Gleaming Airship

GLEAMING AIRSHIP Text: Katarzyna Deberny, Katarzyna Płoszaj, Wiesław Firek Cartoons and drawings: Anna Jędrzejec Managing Editor: Katarzyna Deberny Consultation and liaison: Grażyna Rabsztyn, Kajetan Hądzelek Critique: GLEAMING Krzysztof Zuchora Translation: Stephen Canty Cover design, typographic design and typesetting: AIRSHIP Maciej Jędrzejec, Magdalena Limbach Proofreading: Kamila Grzeszczak Printing: PRYZMAT Katarzyna i Wojciech Puza Sp.j.

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. ● ● Katarzyna Deberny Katarzyna Płoszaj Wiesław Firek All statements by Pierre de Coubertin were taken from: Pierre de Coubertin, Olympism. Selected Writings, Norbert Müller (ed.), International Olympic Committee, Lausanne 2000.

This publication was made possible with the assistance of Kinder Joy of Moving programme – partner of the Polish Olympic Committee.

Second edition ISBN 978-83-955370-7-3 Warsaw 2020 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 Whatever the Game, Let Joy Win! 122 See afar, speak frankly, act firmly • The spirit of sport 59 Worth visiting 124 Pierre de Coubertin • Progress 62 Who is who 125 Notes 129 WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT? 9 gleaming gleaming joyful way of life period of rapid tech- 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

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 watching anyone of interest the aroused They propellers. as they floated through the air. used to sum up his work at the end of his life: “Olymp- ism has sailed serenely over the world like a airship.” The authors decided to approach the topic in this way to show that Olympism is a 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 in 1896. This event coincided with a Ferdinand von Zeppelin built an airship with a framework with a framework built an airship von Zeppelin Ferdinand construction. 1900. Zeppelin’s It had its maiden flight in decided to have fascinated Coubertin, who creative passion the International him with Olympic Committee recognize in 1909. an Olympic diploma

- - competition known as the Olym WHAT IS THIS IS THIS WHAT BOOK ABOUT? 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 to 393 A.D. The modern Olympic Games hark back to 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 Olympism is a modern word whose sound and meaning allude is a philosophy of life conducive to ancient Olympia. Olympism to the harmonic to a life development of the individual. It aspires as well as friendship and fair play, based on the joy of exercise, ethical principles and the respect for universal and fundamental of Olympism was formulatednatural environment. The concept by Pierre de Coubertin, the initiator of the modern Olympic views on sport, the Olympic movement. It encapsulated his a single word. Games, and the individual in 8

WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT? WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT? 1111

- Happy reading! selection of Coubertin’s Coubertin’s of selection conversation feel to it, as it, to feel conversation backdrop of important and interesting way that is easy to approach and suitable for for suitable and approach to easy is that way modern visionary whose thoughts enter into every pism in a in pism young people, and that portrays Pierre de Coubertin as a discussion on sport The today. authors have made every effort to bring you closer to this fascinating the time figure when from the Olympic idea was being revived. The a has section Airship" "Gleaming if storyCoubertin’s was being told off the cuff. The history of modern Olympism and biography Coubertin’s are presented against a a includes book The events. world cor are thoughts These Olympism. and sport on thoughts 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. - - celebration celebration need to talk about Olym about talk to need What we become depends on any number of factors – Coubertin’s Coubertin’s gleaming airship continues to soar around a by inspired was book This together together from all over the world, and are a of joy. This has been the message of Olympism from the the from Olympism of message the been has This joy. of life in winner ultimate the that moral The beginning. very is the one who is fair and fights to the very end comes from the Olympics. 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, those that have sur vived for centuries and which have laid the foundations of the of foundations the laid have which and centuries for vived Olympism is one such ideal. world’s great civilizations. the world. Of that, there can be no doubt. Let’s repeat after you! Coubertin – The future depends on

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

WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT? Pierre de Coubertin 1863 1937 THE LIFE OF PIERRE DE COUBERTIN THE LIFE OF PIERRE DE COUBERTIN

