and recreation had on the young, he asked himself why the whole world could not enjoy the benefits of sport.

“The Olympic Games are not parades of physical exercises, but aim to raise, or at least maintain, records.” Pierre de Coubertin, 1912

Coubertin decided to organize a sporting festival the like of which the world had never seen. Unlike the games in ancient Olympia, the modern games were to be international. This was a highly original idea. Every country in the world could be represented by its own team. Coubertin firmly believed that having

athletes come together this way in the same place First airship cruise and at the same time would put their abilities to the test and be a joyful celebration during which all social divisions and racial prejudices would disappear, and an atmosphere of international friendship would prevail. Channeling aggression into sporting contests in „Sport is the best stadiums was better than fighting wars on battlefields. peacemaker.” Coubertin dreamed of a world without wars. He want- Pierre de Coubertin 1924 ed the Games to help bring about peace in the world. , Coubertin said: “… in order to respect each other, they must first know each other.” Knowledge of and respect

27 for other cultures, beliefs and religions can be a source of peace between people. Coubertin and his friends were ahead of their time in this respect. First airship cruise

Convinced that his ideals were right, Coubertin immediately began to attempt to bring the ancient Olym- pic Games back to life. To this end, he gathered like- minded people, who believed in the success of the venture they had undertaken, around him. He presented his idea of reviving the ancient games at every opportunity and observed the reactions of his listeners with interest. As the road from the idea to its realiza- tion was going to be a long and winding one, he slowly

28 and systematically prepared people to embrace his plan. He was actively involved in publishing a number of periodicals and wrote articles about the Olympic idea and reforming school education in many of them. November 25, 1892 stands out among the most important dates and events in the revival of the Games. This was when the conference of the Union of French Utopia (Greek: ou – School Sport Associations (a sporting organization that Coubertin chaired) first announced its intention to not, topos – place, revive the Olympic Games. i.e. place that does Coubertin called for support for the idea in his final not exist, and Greek: address, saying: “There are people whom you call eu – good, topos utopians when they talk to you about the disappear - ance of war, and you are not altogether wrong; but – place, i.e. good there are others who believe in the progressive reduc- place). This ambiguity tion in the chances of war, and I see no utopia in this. is intentional as it It is clear that the telegraph, railways, the telephone, the passionate research in science, congresses and refers to our longing exhibitions have done more for peace than any treaty for a better world. or diplomatic convention. Well, I hope that athletics will do even more.” Coubertin defended his idea, insisting that even if

it was difficult to achieve, the effort would be worth First airship cruise it. He evoked images of crowds of tens of thousands of spectators coming to stadiums to watch a variety of sporting competitions. Once these huge crowds could unite under the same stadium roof, he did not see any reason why the phenomenon could not embrace entire nations and then whole continents. Coubertin’s persistence led to a historic congress being held at the Sorbonne, Paris, in June 1894. Delegates from many sporting organizations in twelve countries attended. Almost 1,000 people, including

29 Parisians, attended the opening ceremony at the main amphitheater. The chief director, Coubertin, took care of the arrangements and invited those present to listen to an ancient “Hymn to Apollo”, which had been reconstructed by scholars on the basis of a text discovered at Delphi. The following day, the delegates discussed the main themes of the congress, viz. how to define am- ateurism in sport, regulations to ensure that this pro - vision was observed, and the legitimacy of awarding monetary prizes. The last point on the program came up in this discussion. This was surprising as its merely being there could only mean that the Olympic Games were going to be revived. The International Olym- pic Committee was constituted on June 23 and given the task of arranging the Games. Demetrius Vikelas was elected as its first president. It was also decided that the Olympics would be held every four years and a tentative selection of Olympic disciplines was made. “Citius – Altius – Fortius” [Latin: Faster, Higher, Stron- ger] was adopted as the Olympic motto. The author was Henri Didon, a Dominican priest and Coubertin’s spiritual guide. Didon regarded these three Latin words

First airship cruise as the bedrock of sport. They express our spiritual and physical aspirations to expand our capabilities. Coubertin finished by delivering a closing speech and summing up his longstanding efforts, saying: “In the temple of science these delegates heard echo in their ears a melody also 2,000 years old, reconstituted by an eminent archeologist through the successive labours of several generations. And in the evening electricity transmitted everywhere the news that Hellenic Olymp- ism had re-entered the world after an eclipse of several centuries. (…) if I were to go on, this joyful champagne

30 would go flat with boredom, so let me hasten to give it center stage. I raise my glass to the Olympic idea, which has crossed the mists of time like a ray from the all- powerful sun and is returning to shine on the gateway to the twentieth century with the gleam of joyful hope.” Coubertin also said that the Games should preserve the humanistic values of sport and warned against the tendency “to transform the Olympian athlete into a circus gladiator” as well as possible distortions brought about by greed and money. He considered these threats to be the greatest enemy to sport, as they could have a negative and irreversible impact on the essence of the Olympic Games. At the same time, he stressed that the Games had their basis in Greek ideals, especially the unity of body, mind and soul, which he believed allowed for a full and vigorous life. Coubertin’s passionate speech gave his listeners the impression that they were part of a great event. The Games machinery was put in motion. It was decided that the first (1896) Games had to be held in Greece by virtue of their origin. The Greeks initially rejected the offer to hold the Games, as the country

had a lot of financial problems. The government was First airship cruise not able to meet the costs of organizing such a large- scale project. For one thing, they had to build a huge stadium. Once again, Coubertin rose to the challenge. He singlehandedly worked out a plan, estimated the costs of organizing the event and offered to contribute financially. On April 6, 1896, the world witnessed an event that had disappeared fifteen centuries previously. The revived Games were no longer the preserve of the Greeks, as they once had been, but were open

31 to all nations. Competitors from 13 countries took part. The first modern Games were a great success, even though reviving and holding them had long been put off as a Utopian dream. Tens of thousands of people came to watch at the stadium and their applause re- verberated around the world through the international press. So why do we say that Pierre de Coubertin is the chief architect of the modern Olympic Games? He had a prodigious talent for convincing other people of the merits of his own projects and did not shy away from taking on such a huge assignment. At first, he was only looking for ways to make schools work better, but as time has shown, he is most respected for this, his other work, which has been embraced by the world. We all enjoy watching the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. This alone makes Coubertin worthy of remembrance. We can watch athletes thank their opponents for competing with them, even after losing. All this happens in a stadium, over which the Olympic peace torch burns and the white flag, with its colored rings symbolizing friendship between everyone in the

First airship cruise world, flies.

32 First airship cruise

- - - peace- spirit of sport. of spirit combat sports can achieve an victory over him exertion exertion and ela- Pierre de Pierre Couber . It does It sport. of work character sort of sort Gleaming and human achieve- progress smiling Halina Konopacka (1928 airship Olympic flag flies over both. This set of ideals and values. At least this record has been broken, but proves that certain professor decided in the story “Wan coming together of athletes from all over the world in spirit of joy to celebrate Olympism is a is what a dering thoughts”. The Olympic discus throw gold medalist) proved that training is not just about exhaustion, but tion as well. An Olympic gold medal does not necessar ily mean that a the Olympian has managed to achieve or . herself People of strong serves to remind us that sport is not war, but a not matter whether we are talking about or the marathon. The ful a ment. This cycle of stories closes with tin’s appeal to the youth of the world. These principal are addressees the and trustees of the Olympic idea. is in their hands. How the world will look tomorrow is inspired by the idea of competing fairly in line with the All this principles leads of the fair competitors play. and a create jointly to spectators Olympic triumph. The ceremonial atmosphere and ex- the up liven Games the of rivalry ceptional ath- the becomes gladiator the when time the also is This Everyone times”). the of rhythm (“The Olympia from lete 34

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 35

sport- dering an philosophy of life based on W while, he began to wonder just ts gh thou certain professor from the univerisity was walk in the park. He looked up in the sky and lot of situations in sport also occur in everyday single stadium to compete. The scoreboard and One day, a Olympism says that everyonethat - regard says sport, Olympism in equal is “Olympism is associated with the Olympic Games,” he Games,” Olympic the with associated is “Olympism having a fell into thought. After a life. Olympism is therefore a a few simple truths.” circumstances, material or culture religion, origin, of less and that everyone is bound by the same principles and a in matters that thing only the not is Winning rules. right, own its in important is Participating competition. ing world the over all from people of together coming the is as in a who is fastest and strongest are not what matter most. all, people After are good and fair by nature. Competing what Olympism was. The question continued to gnaw at him. The professor was an expert on philosophy as well as sport. He could not sleep at night or eat He day. during wanted the to understand exactly what this Olymp- had created. ism was that Pierre de Coubertin - understand for necessary definitely is sport “So thought. ing it. A “Olympism is not a system, it is a state of mind.” (1918) a system, it is a state of mind.” “Olympism is not will developed through the cultivation of intense of energy, “It is the religion hygiene and public-spiritedness,manly sports, based on proper the practice of art and thought.” (1918) surrounded with 36

Gleaming airship the Olympic “I raise my glass to the idea Olympic idea, which has crossed the mists of time like century a ray from the all-powerful sun and is returning to the shine on the gateway to the twentieth century with the gleam of joyful hope.” Pierre de Coubertin, 1894 in sport gives them an opportunity to show that they have a sporting spirit based on the principle of fair play. Olympism stresses that no one is alone in a sporting competition. Everyone has other people – competitors, coaches, family members, supporters etc. – behind them, wishing them all the best, sharing in their joy when they win, and grieving and sympathizing with them when they lose.

Olympism holds that fairness is fundamental to com- Gleamin g airship petitive sport. The undertaking given before the com- mencement of the Olympic Games is proof of this. Every- one is entitled to be treated equally and fairly, to have the same sporting equipment, and to enjoy the same living conditions in the Olympic Village. The world we live in, according to the philosophy of Olympism, is founded on our basic desires for equality, justice, freedom, tolerance, mutual respect and fairness. The emotions expressed during sporting competitions

smile The funny face ball game with my sporting sporting competition ball flies over his head. The professor catches professor The head. his over flies ball small boy runs why up are to you him. so “Boy, hap- have finally managed to I have finally managed sighs the professor. “Whew,” and answers “because I’m playing a dad.” The professor suddenly understands that and Olympism can have added significance for any one sport of us as well. This brings a smile to his face. show that people are basically stresses that anyone the who enters a same. Olympism it. A py and smiling?” he asks. The child makes a for self-improvement and harmonious development is world. more peaceful to build a better and helping come to some definite conclusions. Is that all there is to say on the topic? Is there anything more to Olympism? a Suddenly, 38

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 39 long time. That is sensitive and intel- and sensitive

lady should be. She loved going to the sport of smile is common to everyone. Its meaning is eas- wonderful woman, who exuded energy all her life. smile is open and spontaneous, and can wander far Halina Konopacka was much more than an outstand- A exactly what the smile of Halina Konopacka was like. It paved the way to people’s hearts and stayed there forever. ing and highly successful athlete. Above all, she was a made She elegant. and graceful stylish, was Konopacka men’s hearts beat faster, and women looked up to her as everything a cinema and the theatre, sitting in cafés and dancing. She played the guitar and the piano, and was fluent in several languages. Konopacka was famous for her red beret and which sweater, she usually wore on her trips to the This Tatras. earned her the moniker “Czerbieta” (lady in red). She went skiing, swimming and rowing, bas- especially sports, team enjoyed and tennis, played ketball. She took an interest in cars and loved driving her cabriolet so much that she even tried her hand at a also was Konopacka racing. motor ily understood. Everyone smiles in the same language. language. same the in Everyone smiles understood. ily A and wide and be remembered for a ligent woman who wrote poetry and painted. smile The “If someone were to ask for a recipe for ‘becoming Olympic’, I would say that the Olympic’, I would say to ask for a recipe for ‘becoming “If someone were is to be joyful.” (1918) first prerequisite Halina Konopacka once spoke about her first sporting experiences at a function as follows: “It all began with my love of sport and sense of adventure. Curiosity made me throw things, run and test myself. This simply came from loving life, being young and having a sense of adventure – from all that sport should consist of. I picked up a discus and broke the national record after a couple of tries. That’s when they told me to do some training. And that’s how it all started.” The “lady in red” achieved Halina Konopacka results that she never dreamed of. She was ambitious and per- sistent. She set very high goals and demanded a lot from herself. Konopacka was Polish champion in several athletics competitions 27 times in 7 years. Sport was her passion.