12 13 I was born Paris This is heavy. To my mind, the ancient 1892 in Paris on We’re not going to Greek concept of “Ekecheiria” 1863 January 1, 1863. make it. Pity we’re (the Olympic, or “sacred” truce) in such bad shape. 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 1871 and mighty stay.” As a child, I witnessed the Franco-Prussian War in which my William Penny Brookes (who founded country was defeated. the Wenlock Olympian Games in the village of Much Wenlock) inspired me to revive the Olympic idea. Olympia I thought of doing it at the international level. “It is clear that the Rugby telegraph, railways, the 1883 I practiced a lot of telephone did more for peace School sports, including I made several than all the treaties and all fencing, rowing, trips to the the diplomatic conventions. boxing and cycling. USA to look Well, I do hope that athletics at its school will do even more.” system and its universities. 1889 1893

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 Sport played into school education. a major role We don’t have the energy. in the USA. 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 I always made a lot history. reform. reform of sketches during my trips. These days, I would probably take pictures with my smartphone. Paris 1894 1895 SAINT I organized a Congress at the Sorbonne This year is the beggining of world cinematography. Sport LOUIS to revive the Olympic Games. has always been a common topic in film thanks to the recording of the movement of the human body. World UNIVERSITY OF PARIS Fair (THE SORBONNE) 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 “A Trip to the Moon” (1902), directed by the famous the Olympic Games. illusionist Georges Méliès, was the first sci-fi film. Instead of being an athletics competition, they were Méliès pioneered special effects. an entertainment spectacle with the World Fair in the background. This really got me down :( London 1908

Athens 1896 It was only in London that the Games After a lot of difficulties, became a genuine celebration of sport. I achieved my goal - the Dorando Pietri appeared to be the first first modern Olympic to have crossed the finish line after Games were held!!! 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. Paris 1900 The second Olympic Games were Teams from all five Ode held in conjunction with the continents competed to Sport World’s Fair and lasted longer. I presented Ferdinand for the first time at von Zeppelin (inventor the Stockholm Olympic These Games were not a success. of the airship) with an Games. The first artistic But I still had faith in my Olympic Diploma at an competition was also held country... 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, I created an Olympic symbol. 1916 This was destined to become one Due to World War I, Los Angeles 1932 of the most recognized symbols 1913 1914 the next Olympic in the world. - Amsterdam 1928 Games were not Who would have thought it? :O The next important moment held. This was the was when the Olympic cauldron first such case in was lit. For the first time the history of the the flame was brought from NEWSPAPERJanusz I did not go the Olympic Movement. Kusocinski Greece in Olympic tourch wins gold In ancient Greece, medal! all the Games, relay in 1936. wars and conflicts but I always tried had to stop for the to keep up with Games (ekecheiria) :( what was going on. The newspapers were often my 1935 main source of Paris 1924 “Olympism is part of history. To celebrate information. Today, the Olympic Games is to lay claim to history. I would definitely There is an interesting film History is also the best guarantee of peace. read online about "Chariots of Fire" (1981) directed To ask people to love one another is merely Janusz Kusociński by Hugh Hudson. It tells the fact a form of childishness. To ask them to respect winning gold medal based story of two runners who each other is not utopian, but in order to respect in 10,000 metres PARIS competed in the Olympic Games in each other they must first know each other.” run. I believe that Paris,. Everybody should watch it!!! 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 Antwerp 1920 beautiful Polish gold medalist, Halina Konopacka, took part in The Games held in the Chamonix 1924 the ceremony to place my heart at reconstructed post-war The first Winter Olympics were held Olympia - my spiritual home (1938). world were modest but in Chamonix in 1924. The Olympic with effective organization torch has been lit from the fireplace I had always dreamt that my life’s and special entertainment. in the home of Sondre Norheim work would continue after my death. During the Opening Ceremony three times (1952, 1960, 1994), in the I am extremely happy that this has 2020 the Olympic Oath was sworn valley of Morgedal, and in Telemark, happened. Although I have been dead for the first time. Norway. Sondre was a great skier, for a long time, I keep watch over my craftsman and skiing pioneer. work. I believe in the Olympic idea and I hope that you do too! :D CHRONOLOGY