Gleamin g airship Konopacka tried to smile whenever she competed. This is evidenced in an article she wrote for Stadion magazine, describing what it was like to win a gold medal at the Amster- dam Olympics on July 31, 1928: “The day is not particularly promising. It has been raining since morning. The forecast is not good – cold and windy, slippery discus, soggy circle. All I have going for me are a good frame of mind, energy and a frantic desire to win – a desire so great as to verge on certainty. I come out of the dressing room and onto the field via a long tunnel. Only now do I feel the overwhelming

40 Gleaming airship 41 fa- bored woman cannot un- cannot can only just can sense thatsense can burning enthusiasm that symbol of personal triumph personal of symbol thick cloud of wasps buzzing can just make out the red and Konopacka Konopacka frequently stressed that “to be success- Konopacka Konopacka felt very strongly about things and always The exuberance that Konopacka experienced when power of the stadium. I white banners among the swaying mass of spectators in the stands. They look like a around the green flower of the sports field. I vorite with sporting crowds, literary people, and connois- Olympic Miss declared was She beauty. feminine of seurs Games in Amsterdam, as well as winning the gold medal in the The discus press throw. described her as a popular most beauty”.the “statuesque was of Konopacka a Poland: in day her of person and national success. She was congratulated by many, including President Ignacy Mościcki and Marshal Józef Piłsudski. ful in athletics, you have to do it con amore [Italian: with love].” She believed that athletics should bring joy and help people, especially young people, find their way. hear them shouting ‘Poland!’, ‘Halina!’ and I and ‘Halina!’ ‘Poland!’, shouting them hear face at training shows that you don’t know how to train. work…” Nor will you reap the benefits of your tried to get to the truth. She was also fully committed what to she did. She was reliable and and liked trustworthy, Her friends. with chat and together get and people, meet to disposition and positive attitude motivated others. People were happy just being around her. Konopacka was a they are calling for the flag and the national anthem.” they are calling for practicing athletics became a “I herself. in confidence and courage her gave derstand athletics without enthusiasm. Calisthenics can be done calmly but out athletics of requires necessity, en- A dispassionately. done be can’t Athletics thusiasm. She wrote to the students of the Polish Olympians’ High School in Szczecin in 1980 to tell them: “I don’t deserve any medals or memorials. Nor can I take the credit for the discus going that little bit further. The credit goes to a love of life, the sun, the blue sky and the green grass of the sports field.” At the end of the letter, she added a wish that she would no doubt have liked to extend to a wider group of young readers: “I wish you all the physical and moral prizes which athletics can give – the spontaneous joy of having a young, supple body and the moral satisfaction of having conquered yourself.” Gleamin g airship

In today’s episode: WHAT MAKES A GREAT OLYMPIAN 42 Gleaming airship 43

dis- rself you ver week later, week Coubertin later, repeated these words after a service at St. Paul Cathedral before the 1908 - Lon A Everyone knows the Olympic creed: “… the most taking part, not winning.” important thing in life struggle. is The not essential the thing quered triumph but is to but have not fought the well”. to These first words spoken have were by - con the Rt. a Rev. Ethelbert Talbot during don Olympics. The one Bishop may wear said: the laurel “… wreath, all equal though joy may of share the only contest. the The most important thing is pute as to who had runner won John Carpenter the had obstructed British 400-meter runner - Wyn race. American tory o Vic “No doubt, my answer seems surprising. The term „Olympic” incorrectly evokes incorrectly term „Olympic” answer seems surprising. The “No doubt, my counterbalance, a scale in perfect balance, of forces in perfect an idea of tranquil old saying that pops up in speeches when prizes are equilibrium. Mens sana... the is hardly human, or at the veryawarded. But come now! This least, hardly youthful! not a goal, a reward rather life, balance is a result, It is an ideal for old fossils! In It is not achieved by taking everythan something to be sought out. possible one’s efforts.” (1918) precaution, but by alternating “Gentlemen, let us remember this strong statement. It applies to every endeavor, It applies to every us remember this strong statement. “Gentlemen, let endeavor, What counts philosophy. taken as the basis of a serene and healthy and can even be but conquer, the essential thing is not to but the struggle; victory, in life is not the a more valiant, stronger these precepts is to help create spread to fight well. To (1908) scrupulous and more generous.” one that is also more humanity,

- while. The British umpires refused to The most prestigious race of the competition, the mara dham Halswelle, forcing Halswelle to slow down and lose. The umpires cried foul and one even cut the finish-line tape to prevent Carpenter running through it. Confusion reigned on the track for quite a let the U.S. team take part in the “green table” conference. Carpenter was disqualified. An argument ensued with both sides violating the principle of fair When play. the race was None starter. only the was Halswelle later, days two repeated of the Americans, including took Carpenter, part. This is the only walkover in Olympic history. sound mind in a sound a sound mind sano” (Latin: sana in corpore “Mens The quotation spirit. This is mind and the strengthens the exertion suggests that physical body) comes from Satire The quote – nowadays. out of context nauseam – and cited ad A.D.). poet Juvenal (55-130 X by the Roman people Juvenal wrote that they could cope with so that a a sound mind in sound body, should pray for everyday hardships. obvious for an athlete. He that this maxim was too Coubertin believed that an athlete should be “Olympic”. He concluded wanted something of pure in order to “scale the heights have a well-trained body enthusiastic and is meant by “a sound mind in statement goes beyond what Olympism”. This a sound body”. It emphasizes that achieving a feeling of harmony between people to look body and soul, and a state of perfect balance emboldens Coubertin wrote: “Mens fervida greater exertions. In 1911, further and make an impassioned mind in a vigorous body]. in corpore lacertoso” [Latin: 44

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vital and step on the road protest. Hayes believed the - assis The Olympic message was often repeated by Coubertin Something out of the ordinary occurred during the coverage in the fin- and world banquet evening an during press. Bishop the of words Coubertin quoted the ished with the universal formula: “The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle, the essential well.” fought have to but conquered have to not is thing By so doing, he gave the Bishop’s words a broader meaning. and has been displayed on screens in stadiums, e.g. during the opening ceremony in Los Angeles (1932), Berlin (1936) and London (1948). It may not be repeat- Coubertin’s expresses still it but today, often that all ed conviction that the Olympics are a to personal excellence – for spectators and journalists. competitors, coaches, marathon at the 1968 Olympics in although it Mexico happened City long too, after the last runner thought was to have crossed the finish line and while the spectators were leaving the stands. The stadium had almost emptied when runner Tanzanian John Stephen Akhwari appeared at the entrance with his right leg tance the organizers gave Pietri was directed against the Americans. The two situations were given wide thon, was held the next day. As the runners the entered stadium for the finish, the Italian was Dorando in Pietri first place. Pietri, on the spectators The way. wrong the stadium the point around ran of exhaustion, pointed him in the right direction. Pietri collapsed on the track. The umpires and (British) organizers helped him up and he crossed the finish line leaning on their shoulders. The American Johnny Hayes, second, who lodged a came

marathon runner reporter asked him why him asked reporter bandaged, and watched started crowd The limping face. his over towards all written the was agony finish The line. in silence. At first, nobody knew what was happening, but it soon dawned on them that this was a making for the finish line. Journalists quickly began to un- pack the equipment they had just put away. People began to shout and cheer this extraordinary runner on. The cheering afterwards was so loud that anyone would have a When won. had Akhwari though he had kept running even though he was injured, Akhwari injured, was he though even running kept had he replied: “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start to finish the race.” the race; they sent me 5,000 miles 46

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- bronze. Spitz returned home humble,

silver, silver, and a

The year is 1972 and the Olympic Games are un- derway in Munich. The spectators in the pool viewing area are waiting for U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz to take the starting blocks. Spitz How had earlier. years eight boasted Tokyo in that glory Olympic achieve he would ever, he had not adequately prepared and ever, did not realize his full potential, only coming away with two gold, a contrite, and determined to do much better in Munich. He trained almost beyond endurance in the intervening four years. Spitz won seven gold medals at the Munich

“The English word ‘record’ seems to have no equivalent in any other language, seems to have no equivalent “The word ‘record’ English word The best evidence that this term used throughout the world. since that is the resort to any do not need to of the world is that I is now a naturalized citizen to explain it. Everyonesort of paraphrase Not everyone, knows what it means. and bringing these value of the expression, appreciates the educational however, will certainly seem a daring move. and records – together two ideas – education of effort. Therefore it is viewed is considered the quintessence A record, you see, tends to gain time when our quest for the average as extraordinarily harmful in a can be put for perfection. This is a mistake. Records the upper hand over our thirst themselves, they are less prone to exaggeration than to excessive use, but taken by ds or rts rec Spo is competition. The reason is simple. Competition places you into a struggle, is competition. The reason is A record faces you up against competitor. making you another living being’s speaking, measure of space or of time. Strictly an inanimate fact, a figure, a (1903) you are fighting only with yourself.”

- lesson lesson competi- determina- strong per lesson in win- warm-up. Phelps grueling training regi- new world record with every win. lot of mental endurance, and a new world swimming sensation appeared at the boy. boy. He was terrified of putting his face in the water, A ning. Spitz only managed this incredible record through through record incredible this managed only Spitz ning. good work management and a men. in humility and the Munich Olympics a Olympics Olympics and set a a were Olympics Tokyo the that recalled later He 2008 Beijing Olympics – Michael Phelps from the U.S.A. Phelps had won 6 gold and 2 bronze medals four years earlier in Athens. But that was just a was determined to break Spitz’s Olympic gold medal record in Beijing. Spitz did not hide his optimism when he saw the young American in action, describing him as the greatest Olympian of all time. “The Flying Fish”, as his teammates called him, owed his success to his physical his and coach, his work, hard of love his talent, characteristics. His shoulders are wider than his body huge his and blades, oar like are hands large his tall, is feet (48.5 cm) are like flippers. Phelps has a behind was part hardest the knew he as near, drew tion him and there was only pleasure (“the thrill of competi- to look forward to. tion”) sonality, sonality, a tion to overcome his limitations. He hated swimming as a feel not could he whenever hysterical become would and the ground beneath his feet. He got to love swimming by trying to overcome his weaknesses and by working tremendously hard at it. He recalls how his coach, Bob Bowman, decided to show him what training pain was all about. The more torturous the training, the great the success. Phelps always said that he was most stressed when training. He started to relax whenever a 48

Gleaming airship Once Phelps had broken Spitz’s record, he set about equaling the record for winning the most Olympic medals. This was held by Ukrainian gymnast Larisa “The limits of his success Latynina, who had won 18 medals in the 1950s and 60s. are determined solely Phelps achieved his goal when he won 7 medals at by his own physical the 2012 London Olympics, bringing his tally up to 22. and moral strength.” Latynina commented: “he is the greatest Olympian in the world. I hope this record stands for a long time.” Pierre de Coubertin, 1912 People like Phelps constantly need new challenges. He lost motivation after Beijing, as he seemed to have

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- - record. He He record. competitor. The competitor. system of mandatory mandatory of system record, for Coubertin, was the very essence of en- A achieved achieved it all, and started to skip training the follow He had reached ing the year. pinnacle of success and wondered where he was going to go from there. His coach still maintained that there was nothing wrong in Michael as talented as People records. more breaking Phelps obviously have to set themselves exceptional challenges. After all, an Olympian strives for the best “For way: this it put Coubertin de Pierre result. possible every hundred who engage in physical must culture, engage in fifty sports. For every fifty who engage in sports, twenty must specialize. For To every feats. astonishing twenty to capable who be must five specialize, a to conform athletics make to try moderation is to chase after an illusion. Athletes need the freedom of excess. That is why their motto ‘Citius – Altius – Fortius’: Faster, Higher, Stronger, the motto of anyone who dares to try to beat a record!” her or him against competes mostly athlete An deavor. self for the best possible result. An Olympian should not be satisfied with merely beating a contest should lead to self-perfection. At the 1984 Los equaled U.S.A., the from Lewis, Carl Olympics, Angeles the record 4 gold medals that Jesse Owens had won in Berlin in 1936, and in the same four events, viz. the 100m sprint, the 200m sprint, the long jump, and the 4 x Lewis won 100m the relay. 100m even sprint easily, slowing down in the last 30m – a which did not not was impress seconds 9.99 of time His crowd. the competitors had dropped off, but decided against it in order to save his strength for the 200m sprint. His time could have made three more jumps to try for the world record in the long jump two days later, as the other 50

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 51 - 1910 Pierre de Coubertin, of 19.80 was sufficient to win, but nowhere near what the world was hoping for. It was only in the relay that for him forgive not would public the but all, his gave he not breaking four world records as well. The moral to every give always should Olympian an that is story the thing he or she has. thing he or she “Exercises are learnt quickly, rememberbut the muscles time.” them for a long

- - com- certain kind rk Wo defining beauty all specific meaning, conveys particular message, and has a The work of an athlete, who produces a The word “oeuvre” (the lifework of an artist) is nor We would all like to be better than we are – more intel- more – are we than better be to like all would We of its own. It can affect the of the feelings observer, and listener or experiences reader, and even alter the reality around him or her. of creative output through physical exertion, is similar to that of an artist. An athlete is formed after completing certain activities and passing through clearly fined creative de- stages, in the same way as, say, a a athlete an which with style The architect. or writer poser, coming obstacles and limitations, and not giving up after after up giving not and limitations, and obstacles coming failure. create You yourself by selecting values and setting goals in life. This is what it means to be master of oeuvre of your own life. your own destiny – to create the mally associated with e.g. painting, sculpture, literature and music. An oeuvre has a ligent, stronger, healthier, better looking, healthier, and ligent, respected stronger, by others. Striving for perfection, means however, over “By chiseling his body through exercise as a sculptor does a statue, the ancient sculptor does a statue, the ancient body through exercise as a “By chiseling his the gods’.” (1935) athlete ‘honored as an opportunity for beauty. seen as producing beauty and “Sport must be It is an who is a living sculpture. because it creates the athlete, It produces beauty the spectacles and celebrations beauty through the architecture, opportunity for about.” (1934) which it brings 52

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writ- back- muscular body, which specific moment that will favorite theme of painters and sculp- and painters of theme favorite fairly won bronze medal. This was the result of hard British runner Christopher Brasher bumped Norwe- If Larsen had agreed with the decision of the judges An athlete is an artist who creates things of beauty achieves victory or leaves the arena defeated matters as as matters defeated arena the leaves or victory achieves well. There is more to style than an athlete’s technique and the beauty of his or her movements. It includes his or her behavior towards competitors, judges, coaches and spectators. gian competitor Ernst Larsen with his elbow just before 1956 the at steeplechase 3000m the during line finish the Melbourne Olympics. Brasher won gold and Larsen fin- ruled interference and ished third. The judges, however, Larsen disqualified had Brasher. told them that Brasher did, in fact, push him, although not on purpose and that a lodged He running. his with interfered not had this difficult often are which moments, beautiful also but tors, to observe and grasp. They stand out against a ten protest with the judges committee, explaining that Brasher had definitely as run had better, the Hungarian who finished second. The accidental elbowing was of no consequence in and the not circumstances. Brasher, a result. was awarded the gold medal as Larsen, committee to disqualifyhe would Brasher, have won sil- preferred ver and the Hungarian however, gold. Larsen, a work, training and preparation. Larsen felt that he did not deserve second place on the podium. This is he did not want to why take the credit for the creative output of someone else. – not just tangible things, e.g. a a been always has ground of other creative works, as they cannot be cop- ied or repeated. They touch a - prostrate op- mistake. Or some some Or mistake. hand to a masterpiece can even appear in this one fleeting mo ment. How do we know? We can see athletes abiding by by abiding athletes see can We know? we do How ment. the principle of fair play when we watch them compete and see them e.g. holding out a a made having to admitting or ponent to power the have they where moment unexpected other make us better people. never come back. An image a worthy of being called 54

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certain y competition and in everyday life. Fair play is a

The principle of fair play is usually taken to mean abid- mean to taken usually is play fair of principle The way of thinking that is opposed to any unfairness or dis- honesty. It is about behaving nobly, can compete in so peace, justice and friendship. It is worth that everyone getting to know and understand fair play better, as it is regarded as the foundation of Olympism. ing by the rules and regulations laid down, both during a In Coubertin’s day, gambling and betting was the greatest threat betting was the greatest threat gambling and In Coubertin’s day, pick winning teams, horses, and first to sport. The incentive to to corruption,place getters in sprints led bribery and competition in addition to betting, is doping. today, rigging. The main problem

pla air on the spirit of chivalryon the spirit of so pleasantly call ‘fair play’ – what you here – and is beautiful and graceful (…) idea of the cult of what in part on the esthetic civilization – when the progress of material it is also true that in our time, Yet has magnified everything, of mechanical civilization – I would even say some I do not cause for concern. Yes, the Olympic idea are problems threatening particularly because It is in danger fact, ‘fair play’wish to hide the is in danger. allowed to grow: the madness of gaming, of the chance that we have unwisely (1908) the madness of the bet, of gambling.”

“The in part strong physical culture based idea is the concept of Olympic F lot of brave famous ath- dignified dignified and fellow competitor, com- competitor, fellow a was gentleman Fair Fair Play distinction from British code of honor known known honor of code British virtuous knight, but the rules athletes Polish sporting hero. His results and his attitude his and results His hero. sporting Polish The term fair play has come down to us from a The term, as understood today, comes from England. This principle also comes from the medieval ethos of a on based also is play Fair Adam Małysz, is the a “Eagle from Wisła”, In the modern Olympic Games, fair play is the spirit traditions and periods. Fair play has its source in e.g. the e.g. in source its has play Fair periods. and traditions Celtic “fir fer”, which means behaving in a in times of war. fair manner Shakespeare “play”William with by used first was “Fair” play”“fairbegan term the how is This (1598). John King in to be used informally in England, before finding its way in appeared only expression The language. sporting into I. War of World before the outbreak Poland The chivalry. knight Polish Zawisza Czarny (Zawisza the Black) may serve as an example. Zawisza was famous for his noble-mindedness and honorable behavior. He respect, selflessness, as such traits character possessed fighting for honor and not for personal and gain, ensuring the fairness, odds were even. These were not just the principles of a live by today. peting with dignity, and displaying courage and humility. peting with dignity, and gallant man with fautless manners and an unblem- the highest virtue. ished name who held honor to be of the competing – the internal voice that tells us what is easy not is It behave. should we how and wrong and right to define, but it is not hard to appreciate someone being a towards respectful and friendly as the gentleman’s agreement. A agreement. gentleman’s the as a and lete have repeatedly confirmed that this is deserved. absolutely Małysz well received a 56

Gleaming airship the Polish Olympic Committee in 2001 for rebuking Pol- ish supporters during a ski jumping competition in Har- rachov. The supporters were booing Sven Hannawald and throwing snowballs at him. “The supporters not only behaved themselves for the rest of the competition, but things were better in every competition after that. It was Hannawald’s attitude that made them behave the way they did. He was aggressive and arrogant when he won. He put on airs, which was extremely unfriend- Citius! ly. However, two wrongs don’t make a right. It’s Altius! better to defeat a rival in Fortius! sport than to exchange words or be aggressive,” Małysz said. In 2010, Małysz was awarded the Fair Play Trophy at the World Cup in Engel- berg for giving his closest rival, Thomas Mor- genstern from Austria, a chance. Morgenstern

was supposed to jump Gleamin g airship before Małysz in the second round, but the zipper on his jumpsuit broke. Małysz could see that Morgenstern was going to be disqualified, as he was struggling with his zipper instead of concentrating on his jump. He might not

57 significant impact significant principle, nobody can talk you into acting against it.” against acting into you talk can nobody principle, lot of the spectators hotly debated Małysz’s behavior, similar situation. “Sport is controlled by money and the and money by controlled is “Sport situation. similar have even made it to the starting line. Małysz asked the judges to change the order, so that he could jump first and give “Morgi” time to fix his zipper. This spur-of-the- moment request took the judges by surprise. They were reluctant to agree “For but air. the Małysz in else insisted. someone see The to surprised less supporters no were me, fair play is about competitors being given the same chances as yourself, and having not respect sport, in lose or win for rather I’d that, from Apart the person. other outside it.” Although he did not win, and even came behind Morgenstern, the joy of competing and the attitude happy. everyone made This important. more were both of A and asked themselves how they would have behaved in a media. There wouldn’t be any to up sporting entirely is fair is something not events or whether But them. without stand to mind your up made you’ve Once competitor. the a by a have competitors the of attitudes The sporting event is remembered years later. on how a sporting event is remembered years 58

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- competition enhanced in theirin enhanced competition cel- ball. Scoring team from Africa wins sport in Africa. It is a is It Africa. in sport

match in an international competition, all work and

Football is more than just a just than more is Football ebration of life. Whenever a a classes are cancelled the following day. Young peo ple play football wherever they can – beaches, sports fields, streets, courtyards… even Any on round balconies. object can be used as a

“Throughthe technical I am aware that my friends and former colleagues, no surprise to me, and that remarkable, which came as organization was sport t of spiri The the athletic spirit of the competitors was excellent, as well. The second of these of the competitors was excellent, the athletic spirit fact that these young matters most to me. I always admire the things is what really a for world the in countries the all from gathered men, manage to find enough example, and solemn setting, historic eyes by its infrequency, any apparent defeat, without in themselves to handle a deeply-felt moral strength bitterness, and to shake the winner’s hand with heartfelt warmth. I have seen this fills me with delight. have never grown tired of it. It happen a hundred times, and I of athletes to have a sense of their manly beauty. But one has to be in the company benches, one notes the ever-increasing lackIf one goes over to the spectators’ and more, modern crowds lack the chivalrousof that same sporting spirit. More Ages among those attending tournaments andspirit that thrived in the Middle point, as on so many others, must he totally revised.popular jousts. Education on this today’sI would like it if we were to treat spectators like great children, walking to teach them how to appreciate a splendidamong them with enormous cards on such occasions are those outbursts of crudeathletic feat, and how out of place semi-barbaric stench.” (1928) nationalism that give our era a - - - - player would player would goal in his own special goal by running to the cor the to running by goal friend, feinting, getting round long way with Milla as captain. At the 1990 1990 the At captain. as Milla with way long Roger Milla from Cameroon, one of Africa’s all-time Roger Milla from Cameroon, one of Africa’s all-time is often omitted. What counts most is the fun of playing playing of fun the is most counts What omitted. often is – passing the ball to a an opponent and letting someone else shoot for goal. pure fun. This is all pleasure. and fun for played always footballers, great Milla was voted best African player play from got he joy The 2006. in Association by Football the African ing sport made everyone around him happy. Came- a went roon ner of the field and dancing for joy around the corner flag? And so began the custom where a ers. Milla’s passion, enthusiasm and dedication will never be forgotten. He was 38 during the 1990 World Championship, but this did not stop him from scoring two goals in the match against Romania and another the in goals two up set also He Colombia. against two quarter final against England. The European ers, play however, were too strong. Cameroon Despite could be everything, proud of how they had played. The “Indomitable Lions”, as the Cameroonian team is known, took the whole world by surprise, and Milla force. the driving their was Milla idolized universally also played in the 1994 Championship. World He became the oldest goal scorer in the history of the competition when he scored a goal against Russia. World World Cup, Cameroon beat the odds to become the first team from Africa to make it to the quarter finals, and won the hearts of football fans everywhere along when moment beautiful that forget could Who way. the a scoring celebrated Milla express his joy at scoring a way. This is still done and not just by African play 60

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 61 Roger Milla played football because he loved sport. Roger Milla played football because he loved sport. Coubertin often stressed that the true spirit of sport He says that he did not scored, how many care matches he played, how or even what many goals he he achieved. The main thing for him was football and sport. of spirit the represented Milla playing. of joy the belongs to those who enjoy participating for its own sake and are just as pleased when their opponents win as when they do, who compete fairly and to the best of their and ability, who respect themselves and their opponents. The spirit of sport is locked away in- technologies. or machines in not and person, the side That is why it is up to us to look it after and pass it on to others.

long time ago. ago. time long gress Pro Sport was revolutionized by science a science by revolutionized was Sport Coubertin stated that better sporting equipment im- This is why so many sports and athletics disciplines keep recording better – and extremely - impressive sports regimens, – training grueling from Apart results. people and their coaches look for ways to equipment, so that improve they can run and swim faster and tech- unsophisticated, fairly being From further. throw nology has progressed to the point where people in sporting circles are now asking themselves whether victory or the equipment. is won by the person proved the quality of training in 1936. “In this regard, muscular development seems directly related to - im provements in equipment, and to changes in men’s “What about improvements in equipment? Are there any limits to it? In theory, “Whattheory, Are there any limits to it? In improvements in equipment? about might, limits beyond which the equipment we must note that there are no. Yet cross a line This would easy. man by making his efforts so in a sense, replace be the verythat might well a specific example. frontiers of sport. Let us consider and the level of difficulty, ran in the sand in order to increase Ancient runners runners are driven by the opposite own merit, as well. Modern thus increase their increase their speed. in order to want to make the race easier, concern. They spikes. But suppose we could cinder tracks and shoes with This has produced with spring that would somehow throw the runner imagine shoes, or even tracks, forward movement that is being with each step. In this case, it is not just the be done by the equipment but some of the athletic effort would then made easier, achieved in this way will not be entirely his own.” the athlete is using. The speed (1936) 62

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- - - polyure- completely new prod- new completely have recommended to clear view of the athlete in tight-fitting “shark skin” bodysuit. This start- This bodysuit. skin” “shark tight-fitting revolution that ushered in a in ushered that revolution major movie studio that they should develop small Television has Television also brought about huge changes to Photo finishes, electronic scoreboards, sneaker sen- movements movements and attitudes that have been the result” he said. Coubertin recommended training with row ing and cycling machines. He recommended exam- ining athletes’ bodies using X-rays, and encouraged filming exercises, saying: “I a cameras that are easy to use and inexpensive. These cameras could provide a motion.” was transmission Olympics first The training. athletics slow-motion, replays, of use first The 1936. in Berlin in since have These 1960. in Rome in was close-ups and become standard coaching tools. sors for marathon runners, mini-sensors at bounda- ries, new types of skies, carbon bicycles, shoes with better grip, tartan tracks, and of sports top clothes quality made materials are the technical development. At natural the 2000 Sydney outcome Olympics, of Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe mounted the starting a in blocks a produced NASA, with together Speedo, uct. hundred thane and swimsuit fifteen world in 2008. Two records were broken before Januaryin banned extend now cannot Swimsuits 2010. these swimsuits were past the shoulders or below the these new swimsuits knees. were banned was that not The every reason one had access to them. Some countries had to pur chase swimsuits from other companies, and Speedo could not make enough for everyone. Moderation was necessary and the hard work that swimmers put in to ed a ed new world re- thunderous ovation. Meanwhile, The Games Technical Committee had to rule on what what on rule to had Committee Technical Games The achieving achieving their goals had to be respected. But it was to train! they did not have not as if kind of pole could be used in the pole vaulting competition before the 1972 Munich Olympics. The choice was between the generally available black pole and the latest blue or green “banana pole” the made latest using technology. The banana pole had recently helped American Robert Seagren set a cord of 5.63m, much to the amazement of the other crowd. the that aware not were however, spectators, The jumpers were not given the opportunity to try out the new banana pole and master the new jumping - tech nique. For this reason, the Technical Committee decided that everyone had to use conventional poles at the Munich Olympics. The Americans were favorites to win, as they had consistently won this event for the entire 76 years of the modern Olympics. Seagren was first to jump, followed by Jan Johnson. To everyone’s amazement, though, the winner was Wolfgang Nord- gave and wild went crowd The Germany. East from wig the new champion a the Americans went to the IAAF Committee Technical and violently threw their poles at the feet of the judge, Adriaan Paulen. Paulen congratulated Nordwig as he gave him the gold medal, saying: “I’m glad that in this equipment, the not and person, the was it competition, that won.” 64

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 65 mess after bit of time to work out the formula

while, and our parents will ask us to tidy it up again. again. up it tidy to us ask will parents our and while,

It is the same with sport. It was not made up on the Nothing is ever done once and for all. It is not enough enough not is It all. for and once done ever is Nothing a If we learn something in school and do not revise it, we quickly lose some of that knowledge, and mix up the part we remember. An athlete who has stopped training will not run as fast as before, as good results demand constant effort and hard training. There are many examples to show how easy it is to lose something we have worked really hard for once we caring about it. stop spot. It took quite a that we are familiar with and can watch at dium. the sta- The Olympic Games were one est of achievements of the the great- ancient Greeks. They were so valuable that we decided to continue build them on and them. But something terrible it so it, about caring stopped happened People past. the in sport to turned into something that was similar in name only. to clean our room once, as it will be a

“Human imperfection tends always to transform the Olympian athlete into the Olympian athlete into tends always to transform “Human imperfection are not two athletic methods which One must choose between a circus gladiator. and professionalism which against the spirit of lucre defend oneself compatible. To created majority of countries, have them, the Amateurs, in the threatens to invade contradictions; what is more, full of compromises and complicated legislation is respected.” (1894) than the spirit of this legislation too often the letter times f the hm o Rhyt