1 Jan 1863 - Pierre de Coubertin is born 1889 and 1893 - travels to the United 1906 - founds the Association for Educational 1927 - visits Olympia for the last time 1880 - passes his baccalauréat in humanism States and Canada, and visits a number Reform and publishes its program “Youth 1937 - dies suddenly of a heart attack of universities there; makes a very positive Education in the Twentieth Century” after High School at St Ignace in Paris 1938 - Coubertin’s heart is placed appraisal of the educational role of sport 1881 - obtains his baccalauréat in science 1906 - initiates the Olympic Art Competitions in a commemorative stele in Olympia, in student life; presents his ideas about at a conference held at the Comédie 1885 - completes his studies at the School not far from the ancient physical education in school life Française theater in Paris of Political Sciences; becomes interested Olympic stadium 1892 - at the Sorbonne in Paris for the first in the educational system; devotes himself 1912 - writes the Olympic Oath time proposes reviving the Olympic Games towards reforming the French educational 1912 - wins the gold medal in literature system 1894 - organizes the congress at the Sorbonne in the Olympic Art Competition in Paris at which the International Olympic THE LIFE OF PIERRE DE COUBERTIN 1883-1887 - travels to England; visits for the “Ode to Sport” Committee (IOC) is established and was the legendary Rugby School, where Thomas 1914 - presents the Olympic Flag at the 1914 decided that first modern Olympic Games Arnold had once been headmaster Paris Congress of the Olympic Movement will be held in Greece 1885 - secretary general of the Union to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the IOC 1894 - presents his vision for the modern of French School Sport Associations (USFSA) 1917 - moves the IOC Headquarters Olympic Games at the Parnassus Literary 1885 - 1890 - editor-in-chief of “Revue to Lausanne, Switzerland Society in Athens

ODE TO SPORT Athletique”, the USFSA monthly magazine 1925 - resigns as IOC President 1896 - assistance with the organization 1890 - travels to Much Wenlock, England, 1926 - creates the Bureau International of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens at the invitation of William Penny Brookes, de Pédagogie Sportive (International 1894-1896 - Secretary General of the IOC as a special guest at the Wenlock Olympian Sports Education Bureau) Games where some sport events were 1896-1925 - President of the IOC demonstrated to him 1897 - organizes Le Havre Congress on Sports Education and Hygiene

20 21 Coubertin stuck to his guns despite many obstacles FIRST AIRSHIP and setbacks. His romantic visions of a better world and the support of his closest friends were what kept CRUISE 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 Pierre de Coubertin valued those capabilities of the special sporting competitions that were of international “The course of the human mind that allowed inventors, scientists, archi- significance and which observed set ceremonies. The times in which we lived tects and writers to lead the world into the future. How- idea of organizing the Games did not come to Coubertin was completely altered ever, he mostly valued people who achieved what at out of the blue, but was the outcome of his education, in- first blush appeared to be crazy ideas, but which later terests and travels, as well as the people he met. time and again by the turned out to be milestones in world history. Airships The story of the circumstances involved in holding the appearance of brilliant sailing through the skies were one such idea, as they first Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 is the story of the inventions.” symbolized the invincibility of human will and action. trials and tribulations and the life of an individual who was A lot of time had to elapse before Coubertin’s Olymp- not afraid to dream and who was determined enough to Pierre de Coubertin, 1924 ism took to the skies. The world took quite a while to achieve those dreams, no matter what stood in the way. come round to the young Frenchman’s ideas. Coubertin The separate fates of Coubertin and the roots of the mod- was 20 when he first thought of reviving the Olympic ern Olympic Games are so deep and intertwined as to Games and it took him 13 years to make it happen. He be inextricable. Today, it would be hard to find anyone was not afraid to set himself and the world a great chal- who has not heard of the International Olympic Commit- lenge. He wanted the Olympic Games to be an opportu- tee (IOC), the body that ensures that the Olympic Games nity for athletes from all over the world to come together are held regularly. The Olympic flag, which features five FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE in a spirit of friendship, respect and peace. interlocking rings in different colors on a white back- FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE ground, is one of the most recognizable symbols in the Where did the idea that sport makes people better come from? Coubertin was influenced world. This creation can therefore be said to be a prized possession that belongs to all of us and which is part of by the British educational system, especially the work of Thomas Arnold, the headmaster the common heritage of humanity. 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 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) what a school should be and encouraging French people to play sport would improve their was founded on the initiative of Pierre de Coubertin physical condition and restore their dignity after e.g. their defeat in the Franco-Prussian War in 1894 for the purpose of nominating and leading (1870-71), while the Olympic Games would help fire the collective imagination. the Olympic Games.

22 23 Over 200 years ago, an English antiquarian named After a lot of hard work, in 1881 the first excavation pro- Richard Chandler discovered the buried rubble of Olym- gramme ended and the sacred site of Olympia (Altis) was pia, the place where sporting competitions had once well discovered. Sporting contests, combined with religious been held periodically for over 1,000 years. This recalled ceremonies, were held here and offerings were made to the the descriptions by ancient writers of the games formerly god Zeus. Competitors and supporters came from all Greek held there. The discovery was such an inspiration that cities (poleis) every four years to take part in a very special the site was excavated by German archeologists in the experience – the Olympic Games. This was the most impor- hope of restoring the ancient Olympic stadium. tant 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.

.27 m 192

Kladeos FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE Alfeios

The word “stadium” comes from ancient Greek and originally referred to a place Peloponnese 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 25 Coubertin mainly learnt about the ancient Olympic sary things and were bored. Coubertin claimed to have Games held in the sacred grove at Olympia through found a way to improve learning conditions in school as his classical school lessons and the work of German a result of his experiences and trips to England. What archaeologists (e.g. Ernst Curtius) and the lectures he prescribed was more PE classes and sports lessons they gave. From the begining of 19th Century, Europe outside class time. Having seen the effect that playing had become enthralled with the civilization of ancient games and participating in sports and recreation had Greece. Artists and writers travelled around what used on the young, he asked himself why the whole world to be known as Hellas, and dedicated works to these could not enjoy the benefits of sport. 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 “The Olympic Games are not parades of physical was not the first to have thought of reviving the Games. exercises, but aim to raise, or at least maintain, On several occasions, the Greeks themselves had records.” staged competitions similar to those once held there. Pierre de Coubertin, 1912 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 Coubertin decided to organize a sporting festival these sporting contests in England on one of his visits the like of which the world had never seen. Unlike the there. He personally met with William Penny Brookes, games in ancient Olympia, the modern games were the man who had set them up and continued to orga- to be international. This was a highly original idea. nize them. Brookes was one of Coubertin’s chief inspi- Every country in the world could be represented by rations. Coubertin often looked back on this trip and its own team. Coubertin firmly believed that having FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE recalled his fascination with English sport after return- athletes come together this way in the same place FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE ing to France. The annual Much Wenlock Games had and at the same time would put their abilities to the captured his imagination and confirmed him in the test and be a joyful celebration during which all social conviction that sport was ideally suited for educating divisions and racial prejudices would disappear, and children and youth in a spirit of mutual honor and re- an atmosphere of international friendship would pre- spect. He was keen to introduce what he had seen in vail. Channeling aggression into sporting contests in „Sport is the best England into French schools. He spent a long time try- stadiums was better than fighting wars on battlefields. peacemaker.” ing to find a way to change schools so that children Coubertin dreamed of a world without wars. He want - Pierre de Coubertin 1924 and young people would want to go there and enjoy the ed the Games to help bring about peace in the world. , time they spent there. He believed that schools were not Coubertin said: “… in order to respect each other, they student friendly. Students were taught a lot of unneces- must first know each other.” Knowledge of and respect

26 27 for other cultures, beliefs and religions can be a source and systematically prepared people to embrace his of peace between people. Coubertin and his friends plan. He was actively involved in publishing a number were ahead of their time in this respect. 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 FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE it was difficult to achieve, the effort would be worth FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE it. He evoked images of crowds of tens of thousands Convinced that his ideals were right, Coubertin im- of spectators coming to stadiums to watch a variety of mediately began to attempt to bring the ancient Olym- sporting competitions. Once these huge crowds could pic Games back to life. To this end, he gathered like- unite under the same stadium roof, he did not see any minded people, who believed in the success of the reason why the phenomenon could not embrace en- venture they had undertaken, around him. He pre- tire nations and then whole continents. sented his idea of reviving the ancient games at every Coubertin’s persistence led to a historic congress opportunity and observed the reactions of his listeners being held at the Sorbonne, Paris, in June 1894. with interest. As the road from the idea to its realiza- Delegates from many sporting organizations in twelve tion was going to be a long and winding one, he slowly countries attended. Almost 1,000 people, including