- first among equals. An opportu- gladiator who fought in the Roman Roman the in fought who gladiator perversion that has nothing in com- group. There were prizes for winning and these tree that grew in the sacred grove at Olympia. This The ancient Greeks tried to prove to each other Pierre de Coubertin explained what he had in mind arena. Only one of them is worthy of imitation. Which one and why? that they were better than their competitors in ry - eve area of life. ered Even equal, when there was everyone always someone was be who shown consid- could to be a Pierre de Coubertin warned us about this in the quote quote the in this about us warned Coubertin de Pierre but sport, of kinds two distinguished Coubertin above. only one of them can be called true sport. The other is nothing but a mon with it. by taking an athlete from Olympia, who competed in con- and example, an as Games, Olympic ancient the a with him trasting nity to do just that was organized in of different ancient parts Greece – the Games. The athletes cised exer together and prepared for the competition as a were obviously an incentive, but the greatest dream of all was the olive wreath, a which was made from mate- any than valued highly more was prize symbolic rial reward. The winner could proudly call himself an brought He years. four next the for champion Olympic honor to himself and the city he one person was represented. made to feel as if he had Only really won, as there were no prizes for coming second or third. The others were given nothing and whether to go had to even to greater lengths to decide do better – and perhaps win – next time. Coubertin presents us with an idealized model of the Greek athlete – one 66

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- - - - means to individual - self-perfec for desire life and death struggle, but a Coubertin calls up the image of the gladiator of the These two contrasting recipes for competition were tion. This perfection is worth striving even for, though pur our because is That realized. fully be never can it who is primarily motivated by a by motivated primarily is who pose in life goes beyond mere survival. We have to be be to have We survival. mere beyond goes life in pose able to set our own goals and exceed our own limitations, so that we can proudly say that we have made ourself another person. Coubertin gave the example tell to wanted he because Olympia, from athlete an of us that sport is not about defeating an opponent, but our own weaknesses. about overcoming ancient Roman arena by way of contrast. Gladiators were usually slaves forced into the arena to please their masters or the shouting crowd. Coubertin held that this sort of athlete be was should athletics and Sport freedom. deprived – fundamental of something enjoy any bring it can then Only voluntarily. practiced ment. Apart from that, victory for one was death for This the destroyed other. the whole purpose that nor mally makes it worthwhile competing with someone. be to supposed not was sport that forgot Romans The a improvement. The gladiator only asks what the prize is. Nothing else matters. Olympia from athlete The Coubertin. for irreconcilable and the circus gladiator can symbolize the different find to hard not is It sport. approach competitors ways examples of both attitudes. Take Jack and Jim, who are in the same class at school and even sit together. Football is their passion. They spend all their spare goal, for shooting and technique their practicing time dur possible as goals many as score can they that so tournament that is virtu- team for an upcoming interschool - com result of their dedication and commitment, The tournament ends as expected. The school team, cred- be easily can Jack this. like stories has school Every ing matches. They have become really good - football ers as a so, it comes as no surprise when the PE teacher asks them to join the school football team. make He up a needs to petition. He is really counting on them, as the school has not done well in football in recent years. Jack is delighted and decides there and then to train even harder. He knows the team is weak and that he can and the help by giving his all. He really wants to play, upcoming competition is the perfect chance to see if he measures up against other footballers and check Unfortunately, improving. constantly are skills his that Jim does not share his enthusiasm. He does not see any point in taking part in a ally unwinnable, and at first, he turns his nose up at the idea. The prizes for the winning team do not do much to he persuade eventually However, him either. agrees to join the team after the teacher tries to talk him round a few times. with Jack and Jim playing, pulls out all stops but does not come first, despite their he’s high everything it gives Jack get, things skill bad how matter levels. But no got and urges his teammates on as well. Jim, though, is clearly not happy. He kicks some goals, but there is no point when everything, really including beautiful the match, is lost. ited with having an attitude similar to that of the “athlete the of that to closer is approach Jim’s while Olympia”, from “gladiator”. So, which of the two do you think the teacher will want when the next competition comes round? 68

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69 ter Charac world-famous track and field was star, Irena Kirszenstein-Szewińska, Poland’s most Irena outstand- Kirszenstein-Szewińska, Poland’s Irena Szewińska competed in five Olympics. She began She Olympics. five in competed Szewińska Irena ing athlete and a 14 when her PE after teacher, watching her run, noticed that she had “exceptional” talent. This gift, by constant hard work, was supported to see Szewińska win seven Olympic gold medals. Szewińska is also known all over the world for her commitment to, and activities on behalf of, the Polish Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee. her Olympic career at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, aged 18, where she won one gold and two silver medals. Over the next 16 years, up until the 1980 Moscow Olympics, she broke 13 world records and 38 Polish records, and competed She medals. Championship European 10 won in the 100m and 200m sprints, and the the long 4 jump. When x she ran the 100m 400m at relay, the 1976 “Yet in developing the human body for purposes of athletic success, mental body for purposes of athletic in developing the human “Yet that the preponderant one. Remember a major role, at times even a properties play of a Greek peasant in the marathon. cycle began with the triumph modern Olympic any scientific preparation. robust, but he had not undergone He was naturally the Holy Icons in keeping by fasting and praying before from it. He prepared Far Let me add that at everywith his religion. I have always seen Olympiad since then, Sometimes the success, in some way. will and poise has ‘forced’ a how strength of off by others who, though less well gifted athletes are eliminated most physically and force of will to achieve their victories.” in that regard, used greater energy (1936) 70

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 1896 71 , Pierre de Coubertin

”The muscles are made ”The muscles are of moral to do the work educationer.”

lot of people slim figure and long legs. - Fre puck-sized hunk of bronze into Master of Economics degree. Not World World Championship medalist and unique capacity to embolden that national issue. Szewińska bore the brunt champion. That was what helped keep her running - Politi of Faculty the at studying began Szewińska Irena “Sport “Sport has a Majdic had come to Vancouver intending to win three Montreal Montreal Olympics, she became the first woman ever to less than 50 seconds. do so in the after cal Tokyo Economy at the University of Warsaw, sport, and learning combined successfully She Olympics. and was awarded a even motherhood could stop her from achieving her goals her achieving from her stop could motherhood even and maintaining her championship Szewińska had character form in addition to her exceptional afterwards. physical attributes – a quent victories are no mean feat either, when you feel the feel you when either, feat mean no are victories quent pressure of have the to crowd. know You how to win and how to lose. And Szewińska did. She dropped the baton during the relay semi-final at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. This became a of public blame and continued to train as had - rain hail she or shine. Szewińska had always the character of a throughout her sporting career. comes from an abstract place. Dreams that exist only only exist that Dreams place. abstract an from comes in the athlete’s brain and that add all the meaning of life to something as plain as skiing in circles. can even alchemize a They “gold with diamonds”. So said Petra Majdic on winning the bronze medal in the individual sprint at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010. A have won medals, but Majdic did so with five broken ribs and a punctured lung. medals, including at least one gold. She had competed in previously Salt Lake City in 2002 and in Turin 2006, but without success. A

come medal rock. Whenrock. voice full of pain. The pre- genuine Olympian is equal to the was in top form and that there might knew that I bend during the downhill run and tumbled down small country where nobody has ever won a won ever has nobody where country small bend during the warm-ups. She fell over coming volunteer ran up to help her, she kept repeating “take three-meter icy embankment straight into a into straight embankment icy three-meter three-time three-time winner of the Small was Crystal hungry for the Globe, Olympic medal that Majdic had eluded her for so she long. soon However, saw her dream slip away on a out of a a before. I me to the starting line” in a a from a liminary medical examination indicated bruised ribs, but the pain got worse. Majdic was only in 19th place after the first heat. Her progress in the course was Her breathing. and movement of inverselyease her to proportional bronze medal win in the final sprint was heroic. “I never be another chance like this.” She crossed the finish the crossed She this.” like chance another be never is line nothing exhausted toand in pain, but elated. “Pain an athlete,” she said. A contest. 72

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orts t sp skillful stance, behind which he prepares to fight, sees blows come, come, blows sees fight, to prepares he which behind stance, skillful

was describing the other day how Theodore Roosevelt had used boxing had used boxing Roosevelt the other day how Theodore “I was describing as the first stage in the deliberate build-up of his manhood. Now boxing of his manhood. Now boxing in the deliberate build-up as the first stage do not like their children with Lausanne opinion. Parents is not in favor it; in this they are veryto take part in is only wrong. Boxing, in their eyes, to the naturally in case of need – an art which comes quite the art of biffing is completely mistaken. arms. This man’s ends of a strong and well-muscled had a lesson, to deliver if you have never all instinctive. Try, Boxing is not at but the discover not only your clumsiness will or kick. You a straight punch your effort, which will glance off or become complete ineffectiveness of The gesture which nature teaches a man deadened of its own accord. grab any handy weapon – or else to seize threatened by an attack is to the opponent and try a way of risking everything. to throw him down, which is The boxer’s calculated. He begins by covering up by attitude is much more a of means decides to slip or parry his attack or counter, them, chooses the place for and hurls his full strength forwardmoment; a complete at the crucial which call for a large number of psycho-tactics and strategy in miniature needs sangfroid and calm, quickness of eye physiological qualities. The boxer and above all a continuous fount of courage and decision, remarkable speed the combat with no weakening of any kind. Add playing steadily throughout giving the maximum a sport for men in a hurry, to this other merits. Boxing is time. It requires little equipment. What of exercise in the minimum of trunks, and soft-soledis needed? A pair of padded gloves, bathing heel-less than such a costume, incidentally, healthier, shoes – that is all. Nothing is brings into play or more correctly such a lack of costume. Lastly boxing rowing, and like the various groups of muscles almost as harmoniously as ba com

- mod- combi- moment. Jerzy Jerzy moment. block of choco glass of milk, a pair of boxing gloves and the pros- the and gloves boxing of pair sport where two protagonists fight each dialog governed by certain rules. Although boxing Boxing is a The history of boxing is full of heroes in the ring and and ring the in heroes of full is boxing historyof The Feliks Stamm worked as an instructor at the Grudziądz The young Stamm learned how to box properly in Kulej Kulej (light welterweight gold medalist, Tokyo and Mexico 1964 1968) once said that “boxing is a soul and body i.e. gentleness”, and strength of nation in harmony. father the coach, legendary a was Stamm Felix life. in boxing. of Polish other using only their fists. It is like fencing with fists, a is associated with brutality and aggression, nothing de Pierre to according truth, the from further be could Coubertin. This combative sport actually has a erating effect. It requires specific strategies and - tac tics. To be successful in this discipline, you have to control your emotions, make lightning fast decisions, a for even yourself in faith lose not and Center of Cavalry Fist Training. fights similar to boxing matches were held in the military canteen. The prizes were nothing great – a late, and magnesium for strength. All Feliks needed to a was reality escape pect of a small prize. Poznań. Competing in the ring, however, convinced him that boxing was not his calling. He preferred to rowing has the advantage of ruling out one source of nervous fatigue – of nervousout one source of ruling has the advantage rowing – fatigue without each moment whole of his strength exerts the back. The boxer holding or reserve.hesitation massive due to this satisfaction the physical It is perhaps such sport having in such a combative which results of energy expenditure a pacifying influence.” (1919) 74

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- - father to Polish boxers – lot of the wisdom he brought bronze medal. This was to be the first first the be to was This medal. bronze - empty-hand home came trainer, foreign modest man, who never big-noted himself, “Papa “Papa Stamm” was like a he supported them and demanded things from them. He was a observe others. Stamm noticed that considerably people in temperament varied and ability. He under ed from the 1936 Berlin Olympics. As he was it the happened, best possible choice. Stamm repeatedly we “Haven’t saying: began People successes. many of Mr Stamm?” had too many of these victories put never and achievements, his about boasted never himself first. Stamm rarely gave interviews, although His 1964. in him to talk to managed Olszański Tadeusz statements revealed a stood then what he wanted to do. He had to coach and escape boxers, teach training, of confines rigid the It did not take long for the 24-year-old them to victory. Stamm’s coaching talent to attract attention. He was made boxing coach Club, at which Poznań the Warta had the best boxers in the country, but it was almost 10 years before he was coaching the Polish national team, Polish the when arrived moment Stamm’s team. a by coached demonstrated brilliant coaching coached achieved results skills. that no other sporting dis- Those he cipline in Poland could boast at the time. At the 1948 Olympics, London Antkiewicz box- became the Polish a win to ever er into and out of the ring, e.g. “Success is determined by teaching ability. Being able to get to ple know and peo communicate what you know to coach them. The needs to demand example an set should full he time, same the at but commitment boxer, from the and demand the same from himself. You can’t teach using words and statements, but only by practice and personal example. The coach earns the respect and confidence of the boxer not just by managing him at the gym, but outside the gym as well, and not just by giving him advice in the ring. This is the only system of relationships that gives him the right – on the basis of an agreement between men – to demand that the boxer persevere and behave properly. It is only on this basis that the next important component of training a boxer can be built – knowing what he is striving to - wards” and “The secret is that while any coach can teach the basics of a given sport and get a sportsman to a certain level, an unskilled or inexperienced coach is not capable of bringing about any further improvement in the skills of a sportsman who has a really great career ahead of him. That’s just how it is. He can’t draw out the natural advantages of the person

“Boxing gloves are the surest keepers of the peace.”