28 29 Parisians, attended the opening ceremony at the main would go flat with boredom, so let me hasten to give it amphitheater. The chief director, Coubertin, took care center stage. I raise my glass to the Olympic idea, which of the arrangements and invited those present to listen has crossed the mists of time like a ray from the all- to an ancient “Hymn to Apollo”, which had been recon- powerful sun and is returning to shine on the gateway structed by scholars on the basis of a text discovered to the twentieth century with the gleam of joyful hope.” at Delphi. The following day, the delegates discussed Coubertin also said that the Games should preserve the the main themes of the congress, viz. how to define am - humanistic values of sport and warned against the ten- ateurism in sport, regulations to ensure that this pro - dency “to transform the Olympian athlete into a circus vision was observed, and the legitimacy of awarding gladiator” as well as possible distortions brought about monetary prizes. The last point on the program came by greed and money. He considered these threats to up in this discussion. This was surprising as its merely be the greatest enemy to sport, as they could have being there could only mean that the Olympic Games a negative and irreversible impact on the essence of were going to be revived. The International Olym- the Olympic Games. At the same time, he stressed that pic Committee was constituted on June 23 and given the Games had their basis in Greek ideals, especially the task of arranging the Games. Demetrius Vikelas the unity of body, mind and soul, which he believed al- was elected as its first president. It was also decided lowed for a full and vigorous life. that the Olympics would be held every four years and Coubertin’s passionate speech gave his listeners a tentative selection of Olympic disciplines was made. the impression that they were part of a great event. “Citius – Altius – Fortius” [Latin: Faster, Higher, Stron- The Games machinery was put in motion. It was de- ger] was adopted as the Olympic motto. The author cided that the first (1896) Games had to be held in was Henri Didon, a Dominican priest and Coubertin’s Greece by virtue of their origin. The Greeks initially spiritual guide. Didon regarded these three Latin words rejected the offer to hold the Games, as the country FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE as the bedrock of sport. They express our spiritual had a lot of financial problems. The government was FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE and physical aspirations to expand our capabilities. not able to meet the costs of organizing such a large- Coubertin finished by delivering a closing speech and scale project. For one thing, they had to build a huge summing up his longstanding efforts, saying: “In the stadium. Once again, Coubertin rose to the challenge. temple of science these delegates heard echo in their He singlehandedly worked out a plan, estimated the ears a melody also 2,000 years old, reconstituted by an costs of organizing the event and offered to contribute eminent archeologist through the successive labours financially. of several generations. And in the evening electricity On April 6, 1896, the world witnessed an event transmitted everywhere the news that Hellenic Olymp- that had disappeared fifteen centuries previously. ism had re-entered the world after an eclipse of several The revived Games were no longer the preserve centuries. (…) if I were to go on, this joyful champagne of the Greeks, as they once had been, but were open

30 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. FIRST AIRSHIP CRUISE

32 33 GLEAMING AIRSHIP 35

- - - Wan 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 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 “ coming together of athletes from all over the world in spirit of joy to celebrate Olympism is a tion as well. An Olympic gold medal does not necessar is what a dering thoughts”. The Olympic discus throw gold medalist) proved that training is not just about exhaustion, but ily mean that a the Olympian has managed to achieve or . herself People of strong not matter whether we are talking about or the marathon. The 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 serves to remind us that sport is not war, but a 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 34