Gleamin g airship Pierre de Coubertin, 1919

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- ‘nose’ new idea, and then attack de- tell you and do what we arrange now champion one day” – Jerzy Kulej. Kulej sportsman’s temperament and character character and temperament sportsman’s word: to give his strengths free rein while volley to the torso. The first round went to Kulej. In chance to develop a volley of punches to the head. When Frolov attacked, attacked, Frolov When head. the to punches of volley These statements might seem simple, but they are traits. In a reining in his weaknesses.” difficult to put into practice. Many coaches try to follow them, but few succeed. Stamm ent could in spot sportsmen that tal- everyone else had written off. Apart from that, his coaching methods and exacting requirements, combined with straightforward conver sation and good contact, built strong with was it how just is This trained. he boxers the with relationships is who corner, the in away working guy, little “that e.g. going to be a cisively and not leave him any room to counterpunch, Stamm round, third the In so. done had he as soon as Olympic the won Kulej And himself. be Kulej let finally suffered when he had to hold back. gold medal. Kulej remembered one of the conversations he had Stamm while preparing for the with 1964 Olympics. Tokyo Stamm said: “You’ll be the Olympic champion if you listen to what I to sniff out a out sniff to individual those to training his adjust to and strengths, in the ring.” The strategy of waiting to attack in final the match was hell for Kulej, but everything Stamm said came to pass. Whenever his opponent, the - Rus deliver would Kulej himself, lowered Frolov, boxer sian a Kulej would let him come in close enough to deliver a the second round, Stamm told Kulej a to give Frolov he’s training or develop his physical capacities, because because he doesn’t have the ‘nose’. It takes a Muhammad Ali

“Friendship... is not something you learn is not something “Friendship... haven’t learned but if you in school, the you really haven’t of friendship, meaning learned anything.” 78

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 79 single book. And who can say? With With say? can who And book. single small part of his success. There are count- are There success. his of part small Boxers coached by Stamm won 6 gold, 7 silver and When he was finally allowed to play to his strengths, he won. But that final match required that everything went according to plan. Both Kulej and Frolov were when it was over. relieved 11 bronze Olympic medals between them, a only was but this less more whose names do not appear in any record books. The stories of all those he trained could a into fit possibly not all the advice he gave on how to live in dignity, and the the and dignity, in live to how on gave he advice the all personal example he set, “Papa Stamm” might have influence outside the ring. had even more

- ve do the We We are all affected by conflicts of varying kind and sonal, local or international, and have different consequences. They do not usually result in anything good posi- anything that happens rarely very it fact, In us. for avoided. best are they case, any In them. of comes tive Pierre de Coubertin, having witnessed of any armed conflicts number in Europe, including World War I, announced that he had found the perfect way to solve re- the world’s problems peacefully. that mutual He respect and understanding could believed be built if people of various nationalities, cultures, faiths and traditions came together on the sports field. He wanted the games to inspire disunited people to engage extent, whether we like it or not. Conflicts can be per omes ere c ! H war p the Sto “And it is precisely mutual respect that democratic societies need, to the extent societies need, to the extent mutual respect that democratic it is precisely “And felt revolutionaries The French they tend to fall into anarchy. that without it placed beside the words ‘liberty, to complete their motto they this when in order equality’ the word ‘fraternity’ demand fraternity from (…). It is going too far to that can be asked Mutual respect is something is for angels. men. Fraternity It may seem strange that having being overly ambitious. of humanity without we could not settle for towards the utopian maximum, ventured to advance that is more often disposing But disregarding the tendency a reasonable minimum. the doctrine of mutual respect is in conflict with us towards utopia than to reason, which is after all only understanding. Tolerance, its own prerequisite of mutual among people who do not know each other. a form of indifference, can prevail (1915) can only be found among people who know each other.” Respect 80

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for Summer and Winter and Winter for Summer Olympic Games has been proclaimed Nationsby the United General Assembly first time for the1994 Lillehammer Olympic Games. Winter Since 2014, the 6th of April in the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The Olympic Truce Truce The Olympic

chain of un- of chain symbol of peace. Since 1936, common home for all the athletes spirit of mutual care and understanding understanding and care mutual of spirit flame has been lit at Olympia, the site of the Olym- The importance of the Olympic truce is highlighted talent- The Olympics. Berlin 1936 the at happened all It These examples all go to show that peace is one of according to the principle of fair play. according to the by numerous symbols. The five interlocking rings a on represent These one. is flag Olympic the derstanding, respect and friendship between the five continents of the world. Doves are released during the opening ceremony as a a pics in ancient times, and carried Olym- The Games. by the hosting torch city the to relay routes various via pic flame symbolizes the connection of ancient Olym- pia with the site of the modern Olympic Gagmes. The Olympic is Village a Long. Owens and Lutz ed U.S. athlete Jesse Owens had won gold in the 100m and 200m sprints. The stadium was filled to capacity as Owens was warming up for the long jump. His only and their coaches during the Games. Unity in sport is beautifully illustrated when all the athletes enter the stadium and assemble under the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony. and not just an emp- the major strengths of Olympism, ty gesture or an unrealizable dream. Nothing illustrates better the peaceful role of sport than real events, and there is no better example than the story of Jesse in dialogue, and to express freely could be spectators and competitors where an international experience their views the and atmosphere opinions. Transferring of competitive sport to other areas of life would mean that everyone could present and defend a in all ments, their - argu

qualifying jump. Owens later new world record and win. Long was went on to set a serious rival was Ludwig “Lutz” Long from Germany. Owens was not having much luck, having fouled his first on two tries. Seeing that Owens was having - dif ficulties, Long helpfully suggested that he change the length of his run-up so as to start just behind the take- off board and make a all if even that said Owens him. congratulate to first the the medals and cups he had won were melted down, 82

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 83 www.olimpijski.pl/pl/pages/display/16291 bond that lasted lasted that bond force that can, in in can, that force difficult political situ- political difficult plating on the friendship he felt ere comes the dove“ movie “stop the war! h bond that withstood war, ideology and racial Jesse Owens and Lutz Long forged a forged Long Lutz and Owens Jesse Coubertin’s words, “break down any barriers.” words, “break down Coubertin’s they would not be a for Long at that moment. Owens and Long often wrote to each other after the Berlin Games. In his ter in 1943, last Long wrote: “One I’m day, going let- to tell my can Earth on living people between relations what son, be like.” These words led to friendship, which meant winning a medal. much more than years; a division. They experienced their own Olympic peace, a despite that, demonstrated and a be can sport II, War World and ation

Flag ympic Ol The to appear on various preliminary documents: five rings linked at regular preliminaryto appear on various regular five rings linked at documents: red – standing black, green and intervals,various colors – blue, yellow, their the five parts These five rings represent white of the paper. out against the to accept its fruitful rivalries. won over to Olympism, ready of the world now every way reproduce the colors of six colors combined in this In addition, the countrywhite of Sweden, the blue and exception. The blue and yellow without Germany, England, the United States, of France, of Greece, the tricolor flags yellow and red of Spain are included, and the Belgium, Italy and Hungary, Brazil and Australia,as are the innovative flags of and those of ancient Japan is an international emblem. It was made and modern China. This, truly, would be perfect. It is a light, to be turned into a flag, and the look of the flag wind. Its meaning is largely appealing flag, a delight to see fluttering in the to the point that after the Congress it can symbolic. Its success is assured, Olympic occasions. However this may turn out, continue to be raised on solemn have the eurhythmic messengers they needed the celebrations of 1914 now copies of which have been given the first poster, to announce them. The great and which continues to be available to to the national Olympic Committees admiration. The reduction to postcard them, met with immediate general that medium. The five rings and their various format is equally successful for appreciated. Are these five rings solidly riveted applications will also be deeply shatter the Olympic framework? This is an issue together? Will war someday and since the occasion presents itself, we have been asked about before, did not reappear within the context we are pleased to respond. Olympism of modern civilization in order to play a local or temporary role. The mission “The emblem selected to illustrate and represent the 1914 Olympic Congress “The Congress represent the 1914 Olympic selected to illustrate and emblem of the Olympics began the final seal on the restoration which was to place 84

Gleaming airship Gleaming airship 85

entrusted to it is universal and timeless. It is ambitious. It requires all space is ambitious. It requires all space is universal and timeless. It entrusted to it initial steps immediately marked must acknowledge that its and all time. One it out for that future. That being the case, war can merely delay, not stop, not stop, war can merely delay, future. That being the case, it out for that for the next Congress Asits advancement. the Regulations the preamble of the but neither the order nor may fail to be celebrated, state, ‘an Olympiad or Eighth Olympiads God forbid, the Seventh interval changed’. If, may be would he held. If bloody be celebrated, the Ninth Olympiad were unable to to hold the necessary too fresh, made it impossible memories, still celebrations will be people on the other side of the world in one part of the world, there In addition, a more sporting of humanity. ready to honor the eternal youth is not inappropriate – is becoming predominant. conception of war – the word exchange any less harsh, but it will make the This will not make the heated will learn a great lesson tolerated. People aftermath somewhat more easily battle is not worthy of man, and insult without from the athlete: hatred without we have strayed from our topic. Perhaps blows is utterly unbecoming. that war cannot influence the future of the Let us return to it, repeating the International Committee will be at Olympics. Once peace is restored, worldwide work. That is why the new emblem its post ready to continue its terrain and guaranteed endurance.” (1913) eloquently evokes both conquered times the olympic flag Dear Readers, we would like to remind you of what Pierre de Coubertin has said regard- ing the Olympic symbol and the Olympic flag. The particular colors are commonly understood to symbolize the five continents. Pierre de Cou- bertin, who created them, has explained that the six colors of the flag refer to the national Gleamin g airship colors of every country in the world. First time at the Olym- pic Games, the Olympic Flag was flown in Antwerp in 1920.

Te Euphoria that surrounded the Interna- amount would ultimately orce the BOC to recent phenomenon. In act, history reveals tional Olympic Committee’s (IOC) deci-sion seriouslyquestion the nation’s participation the Olympic matters held anextremely to award the 1918 Summer Olympic Games in uture Olympic competition. tenuous position in Britain throughout the to the City o London creates theimpres- When the guns stopped ring on November ormative years o ModernOlympic com- sion that the Olympics are central to the 11, 1918, Pierre de Coubertinand the IOC petition. Te nation’s apathy emerged most aspirations o British sport. Uponcloser turned their immediate attentions towards clearly during the 1920 Olympic Games inspection, however, British anity or the reviving the modernOlympic movement. held in Antwerp. Tis essay examines how the Olympic Movement appears tobe a very In recognition o Belgium’s bravery during Council o the Brit-ish Olympic Associa- recent phenomenon. In act, history reveals the Great War,the IOC awarded the Games tion’s (BOA) attempts at ensuring the nation’s the Olympic matters held anextremely o the VIIth Olympiad to Antwerp at a participation in Antwerp proved extremely tenuous position in Britain throughout the meetingon April 5, 1919, in Lausanne, Swit- dicult. Appealing to the benecence o ormative years o ModernOlympic com- zerland, the new administrative home o the British pub-lic, the British Olympic petition. Te nation’s apathy emerged most the Olympic movement. For Coubertin, the Committee (BOC) launched a 30,000 clearly during the 1920 Olympic Games choice o Antwerp, a city recently liberated und-raising schemein an efort to train and held in Antwerp. Tis essay examines how the rom German occupation and oppression, prepare the nation’s athletes or Antwerp. Council o the Brit-ish Olympic Associa- provided an ideal settingor postwar games. Te dicultiesin raising such a prodigious tion’s (BOA) attempts at ensuring the nation’s Te Euphoria that surrounded the Interna- amount would ultimately orce the BOC to participation in Antwerp proved extremely tional Olympic Committee’s (IOC) deci-sion seriouslyquestion the nation’s participation dicult. Appealing to the benecence o to award the 1918 Summer Olympic Games in uture Olympic competition. the British pub-lic, the British Olympic to the City o London creates theimpres- When the guns stopped ring on November Committee (BOC) launched a 30,000 sion that the Olympics are central to the 11, 1918, Pierre de Coubertinand the IOC und-raising schemein an efort to train and aspirations o British sport. Uponcloser turned their immediate attentions towards prepare the nation’s athletes or Antwerp. inspection, however, British anity or the reviving the modernOlympic movement. In Te dicultiesin raising such a prodigious Olympic Movement appears tobe a very recognition o Belgium’s bravery .

86 Gleaming airship 87

Olympia (1927)

“Today, amidst the glorious ruins of Olympia, has been inaugurated inaugurated ruins of Olympia, has been amidst the glorious “Today, h yout to ress Add the monument commemorating the reestablishment of the Olympic Games of the Olympic Games commemorating the reestablishment the monument the Hellenic Government, Thanks to the generosity of years ago. thirty-three now materialised into an event was good enough to honor has the initiative it the flag flying. My friends It is for you now to keep of historic importance. to you in order to make to restore the Olympic Games and I have not laboured it our wish that mercantile a museum or a cinema; nor is them a fitting object for Our object in reviving an institution should seize upon them. or electoral interests of the religion centuries old, was that you should become new adepts twenty-five conceived it. In this modern world, so full of sports, as our great ancestors yet threatened by so many risks of degeneration, of powerful possibilities, and as well as of physical Olympism may be a school of moral nobility and purity on condition that you continually raise your endurance and energy; but only disinterestedness to the height of your conceptions of honour and sporting depends on you.” muscular strength. The future

CH single single T unique ceremony. unique ceremony. two-day conference at great deal about the Olympic Games. Art conveys T MA A PERFEC long way. Ancient pottery, sculpture and literature tell When Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic The association between sport and art goes back who Coubertin, hear up turned delegates of Dozens Games, he wanted to combine the spiritual, intellectual intellectual spiritual, the combine to wanted he Games, and physical achievements of humankind in a the essence, describes the events, and glorifies the - win ners. Sculpture brought Olympians closer to the ideal, music added harmony of movement, and poetry saved them from oblivion. place and time, just as they had been in In antiquity. 1906, Coubertin convened a a us a the legendary Comédie Française in Paris “Advisory entitled Conference on the Arts, Sports”, where he proposed holding an arts competi- Literature, and program. tion as part of the official Olympic opened the proceedings by saying “We have gathered in this unique place to hold a Our purpose is this: to reunite the Muscles and the “Discobolus” by Myron typifies classical beauty. The sculpture classical beauty. “Discobolus” by Myron typifies and strength, and is a fine is a study of the human body example of Greek harmony. 88