GLEAMING AIRSHIP WANDERING

THOUGHTS THE OLYMPIC “I raise my glass to the IDEA Olympic idea, which has “Olympism is not a system, it is a state of mind.” (1918) crossed the mists of time like “It is the religion of energy, the cultivation of intense will developed through century a ray from the all-powerful the practice of manly sports, based on proper hygiene and public-spiritedness, sun and is returning to the surrounded with art and thought.” (1918) shine on the gateway to the One day, a certain professor from the univerisity was twentieth century with the having a walk in the park. He looked up in the sky and gleam of joyful hope.” fell into thought. After a while, he began to wonder just Pierre de Coubertin, 1894 what Olympism was. The question continued to gnaw at him. The professor was an expert on philosophy as well in sport gives them an opportunity to show that they have as sport. He could not sleep at night or eat during the a sporting spirit based on the principle of fair play. day. He wanted to understand exactly what this Olymp- Olympism stresses that no one is alone in a sporting ism was that Pierre de Coubertin had created. competition. Everyone has other people – competitors, “Olympism is associated with the Olympic Games,” he coaches, family members, supporters etc. – behind thought. “So sport is definitely necessary for understand- them, wishing them all the best, sharing in their joy when ing it. A lot of situations in sport also occur in everyday they win, and grieving and sympathizing with them when life. Olympism is therefore a philosophy of life based on they lose. GLEAMING AIRSHIP a few simple truths.” Olympism holds that fairness is fundamental to com- GLEAMING AIRSHIP Olympism says that everyone is equal in sport, regard- petitive sport. The undertaking given before the com- less of origin, religion, culture or material circumstances, mencement of the Olympic Games is proof of this. Every- and that everyone is bound by the same principles and one is entitled to be treated equally and fairly, to have the rules. Winning is not the only thing that matters in a sport- same sporting equipment, and to enjoy the same living ing competition. Participating is important in its own right, conditions in the Olympic Village. as is the coming together of people from all over the world The world we live in, according to the philosophy of in a single stadium to compete. The scoreboard and Olympism, is founded on our basic desires for equality, who is fastest and strongest are not what matter most. justice, freedom, tolerance, mutual respect and fairness. After all, people are good and fair by nature. Competing The emotions expressed during sporting competitions

36 37 GLEAMING AIRSHIP 39 - - long time. That is sensitive and intel and sensitive

lady should be. She loved going to the OF 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

ily understood. Everyone smiles in the same language. language. same the in Everyone smiles understood. ily A and wide and be remembered for 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 ligent woman who wrote poetry and painted. THE SMILE SMILE THE THE SMILE 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 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. 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, show that people are basically stresses that anyone the who enters a same. Olympism 38

GLEAMING AIRSHIP 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 The exuberance that Konopacka experienced when Konopacka felt very strongly about things and always Konopacka frequently stressed that “to be success- around the green flower of the sports field. I I and ‘Halina!’ ‘Poland!’, shouting them hear 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. 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 and reliable 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 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. power of the stadium. I white banners among the swaying mass of spectators in the stands. They look like a

- - couple couple lot from function function picked up up picked sense of ad- feel the overwhelming gold medal at the Amster desire so great as to verge discus and broke the na- good frame of mind, energy Halina Konopacka once The “lady in red” achieved

spoke about her first - sport a at experiences ing as follows: “It all began with of sense and sport of love my adventure. Curiosity made me throw things, came simply This myself. run test and from loving life, being young and having a venture – from all that sport I of. consist should a tional record after a told they when That’s tries. of me to do some training. And that’s how it all started.” dreamed never she that results per and ambitious was She of. come out of the dressing room and onto the long tunnel. Only now do I frantic desire to win – a have going for me are a herself. herself. Konopacka was champion Polish in several athlet- passion. her was Sport years. 7 in times 26 competitions ics Konopacka tried to smile whenever she competed. This is de- magazine, Stadion for wrote she article an in evidenced scribing what it was like to win a sistent. She set very high goals and demanded a dam Olympics on July 31, 1928: “The day is not particularly promising. It has been raining since morning. The forecast is not good – slipperycold and discus, windy, soggy circle. All I and a on I certainty. field via a Halina Konopacka 40

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- dis week later, week Coubertin later, repeated these words after a

service at St. Paul Cathedral before the 1908 - Lon Everyone knows the Olympic creed: “… the most A