A PERFECT MATCH A PERFECT MATCH 89

“Penthatlon “Penthatlon replacement, but only replacement, but only competition, although Mind.” Coubertin proposed incorporating arts com- the captured idea this While Games. the into petitions interest of people from many different backgrounds, they initially approached it cautiously. A of the Muses” of architecture, sculpture, music, paint- music, sculpture, architecture, of Muses” the of ing and literature was selected. The works had to be inspired by sport, portray the beauty of sport”, of and be the displayed in “spirit the Olympic stadium. Coubertin stressed that the artists should have some sporting experience themselves, so that their works would be authentic. The delegates weighed up assessment the criteria, including esthetics and famili- arity with the different artistic disciplines being dis- the played, but they mostly deliberated on organizing first Olympic art competition for 1908. were to The be held Games in Rome, but Vesuvius erupted and the ensuing destruction forced the Italians was chosen London as a draw. to with- had two years to The get artistic ready. world did not have enough time to prepare either. The 1908 report, Olympic however, mentions a this was held in Stockholm in 1912. Several athletes have entered the artistic competition throughout Olympic Several athletes have entered Hajós and Dezso Lauber were awarded Hungarian architects Alfréd history. London Olympics for their stadium design. Hajós a silver medal at the 1924 at the 1896 Athens Games who had won two gold medals was a swimmer, who had competed in London in 1908. and Lauber was a tennis player, won gold in 1908 and silver who U.S. shooter, was a Winans W. Walter sculpture in 1912. in 1912, and was awarded another gold medal for his - single comprehensive pro scientific and artistic artistic and scientific touch of glamour to the Coubertin Coubertin believed that having art recognized as an The firmness and consistency of the action Coubertin ideal coming together from all over the world – was at odds with the creative independence and individualism of many artists. The slogan “art for art’s sake” became “sport for sport’s sake”. Things began to change when Olympic Olympic discipline would add a Games, and strove to have art included in the Olympic “second the was this it, put he As one. day from program stage” of reviving the Olympic idea. In in Paris 1900 and again in St. Louis in 1904 the Games were incorporated tech- scientific, showcased which Expositions, World into nical, and artistic accomplishments. Coubertin initially a in placed sport having that hoped environment would bring about an increase in the number of Olympic spectators especially from the intellectual world. These exhibitions were enormous and lasted were given several months. Sports enthusiasts, however, very little information about the Olympics. Some of the due were they where or when know even not did athletes to compete. Coubertin decided that the Olympics would be held independently and have a gram in future, and, without further convened delay, the conference. Paris took to strengthen the alliance between sport and despite art, the difficulties, led to positive results, although the early 20th century was not overly favorable to Olym- pic art competitions. The decadents, and the the European modernists, avant-garde were busy frequenting cafés and creating scandals, and did not consider competitions to be important. What mattered to them were their own manifestos and creative expression. The sheer scale of the Olympic Games – people united by a 90

A PERFECT MATCH A PERFECT MATCH 91 , 1912 Pierre de Coubertin “O Sport, you are Beauty!”

- sports sprinter number of lan- of number writer and a background parade of thousand works of art in keen interest in social topics, in- significant influence on the language year before the Games and distributed around distributed and Games the before year footballer before becoming a Life flourished in Europe and in Western countries gen- countries Western in and Europe in flourished Life editor Wierzyński, Kazimierz when 1928 in shone Poland Coubertin, Coubertin, moving with the spirit of the times, turned to the power of advertising. Posters advertising the - Olym pics were first printed in 1912 to announce that the V Olympiad would be held in Stockholm from June 29 to mind, to Olympia brought profiles whose Athletes, 22. July proclaimed the event against a a in printed was poster The flags. national a guages the world. It was hung in shops and cafés as well as in the streets, and encouraged people to get involved. The and the style was art nouveau. artist was Swedish erally during the 20 years between the two world wars. Artists began to show a cluding sport, which was already very popular all over the world, including Poland. The glamour that began to surround Olympic medalists the after Stockholm Games (in both the artistic and the sporting competitions) was another thing that made artistic circles more open to the Olympic competition. Nearly a five disciplines were entered into the artistic competition in Amsterdam in 1928. They were diverse, which inspired were made they importantly, most but interesting, them wanted. by sport – just as Coubertin had of Przegląd Sportowy [Sports Review] was awarded the gold medal in literature. Wierzyński had been a - Lau [Olympic olimpijski Laur verse, of volume His editor. Olympic the Olympics, Paris 1924 the by inspired was rel], po Wierzyński’s experiences. sporting own his and idea, etry changed the way people viewed and thought about sport, and had a and a short great deal of need to express perfect match. They in- common goal. The body The goal. common promising poet and all-round all-round and poet promising motivation or a or motivation By the 1930s, Pierre de Coubertin was an old man, who man, old an was Coubertin de Pierre 1930s, the By concept”. esthetic an is “Olympism that said Coubertin used by commentators and sports journalists. a Konopacka, Halina 1928, Also in Her medal. gold individual ever first Poland’s won athlete, volume Któregoś dnia [Some Day] was highly regarded Konopacka and Wierzyński figures. literary and critics by showed that sport and art are a beauti- is which that to people lead and other, each spire ful and have make a them good. People need. that fulfill art and Sport deeds. and words in beauty observed the progress of his work with a satisfaction. Although he had stepped down as dent presi- of the International Olympic Committee 1925, he continued to (IOC) be involved until his death in 1937. in last the for held were however, competitions, art Olympic time in 1948. The decision taken by later IOC presidents to abandon Olympic art competitions was based on the profes- were artists that held which day, the of philosophy of status amateur the with conflicted this that and sionals athletes. Another obvious reason was that judges found Re- submitted. works the from winners select to difficult it sults are measurable in the stadium, e.g. the winner is dif- more is art Appraising line. finish the cross to first the ficult, and is subject to personal considerations and the spirit of the times. Olympism can therefore concern itself with the nature of esthetic an as beauty, that say to used He beauty. and art category, is created by humanity, and that its meaning it put To life. improves and reality adorns it way the in lies simply: beauty makes there, life From it better. is a step to find the bonds between art and sport for which a either is beauty Halina Konopacka “There is no sport without beauty.” 92

A PERFECT MATCH A PERFECT MATCH , 1935 93 Pierre de Coubertin “By chiseling his body his body “By chiseling exercise as through a statue, a sculptor does the ancient athlete honored the gods.” - - certain source of esthetic experiences and ar form of presenting the perfection of the hu- Sport is a specified way, generally make the world beautiful. specified way, tistic inspirations. As it was in the ancient gymnasium, so gymnasium, ancient the in was it As inspirations. tistic it is in the modern Olympic stadium. Gatherings of peo ple are accompanied by contemplation and by studying the human body and human exertion, which in a of an athlete is a man being through his or her greatest attributes and accomplishments. This is reflected in art. This is how it was in ancient Olympia and how it has been since Pierre de the Olympic Games. Coubertin revived e to od ort sp Aleksandra Kwiatkowska, 12 years, Polish Olympians Primary School No. 323 in Warsaw Ania Borzyńska, 9 years, Ania Borzyńska, 9 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie O Sport, pleasure of the Gods, suddenly essence of life, you appeared whichin the midst of the grey clearing writhes with the drudgery of modern messenger the radiant existence, like still smiled.of a past age, when mankind upAnd the glimmer of dawn lit of light the mountain tops and flecks forests. dotted the ground in the gloomy 94

Ode to Sport Ode to Sport 95

Jakub Maliszewski, 11 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw O Sport, you are Beauty! You are You you are Beauty! O Sport, which of that edifice the architect which can body and is the human or sublime accordingbecome abject defiled by vile passionsto whether it is healthy exertion.or improved through beauty without balanceThere can be no and you are the peerlessand proportion, for you create harmony, master of both, rhythm, you make you give movements strength graceful and you endow suppleness with power. Eliza Borzym, 8 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie

Julia Kamińska, 7 years, Julia Kamińska, Coubertin Pierre de Primary School in Budy Siennickie Paulina Dudek, 12 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw O Sport, you are Justice! The perfect equity for which men strive in vain in theirO Sport, you are Justice! The companion. No one can jump a centimetre highersocial institutions is your constant nor runthan the height he can jump, a minute longer than the length he can run. The limits of his success are determined and moral strength. solely by his own physical 96

Ode to Sport Ode to Sport

97 Iga Krakowiak, 9 years, Iga Krakowiak, 9 years, Polish Olympians 323 Primary School No. in Warsaw Helena Zdrojewska, 11 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw O Sport, you are Audacity!O Sport, be summed up effort can of all muscular The meaning in the word ‘dare’. What good are muscles, what is the point of feeling strong and feeling strong is the point of muscles, what good are ‘dare’. What in the word to dare? it is in order strength, unless agility and to improve one’s why work agile, and with the adventurer’syou inspire has nothing in common But the daring recklessness is a prudent, well-considered audacity. in staking everything on chance. Yours Julia Kamińska, 7 years, Julia Kamińska, Coubertin Pierre de Primary School in Budy Siennickie Antoni Podębski, 12 years, Antoni Podębski, Polish Olympians No. 323 Primary School in Warsaw Ada Racławska, 10 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw O Sport, you are Honour! The laurels you bestowO Sport, you are Honour! The been won in absolutehave no value unless they have who, with He fairness and with perfect impartiality. deceive his fellowsome shameful trick, manages to competitors feels guilt to his very core and lives in fear shall forever be of the ignominious epithet which attached to his name should his trickery be discovered. 98

Ode to Sport Ode to Sport 99 Oliwia Chróst, 10 years, Oliwia Chróst, 10 years, School No. 98 DIDASKO Primary in Warsaw

Diana Jaroszkiewicz, 7 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw To the sorrowful salutary can even bring you To their distress, whilst the happydiversion from to savour their joie de vivre. you enable fully O Sport, you are Joy! At your behest, your Joy! At are you O Sport, smile; blood races and eyes flesh dances arteries. Thoughts through the abundantly clearer horizon. out on a brighter, stretch Jakub Śmigasiewicz, 12 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie 100

Ode to Sport Ode to Sport 101

Zuzanna Celej, 12 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw Zuzanna Lipińska, 8 years, Polish Olympians Primary School No. 323 in Warsaw and correcting the flaws which threaten its essential purity. and correctingits essential purity. threaten the flaws which his sons grow up athlete with a desire to see And you fill the place in the arena and, his around him to take agile and strong in their turn, carry the most glorious trophies. off O Sport, you are Fecundity! You strive directly and nobly directly and strive You you are Fecundity! O Sport, seed unhealthy the race, destroying perfection of towards

Bartosz Hoffmann, 11 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw he avoid all excess. You teach him wise rules which allow he avoid all excess. You maximum of intensity withouthim to exert himself with the compromising his good health. O Sport, you are Progress! To serve must you, a man To O Sport, you are Progress! force You and spiritually. improve himself both physically you demand thathim to abide by a greater discipline; ryniak, 10 years, Zosia Hryniak, 10 98 Primary School No. DIDASKO in Warsaw 102

Ode to Sport Ode to Sport 103 Marta Różycka, 12 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw Szymon Śmigasiewicz, 10 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie Kornelia Wilczek, 9 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie

to a strength which is controlled, organizedto a strength which you, the young From and self-disciplined. and thusworldwide learn self-respect, O Sport, you are Peace! You promote You you are Peace! O Sport, peoples, bringingrelations between happy shared devotion in their them together the diversity of national qualities becomesthe diversity of generous and friendly rivalry. the source of a 104

Ode to Sport Ode to Sport 105

- different virtue of sport is is sport of virtue different This work was written by Pierre de Couber M. Eschbach and was awarded the gold medal in the literature competition at the V - Olym write to decided He 1912. in Stockholm in piad the “Ode” using French and German names to show that the Olympic idea could reconcile nations that were hostile to one another. The work is bombastic but genuinely lofty. Poetic di- human the to secondary are considerations A text. the of mension mentioned in every verse. tin under the pseudonym Georges Hohrod – Why does Coubertin matter?

Krzysztof Zuchora is a poet, essayist, sports historian and academic. He is also an expert on the Olympic Games and the philosophy of Pierre de Coubertin. Zuchora answers the questions young people most often put to him by saying that “Olympism is about knowing yourself.”