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 taking part, not winning.” is pute as to who had runner won John Carpenter the had obstructed British 400-meter runner - Wyn race. American VICTORY OVER YOURSELF OVER VICTORY “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, 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

don’t don’t deserve take the credit for wish you all the phys- the all you wish young, supple body and the moral the and body supple young, love of life, the sun, the blue sky and the green grass green the and sky blue the sun, the life, of love wider group of young readers: “I readers: young of group wider wish that she would no doubt have liked to extend In today’s episode: satisfaction of having conquered yourself.” satisfaction of having ical and moral prizes which athletics can give – the spon- the – give can athletics which prizes moral and ical a having of joy taneous She wrote to the students of the Polish Olympians’ High School in Szczecin in 1980 to tell them: “I any medals or memorials. Nor can I the discus going that little bit further. a to The credit goes of the sports field.” At the end of the a letter, she added a to WHAT MAKES A GREAT OLYMPIAN 42

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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 the 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 tance the organizers gave Pietri was directed against the Americans. The two situations were given wide 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 bandaged, and started limping towards the finish line.

- sound sound mind in a sound mind while. The British umpires refused to sound body, so that they could cope with so that sound body, 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. thon, was held the next day. As the runners entered sound mind in a sound mind in body) suggests that physical exertion strengthens the mind and the 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 a should pray for The quotation “Mens sana in corpore sano” (Latin: a sano” (Latin: sana in corpore “Mens The quotation 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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- bronze. Spitz returned new world record with every win. silver, and a silver, The year is 1972 and the Olympic Games are underwayare Games Olympic the and 1972 is year The in Munich. The spectators in the pool viewing area are wait- are area viewing pool the in spectators The Munich. in blocks. starting the take to Spitz Mark swimmer U.S. for ing gloryOlympic inachieve would he that boasted had Spitz adequately not had he However, earlier. years eight Tokyo coming only potential, full his realize not did and prepared away with two gold, a in better much do to determined and contrite, humble, home inter the in endurance beyond almost trained He Munich. Mu- the at medals gold seven won Spitz years. four vening nich Olympics and set a you are fighting only with yourself.” (1903) (1903) you are fighting only with yourself.” SPORTS RECORDS SPORTS 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 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

- marathon runner reporter asked him why him asked reporter 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 the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.” The agony was written all over his face. The crowd watched crowd The face. his over all written was agony The 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 46

GLEAMING AIRSHIP He later recalled that the Tokyo Olympics were a lesson Latynina, who had won 18 medals in the 1950s and 60s. in humility and the Munich Olympics a lesson in winning. Phelps achieved his goal when he won 7 medals at Spitz only managed this incredible record through good the 2012 London Olympics, bringing his tally up to 22. “The limits of his success work management and a grueling training regimen. Latynina commented: “he is the greatest Olympian in are determined solely A new world swimming sensation appeared at the 2008 the world. I hope this record stands for a long time.” by his own physical Beijing Olympics – Michael Phelps from the U.S.A. Phelps People like Phelps constantly need new challenges. and moral strength.” had won 6 gold and 2 bronze medals four years earlier He lost motivation after Beijing, as he seemed to have in Athens. But that was just a warm-up. Phelps was de- achieved it all, and started to skip training the follow- Pierre de Coubertin, 1912 termined to break Spitz’s Olympic gold medal record in ing year. He had reached the pinnacle of success and 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 talent, his love of hard work, his coach, and his physical characteristics. His shoulders are wider than his body is tall, his large hands WE are like oar blades, and his huge feet (48.5 cm) are like YOU flippers. Phelps has a strong personality, a lot of mental endurance, and a determination to overcome his limitations. He hated swimming as a boy. He was terrified of put- YOU ting his face in the water, and would become hysterical RULE whenever he could not feel 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 GLEAMING AIRSHIP how his coach, Bob Bowman, decided to show him what GLEAMING AIRSHIP 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 competition drew near, as he knew the hardest part was behind him and there was only pleasure (“the thrill of competition”) to look forward to. 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

48 49 GLEAMING AIRSHIP 51 1910 , Pierre de Coubertin his all, but the public would not forgive him for not break- not for him forgive not would public the but all, his ing four world records as well. The moral to the story is that an Olympian should always give everything he or she has. “Exercises are learnt quickly, rememberbut the muscles time.” them for a long