Why does Coubertin idea encompasses things held matter? dear by people of every race, religion and culture, e.g. mu- Pierre de Coubertin created tual respect, a strong feeling what has become the great- of personal pride, the principle est theatrical spectacle in the of fair play, Olympic solidarity, world – and one where only the fostering peace, and having fun best of the best get to perform. as a form of education, where Why does Coubertin matter? Every four years, we take part playing in the backyard can in an event that is followed by one day lead to the Olympic thousands of millions of people Stadium. on every continent. Couber- Pierre de Coubertin noticed tin set up a standard sporting that the Greek schools of old competition with a variety of taught gymnastics, music, and events and gave it a celebra- physical and mental exercises tory touch. It was he who came in such a way that young peo- up with the idea of having an ple would leave school broadly Olympic Games Opening Cer- prepared for life in times of emony with symbols and val- war and peace. Games were ues to highlight the unbroken held in various cities in order Olympic tradition from ancient to combine physical exercise Greece to the present. This with moral training. These were

106 grand affairs designed to at- This ancient custom was Why does Coubertin matter? tract the attention of Greek known as “the sacred truce” youth, who could then adopt and made every Greek person- behavioral models and get en- ally responsible for protecting thusiastic about their sporting the competitors and spectators prowess. during the games and for ensur- The oldest and largest games ing their safe arrival at Olympia were held in Olympia in honor by road and sea. The sacred of the god Zeus. The ancient truce was proclaimed a couple philosophers tell us that they of days or three months before proceeded peacefully and that the games commenced, de- order was maintained in the pe- pending on the political situa- riods immediately before and tion. This was a sort of armistice after the games, as well as dur- concluded between the Greek ing the competition itself. city-states so that the competi-

107 tion, sanctified with centuries of cultures and civilizations while tradition, could be held accord- keeping the traditional opening ing to sacred rituals. and closing ceremonies and Pierre de Coubertin cited observing standard sporting this extraordinary political act regulations. This has enriched in the hope that the modern and invigorated the Olympic Olympic movement would cre- movement. The Games were ate an opportunity for nations made the property of the whole and individuals to live together world following a personal ap- in peace. The “Modern Olym- peal from Coubertin, the man pia” was meant to be a symbol whose commitment and dedi- and would be assigned the fol- cation to their international re- lowing role: “Ancient Olympia vival had made it possible for was a city of athletics, art, and athletes to come together in prayer. The order of these three stadiums around the world in terms has at times been wrong- a spirit of peace, friendship and ly reversed. The sacred na- respect. If not for Coubertin, our ture and the esthetic nature of culture would be all the poorer Olympia were consequences of for not having a competition Why does Coubertin matter? its athletic role. The city of ath- that unites rather than divides. letics was an intermittent thing. The city of art and prayer were Is Pierre de permanent. The same will hold Coubertin’s Olympic true for the modern Olympia.” idea still relevant? This project got no further than theoretical considerations. Few things have captured The concept of a “theater of pil- the public imagination the way grimage” won out through the the Olympic Games have. The will of Coubertin himself. The Olympic competition was con- modern games have since been sidered an exceptional event hosted by large cities that have by the ancient Greeks and was introduced the defining values, not even interrupted when Athens signs and symbols of their own was directly under threat from the

108 number but trained to perfection, and the visiting spectators, who sometimes numbered as many as 45,000. They additionally had to spend a lot of preparation time in Elis, two days by road from Olympia, to acquire the necessary polish and fa- miliarize themselves with the rules. There was an examination before an official group of trainers and judges, who decided who would be included and excluded. Pythagoras is supposed to have said that three kinds of people made it to Olym- pia. First, the athletes came to athena win Olympic wreaths and im- mortal fame. Second, artisans, Why does Coubertin matter? “Olympism was born fully philosophers, theatrical per- equipped, like Athena!” formers, sculptors, musicians and poets came to make mon- Pierre de Coubertin, 1934 ey and advertise their goods and services. Third, the spec- Persian army. New directions in tators came to take part in re- art sprang up in Olympia. The ligious ceremonies, watch the best plays had their premieres running, wrestling and horse rac- there, philosophers advertised ing, and admire the beauty of old their latest works there, and any and new works or art. Pythagoras number of merchants and arti- described this last group as be- sans came in search of profit. ing the only true Olympians. This Most important, however, were is an important observation as it the athletes, who were few in shows how greatly he honored

109 art lovers and sports spectators. many journalists, twice as many Olympians, then, were not just volunteers, and around 2,500 those who engaged in competi- judges, and the television audi- tive sport, but also those who par- ence is a billion people. It is im- ticipated in the religious celebra- portant that the TV transmission tions and artistic events at Olym- of the Games reach the farthest pia, and watched the athletic corners of the globe, as this in- contests. Poets and musicians fluences people’s attitudes to

Competitors now have to go through years of grueling training before they make it to the Games. Only the very best obtain the honor of competing. But the question of whether the Olympic concept is still relevant touches on a far more important issue, namely whether the values promoted by the International Olympic Committee still hold their appeal in the 21st century. Why does Coubertin matter?

were worthy of being called cre- sport and teaches them how to ators in Greece, because they live in harmony and regard oth- created things that did not exist ers as fellow participants and in nature. Artists who created not as rivals. Coubertin’s hope with their hands were treated the that modern Olympism would same as those who practiced open up new ways of looking handicrafts. at international development If this way of thinking was ap- might find expression here too. plied to the Games today, we The “Global Olympic Village” could draw up a profit and loss may be an example of this. The statement as follows: 10,500 ath- Olympic movement has been letes are competing in the Sum- extending its influence to cover mer Olympics; there are just as more territory, reaching deeper

110 into the fabric of society, and proclaiming the joy of engaging An educated person in sport. The Olympic idea is not was distinguished just relevant today; it continues to gain in strength every year by his or her as the population of the “Global responsiveness to Olympic Village” increases. beauty, and a noble What is the “Spirit of person by his or her Sport”? love for the law and respect for ethical Pierre de Coubertin wrote that standards. the Germans had dug up Olym- pia and exposed the ruins of the city. As a Frenchman, however, he was determined to resurrect important. Those philosophical the ancient spirit of the Games, models were put into practice which has survived unchanged and are now broadly applied in until now. The word “spirit” is modern schools. We are more Why does Coubertin matter? a synonym for culture, with the than happy to quote the ancient proviso that what is meant is sym- Greeks, because we understand bolic (or spiritual) culture, and our place in the world better be- not what can be distinguished as cause of them. technical culture (i.e. civilization). The sports field is a kind of Reviving up the ancient spirit and school where children and young pressing it into present day ser- people can learn by doing, and vice required restoring long lost develop mental fortitude, no mat- humanistic values and revisiting ter how heated the game gets. the philosophy of the person who The “spirit of sport” accompanies strives for self-awareness and every game. It signifies a tradi- the “justifiably proud” person tion of competitiveness accord- who is prepared to rise above ing to specified rules and does the run-of-the-mill for something not change over time. The idea

111 of sport is not to subdue or humili- Hippodamia in a chariot race. ate an opponent. We do not meet The Olympian gods also played with a rival but a fellow player on games, e.g. Apollo beat Ares, the sports field, and the purpose the god of war, in a fist fight. of the game is to have fun, and Games evolved from hav- get to know ourselves and the ing fun. Over time, different other players. kinds of fun took on the form of games, and winning, rath- Where did the idea er than enjoyment, became for games come the main aim. It is due to these from? beginnings that contemporary professional sport has not com- Games are older than litera- pletely shed its former selfless ture. Homer mentions Nestor, nature, for all its seriousness who fought in the Trojan War, and elaborate technology. Sport in Book XXIII of The Iliad, which has retained a cultural identity in is dedicated to “the Games in which the more the result is left to honor of Patroclus”. Nestor says chance, the greater the likelihood that he is too old to compete, of it being referred to as playing Why does Coubertin matter? but a few Greeks kept fields for a game or having fun. battles and games for him at The original Olympians were one time, and he is now helping given a palm leaf and had his son Antilochus get ready for a tainia placed on their heads a chariot race by advising him on the day of their victory. On how to behave on the track. This the final day of the Games, the is the oldest historical record of winners had wreaths bestowed a talk between a coach (the fa- upon them before a statue of ther) and an athlete (the son). Zeus as the ultimate proof that Games also appear in Greek they were the best. The wreaths mythology. Pelops is considered were made from the sprigs the founder of the games at of olive trees that grew wild in Olympia. He won the kingdom a sacred grove. On their return of Oenamaus and the hand of home from Olympia, the winners

112 were presented with material of during peacetime. The chil- prizes of enormous value. This dren and youth of today simi- prompted Solon, an Athenian larly enter competitions to find lawgiver from the 6th century out who they are and what they B.C., to set an upper limit of can do. 500 drachmas on Olympic victory prizes. This could have What is the role of purchased a country property Olympism in sport? or financed a lifetime of city living. Two hundred years later, Olympism is a modern con- the prizes were smaller but still cept. There were all sorts of rea- impressive. By way of compari- sons why people played sport at son, a professional soldier serv- the turn of the 20th century, but ing at sea was paid 1.5 drach- there were two main ones. The mas per day. first concerned working class The Greeks had games in their people. Playing sport after work blood. They had to constantly was a form of relaxation and improve and monitor their own a fun pastime that made up progress in order to nurture an important part of the local Why does Coubertin matter? a sense of personal pride and rituals and seasonal festivities. win the social approval of their Practical skills, strength, endur- peers. As there were no objec- ance, wrestling and boxing, i.e. tive measurements, they kept anything that could be used at comparing themselves to oth- work, were what mattered in folk ers – in art, philosophy, public festivals. Organizational ability, activity and war. Some say the group leadership, and various ancient Greeks were “greedy artistic skills were also valuable for fame”, loved wisdom and social qualities. Having fun play- beauty, and prized virtues so ing sport relieved the monotony much that they were ready to of lives full of chores, and gave lay down their lives for them. a brief feeling of freedom and The Games were how they hope for a change of fortune. found out what they were made The conditions for concentrating

113 on self-perfection were simply gatherings and cultural events not present. came to be held regularly, and It was a different story for the old sporting events were revived upper classes, as they did not and new ones introduced, e.g. have to work. The physical activ- cycling, motor racing, ice skat- ity they engaged in substituted ing, rowing, horse riding, fenc- for work. Sportspeople from the ing and tennis. Sport might have upper echelons of society were retained its casual nature, but

On this view, Olympism, as previously stated, refers to sport that is not played for large prizes. Every competitor should get a high from exerting him or herself and from playing by the rules. The main thing is neither the result nor the prospect of a valuable prize, but the chance to overcome their own limitations, know themselves, push the limits of their abilities, and experience the sense of fulfillment that comes from having done something well. Why does Coubertin matter?

not paid and competed solely even then, there were some who for their own benefit. They saw played sport professionally, al- sport as an opportunity to hone though they were not all that in- their bodies and improve their terested in money. This was the characters. Prizes were memen- group that Coubertin was refer- tos of the competition rather than ring to during the first Olympic financial benefits. As such, their Congress in Paris in 1894, when value was symbolic. Upper-class he announced the establish- sport was viewed as an amateur ment of the International Olym- activity. Club life was considered pic Committee. This was to be to be the most important thing. a non-governmental institution Sporting and tourism associa- charged with popularizing Olym- tions focused on the elite. Social pism as a philosophy of sport

114 and the Olympic Games as a so- and in so doing, they demon- cial practice. strate their readiness to defend On this view, Olympism, as these values, as they are vital to previously stated, refers to the future of our world. sport that is not played for Olympism is also about know- large prizes. Every competitor ing yourself, whether you can should get a high from exert- persistently strive for the goals ing him or herself and from you have set yourself, how you playing by the rules. The main conduct yourself after winning thing is neither the result nor and losing, whether you com- the prospect of a valuable pete in an artistic and beautiful prize, but the chance to over - way, and whether your opponent come their own limitations, is a partner in sport or an adver- know themselves, push the sary out to capitalize on your mis- limits of their abilities, and takes. Finally, it is about whether experience the sense of fulfill- the “other person” is an out- ment that comes from having sider or a fully-fledged Olympic done something well. competitor. Olympic values have also been Why does Coubertin matter? Are the principles of adopted by societies that never Olympism universal? used to recognize them. Olym- pism has thus paved a road If the code of conduct between for people of different races, competitors was not universal in religions and cultures to make application, Olympism would be their way towards the Olympic an example of local and short- Stadium, where they confirm, by lived culture. There are now their very participation, the real- over 200 countries and inde- ity that a world based on friend- pendent territories in the Olym- ship, justice and mutual respect pic family. What binds them is between people entitled to the the affinity of their own values same rights is possible. At pre- with Olympic ones. They praise sent, this happens on the sports freedom, equality and solidarity, field, but its influence is such

115 that it could embrace our entire the best. Restoring the Olym- lives from kindergarten. pic Games 15 centuries after they had fallen into oblivion, What is the future and even giving them a much of the Olympic greater reach than they had in movement? ancient times, builds hope for the future. The Olympic movement is still The modern Olympic Games a young and developing institu- are threatened by civilizational tion, but it is firmly and deeply development and social culture rooted culturally. An illuminat- changes. The modern world of ed olive tree held center stage knowledge, the world of con- during the opening and closing stant and rapid change, the IT ceremonies of the 2004 Olym- world, and the virtual world are pic Games in Athens. The gen- colliding with the old world of erations that have grown up in sport, which is based on a cul- its shadow have changed. Peo- ture of chivalry, an ethos of per- ple have come and gone, but sonal excellence and “pilgrim- the tree is still there and has age theater” across the world. Why does Coubertin matter? withstood the ups and downs This cannot help but spark of history. Its sacred branches conflicts, revolts, protests and are used to make wreaths for demonstrations. As an example,

“Citius – Altius – Fortius”: running and knowing yourself faster; rising higher above the horizontal bar and mediocrity; and becoming stronger, i.e. so that the power of the spirit can overcome the natural limitations of the body.

116 the Defenders of Tibet came out of the spirit can overcome the to meet the Olympic torch relay natural limitations of the body. on its way to Beijing from old Coubertin is also esteemed for Olympia. They saw the Olym- introducing sport to schools, pics as an opportunity to draw not through a hole in the fence attention to human rights vio- but through the main gate, and lations in China. This was con- not just so that the playground trary to the peaceful mission of could ring to the sounds of chil- the Olympic movement, which dren having fun, but mainly to had granted the right to host introduce autonomy to the pu- the Games to the city and not pils and to revive school activi- the country against which they ties in the local community out- were protesting. side lessons and after hours. He was familiar with school and Why is such a great knew its weak points. Coubertin man so little known? tried to build a future school education on the assumption that We are now trying to make up education should occur through for this neglect. Coubertin, the development and development Why does Coubertin matter? creator of the modern Olympics should occur through enjoy- is famous all over the world. He ment. is held in very high esteem for The contemporary school has giving us the Olympic Games, changed in this direction, al- a festival of youth and sport, though this is not normally attrib- where young people come to- uted to the educational activities gether in the Olympic Stadium of Pierre de Coubertin. He also to express their attachment coined such terms as “moral to the Olympic motto “Citius – exercises” and “moral training”, Altius – Fortius”: running and and emphasized “muscle and knowing yourself faster; rising mind” and body and soul coordi- higher above the horizontal bar nation as a prerequisite for any and mediocrity; and becoming kind of education. The school stronger, i.e. so that the power playground is the best field

117 Kalokagathia (Ancient Greek: “kalós kai agathós” means “beautiful and good”). In ancient Greek philosophy, this was the perfection of the harmonious fusion of beauty and good in a person and was a virtue of both body and soul. The concept of kalokagathia is timeless. Sport develops the mind and the soul as well as the body. A lot of sportspeople have shown that it is possible to be a champion in life as well as in sport.

Why does Coubertin matter? kalós+kai+agathós =

kalós + kai + agathós = kalokagathia = person

118 to cultivate kalos kagathos (good differences. These people would and beautiful) as an education bring a “Global Olympic Village” ideal directed at the individual into being as a sort of social uto- child and his or her relationships pia that would take shape once with others. every four years. The Olympic Coubertin gave the world the movement has attracted an in- Olympic Games as a trans- creasingly large following as it formed battleground where has developed, and the concept people of equal importance of Olympic Peace has become in- and dignity could compete in creasingly significant. a game where the most important thing was playing, not What would you ask winning. Participating builds Pierre de Coubertin a community that shares so- if you had the cially accepted values, while chance? winning has an individual di- mension in that it highlights I would ask the question he personal identity and inde- himself did at the end of his pendence. There is supposedly life, viz. how it came about that Why does Coubertin matter? more pleasure in giving than “Olympism has sailed serenely in receiving. The beauty of this over the world like a gleaming thought is definitely born out in airship.” The Olympic Games sport. have become a visible symbol Coubertin’s greatest contribu- of the modern world and a kind tion was undeniably in education of “religion of beauty”, which for peace as a new social out- draws young people in and in- look. He believed that the Olym- spires them to make an effort, pics would draw people cordially teaches them to respect their op- disposed towards each other ponents and abide by the rules together to cultivate universal of sport, and becomes an object values, such as freedom, beauty, of art and a source of humanis- dignity, and respect for religious, tic values. It has worked beyond racial, national and political all expectations and it has never

119 wavered in its zeal. Olympic education has turned out differently as it has borrowed the methods Olympism is conduct of moles. where our human What needs to be done if virtues pass a public sports education is to regain exam. Olympism the force it had in ancient times, when young people came out is heroism displayed of the gymnasium ready to give in peacetime. their all, eager to compete, respectful of the rules, and appre- ciative of the beauty of the hu- petitors, i.e. primus inter pares man body as a work of art cre- (Latin: first among equals). ated through years of training Sport without TV would be and subjected to the cultivation unthinkable these days. TV has of muscle and mind and nature livened up sporting events and and culture? Young people with made them more dynamic, the spirit of Icarus, fulfilling their although it has simplified the dreams in a romantic flight to cultural narrative. TV viewers Why does Coubertin matter? the sun. Sports records are still watch sport with foreign eyes being broken by proud people in a sense. Instead of watching who reach where their sight and reading about a game or cannot reach and break what heat with empathy and under- their minds cannot break. These standing, they are often content people are not, however, adven- to just listen to information about turers or circus performers walk- e.g. the medal tally. Information ing a tightrope between life and is stored and facts are commit- death. Coubertin said that cau- ted to memory, but there is no tion and restraint had to be exer- change in their appreciation of cised on the sports field, as vic- sport and athletics as works of tory only matters when it is won art. It has therefore been nec- in a fair and full-fledged contest essary to invite artists from dif- between equally matched com- ferent fields to enter Olympic

120 design competitions once more. of the person who determines The best works are honored the limits of his or her own ex- with Olympic medals and put cellence. This might be a time, into community circulation. Art a distance, artistic skill, or cour- shows the spiritual depth of sport age and valor. The valor shown and athletics and the greatness in a fist fight was the reason

Poetry Reading / Wisława Szymborska (excerpt)

To be a boxer, or not be there at all. O Muse, where are our teeming crowds? Twelve people in the room, eight seats to spare – it’s time to start this cultural affair. Half came inside because it started raining, the rest are relatives. O Muse. Why does Coubertin matter?

The women here would love to rant and rave, but that’s for boxing. Here they must behave.

(…)

Szymborska, W. (2012). Nic dwa razy. Wybór wierszy / Nothing twice. Selected poems. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Literackie (transl. by Clare Cavanagh and Stanisław Barańczak).

121 Homer and Szymborska intro- advertising poles bearing the duced boxing into their poetry. logos of companies and the It has already worked before. names of goods. Sport itself Olympic art competitions were is slowly but surely becoming on the program of the Olympic a free-market commodity. The Games from 1912 to 1948. The Olympic Games might still be sculpture, painting, architec- held in advertising-free stadiums, ture, music and literature on the but as soon as they are over, the sports field learned the dynamics ads return to the sports fields and of movement subjected to spon- running tracks as if they had nev- taneous emotions that occasion- er been away. Big companies fi- ally spanned life and death, but nance the preparation and servic- always held in check by reason ing of the Olympics everywhere in and conscience. The sports field the world. They do so in return for is especially made to glorify hu- naming rights, strategic sponsor- man beings. Olympism is con- ships and media partnerships. duct where our human virtues As with any other field of art, pass a public exam. Olympism is sport needs financial support heroism displayed in peacetime. to make it to world standard. Why does Coubertin matter? Olympic education will deter- Sports education stresses that mine the future of the Olympic the individual has pride of place movement. The civilizational re- on the sports field. Everything sources that support the devel- else is decoration. opment of, and maintain a high “The future depends on you!” level of appeal for, contemporary This call to action Pierre de Cou- sport are dwindling. We can see bertin sent out to the athletic how esthetics win out over ethics youth of the world from Olympia and results win out over beauty. in 1927 is just as relevant now as Advertising has turned competi- it was then. tors, e.g. ski jumpers, into mobile

122 Why does Coubertin matter?

123 Worth reading!

Jean-Loup CHAPPELET, Le Système olympique, PUG, Grenoble 1991. Pierre de COUBERTIN, Olympic Memoirs, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne 1997. Pierre de Coubertin, Olympism. Selected Writings, Norbert MÜLLER (ed.), International Olympic Committee, Lausanne 2000. Conrado DURANTEZ, Pierre de Coubertin: The Olympic Humanist, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne 1994. Jean DURRY, Pierre de Coubertin. The Visionary, International Pierre de Coubertin Committee, Paris 1994. Hans LENK, S.O.S. Save Olympic Spirit. Selected Writings, Agon Sportverlag, Kassel 2012. Józef LIPIEC, Filozofia olimpizmu, PWS Sprint, Warszawa 1999. John McALOON, This Great Symbol. Pierre de Coubertin and the Origins of the Modern Olympic Games, University of Chicago Press, Chicago 1981.

Wor t h reading Richard D. MANDELL, Sport. A Cultural History, Columbia University Press, New York 1984. Geoffroy de NAVACELLE de COUBERTIN, Pierre de Coubertin, Sa vie par l’image, Weidmann, Zürich 1986. David C. YOUNG, The Modern Olympics: A Struggle for Revival, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore 1996. Krzysztof ZUCHORA, Wychowanie w kulturze fizycznej, Młodzieżowa Agencja Wydawnicza, Warszawa 1980.

124 WHO IS WHO

Muhammad Ali (b. 1942) John Carpenter (1885-1933) – U.S. boxer, light-heavyweight – U.S. track and field athlete, 400m gold medalist at the 1960 Rome sprint finalist at the 1908 London Olympics. Olympic Games. John Stephen Akhwari (b. 1938) Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) – Tanzanian marathon runner – humanist and pedagogue, at the 1968 Mexico Olympic founded the modern Olympic Games. Games. Thomas Arnold (1795-1842) Henri Didon (1840-1900) was the headmaster of Rugby – Dominican priest, friend of Pierre School in England from 1828 de Coubertin, the first to utter to 1841, where he introduced the words that have since become a number of reforms. the motto of the International Olympic Movement, viz. “Citius Christopher Brasher (1928-2003) – Altius – Fortius” (Latin: Faster, – British track and field athlete, Higher, Stronger). 3000m steeplechase gold medalist at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Ancient Greeks Games, journalist, co-founder (3000 B.C. – 393 A.D.) of the London Marathon (held – inhabitants of the southern part since 1981). of Europe, the Balkan Peninsula, Asia Minor, and the coasts and William Penny Brookes islands of the Ionian, Aegean and (1809-1895) - English surgeon, Who is w ho Mediterranean Seas. They laid the magistrate, botanist, and foundations of Western culture. educationalist, best known for It is them we can thank for the founding the Wenlock Olympian Olympic Games. Games and inspiring the modern Olympic Games, promoted physical education and personal betterment, friend of Pierre de Coubertin.

125 Alfréd Hajós (1878-1955) Irena Kirszenstein-Szewińska – Hungarian swimmer and (b. 1946) – outstanding Polish architect, won two gold medals track and field athlete, won 7 gold at the first modern Olympic medals in 1964-1980 in the 100m Games in Athens in 1896, as well sprint, 200m sprint, 4 x 100m relay, as the silver medal in architecture 400m sprint and the long jump, at the Olympic Arts Competitions IOC member. at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. Halina Konopacka (1900-1989) Wyndham Halswelle (1882-1915) – first Polish Olympic gold medalist – won the controversial 400m in the discus throw at the 1928 sprint at the 1908 London Olympic Amsterdam Olympic Games. Poet, Games, the only Olympic gold rally driver, Miss Olympic Games medalist ever to win by walkover. in Amsterdam. Sven Hannawald (b. 1974) Jerzy Kulej (1940-2012) – German ski jumper, three- – Polish boxer, sports commentator, time Olympic medalist in 1998 Olympic gold medalist 1964 and 2002, Four Hills Tournament Tokio Olympic Games and winner, the only ski jumper in 1968 Mexico Olympic Games, history to win on all four hills. charge of the outstanding Polish boxing trainer Feliks Stamm. John Hayes (1886-1965) – U.S. athlete, marathon winner at Janusz Kusociński (1907-1940) the 1908 London Olympic Games. – was a Polish athlete, winner in the 10,000 meters event at the 1932 Homer (8th century B.C.) Los Angeles Olympic Games. – father of the epic poetry, the His dream was to compete greatest of Greek epic poets, with Paavo Nurmi (1897-1973) author of Iliad and the Odyssey. – an outstanding Finnish long Jan Johnson (b. 1950) distance runner (9 times Olympic

Who is w ho – U.S. pole vaulter, bronze Champion). His dream never medalist at the 1972 Munich came true because Nurmi was Olympic Games. suspended before the 1932 Games by an IAAF council that questioned his amateur status.

126 Larysa Latynina (b. 1934) Albert Roger Mooh Miller – Soviet gymnast, won 18 Olympic (“Roger Milla”) (b. 1952) medals 1956-1964. – Cameroonian striker, one of the first African footballers to become Ernest Larsen (b. 1926) a major international star, played – Norwegian track and field for Cameroon in three World Cups. athlete, 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist at the 1956 Thomas Morgenstern (b. 1986) Melbourne Olympic Games. – Austrian ski jumper, three-time Olympic champion (Turin 2006, Carl Ludwig „Lu(t)z” Long Vancouver 2010), bronze medalist (1913-1943) – German track and at Sochi 2014. field athlete, silver medalist in the long jump at the 1936 Berlin Wolfgang Nordwig (b. 1943) Olympic Games, posthumously – German pole vaulter, gold awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medalist at the 1972 Munich medal for his exceptional Olympic Games. sportsmanship, friend of Jesse Tadeusz Olszański (b.1929) Owens. – Polish publicist, writer, sports Petra Majdic (b. 1979) journalist and author of numerous – Slovenian cross-country skier, books on sport, created the sprint specialist, Olympic bronze “Gentleman of Sport” award in medalist in 2010 Vancouver 1963, which has since become the Olympic Winter Games and Fair Play Prize. two-time World Championship Jesse Owens (1913-1980) medalist in the sprint event. – U.S. track and field athlete, Adam Małysz (b. 1977) gold medalist in the 100m sprint, – Polish ski jumper, one of the most 200m sprint, long jump and successful ski jumpers of all time, 4 x 100m relay at the 1936 Berlin four-time Olympic medalist (Turin Olympic Games, set numerous 2006, Vancouver 2010), awarded world records, fought for the rights Who is w ho the Fair Play Prize by the Polish of black people in the U.S. Olympic Committee. Adriaan Paulen (1902-1985) – Dutch sports official, IAAF President 1976-1981, track and field athlete, competed in three Olympic Games.

127 Dorando Pietri (1885-1942) Wisława Szymborska (1923-2012) – the most famous loser in – was a Polish poet, essayist, and Olympic history. First to cross recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize the finish line in the marathon in Literature. Her favorite sport at the 1908 London Olympics. was boxing. Pietri entered the stadium Ian Thorpe (b. 1982) at the point of exhaustion. – Australian swimmer, specialized Officials standing close by in freestyle, known as “Thorpedo”, grabbed him and helped him won 9 Olympic medals in 2000 across the line – in breach of the Sydney Olympic Games and 2004 rules. A protest lodged by U.S. Athens Olympic Games. runner John Hayes was upheld, despite the sympathy for Pietri and Demetrius Vikelas (1835-1908) his effort. – was a Greek businessman and writer. He was the first Michael Phelps (b. 1985) president of the International – U.S. swimmer, the most Olympic Committee (IOC) successful Olympian of all time from 1894 to 1896. with a total 22 medals, won 8 gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Kazimierz Wierzyński (1852-1920) Olympic Games. – Polish poet, journalist, track and field athlete and footballer. Robert "Bob" Seagren (b. 1946) Gold medalist at the Olympic – U.S pole vaulter, actor, sports Arts Competition at the 1928 industry manager, gold medalist Amsterdam Olympic Games. at the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games. Walter W. Winans (1852-1920) – won the gold medal in shooting Mark Spitz (b. 1950) at the 1908 London Olympic – U.S. swimmer, nine-time Olympic Games, and the silver medal champion, won seven gold medals in shooting and the gold medal

Who is w ho at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. for sculpture at the Olympic Feliks “Pappa” Stamm Arts Competitions at the 1912 (1901-1976) – Polish boxing trainer, Stockholm Olympic Games. participated in seven Olympic Games from 1936 to 1968, taught and trained many Olympic medalists.

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