- record. competitor. competitor. The - con system of mandatory record, for Coubertin, was the very essence of en- A moderation is to chase after an illusion. Athletes need the freedom of excess. That is why their motto ‘Citius – He could have made three other the as more later, days two jump long the in record world jumps to try for the wondered wondered where he was going to coach go still from there. maintained His that there in was breaking nothing more records. wrong People as chael talented Phelps obviously as have Mi- to set themselves tional - excep challenges. After all, an Olympian strives for the best possible result. Pierre de Coubertin put it this way: “For every hundred who engage fifty must in engage in physical sports. For every culture, fifty who engage in sports, twenty must specialize. For every twenty who specialize, five must be capable to astonishing feats. To try to make athletics conform to a Altius – Fortius’: Faster, of anyone who dares to try record!” to beat a Higher, Stronger, the motto deavor. An athlete mostly competes against him or her self for the best possible result. An Olympian should not be satisfied with merely beating a 4 x 100m relay. Lewis won the 100m sprint easily, even slowing down in the last 30m – which did the not crowd. His impress time of 9.99 seconds was not a competitors had dropped off, but decided against it in order to save his strength for the 200m sprint. His time of 19.80 was sufficient to win, but nowhere near what the gave he that relay the in only was It for. hoping was world test should lead to self-perfection. At the 1984 geles Los An- Olympics, Carl Lewis, from the the U.S.A., record equaled 4 gold medals that in Jesse Berlin Owens in had 1936, and won in the same four 100m events, sprint, viz. the the 200m sprint, the long jump, and the 50

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writ- back- result. 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 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 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 difficult often are which moments, beautiful also but tors, to observe and grasp. They stand out against a ground of other creative works, as they cannot be cop- ied or repeated. They touch a

- -

com- certain kind WORK defining beauty all specific meaning, conveys particular message, and has a The work of an athlete, who produces a We would all like to be better than we are – more intel- more – are we than better be to like all would We The word “oeuvre” (the lifework of an artist) is nor

poser, writer or architect. The style with which an athlete athlete an which with style The architect. or writer poser, 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 ligent, stronger, healthier, better looking, healthier, and ligent, respected stronger, by others. Striving for perfection, means however, over a 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 It produces beauty because it creates the athlete, who is a living sculpture. 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 “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 52

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do not do not

certain 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 ing by the rules and regulations laid down, both during a 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. 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 would even say of mechanical civilization – has magnified everything, of mechanical civilization – would even say some

Yet it is also true that in our time, when the progress of material civilization – civilization – when the progress of material it is also true that in our time, Yet I I 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.” in part on the esthetic idea of the cult of what is beautiful and graceful (…) is beautiful and graceful (…) idea of the cult of what in part on the esthetic on the spirit of chivalryon the spirit of so pleasantly call ‘fair play’ – what you here – and FAIR PLAY FAIR “The in part strong physical culture based idea is the concept of Olympic - prostrate op- mistake. Or some some Or mistake. hand to a masterpiece can even appear in this one fleeting mo

never come back. An image a worthy of being called 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. 54

GLEAMING AIRSHIP The term fair play has come down to us from a lot of right and wrong and how we should behave. It is not easy traditions and periods. Fair play has its source in e.g. the to define, but it is not hard to appreciate someone being Celtic “fir fer”, which means behaving in a dignified and friendly and respectful towards a fellow competitor, com- fair manner in times of war. peting with dignity, and displaying courage and humility. The term, as understood today, comes from England. Adam Małysz, the “Eagle from Wisła”, is a famous ath- “Fair” was first used with “play” by William Shakespeare lete and a Polish sporting hero. His results and his attitude in King John (1598). This is how the term “fair play” began have repeatedly confirmed that this is absolutely well de- to be used informally in England, before finding its way served. Małysz received a Fair Play distinction from the into sporting language. The expression only appeared in Polish Olympic Commit- Poland before the outbreak of World War I. tee in 2001 for rebuking Citius! The idea of a clean game should also be associated Polish supporters during with antiquity. Ancient Olympians were obliged to obey a ski jumping competition Altius! specific regulations and conduct themselves appropri- in Harrachov. The sup- Fortius! ately towards rivals. Victory was certainly important, but porters were booing Sven not more so than the means by which it was achieved. Hannawald and throwing Physical prowess and moral fortitude were developed snowballs at him. “The through sport, thanks to fair play, and without resorting supporters not only be- to cheating. haved themselves for the This principle also comes from the medieval ethos of rest of the competition, but chivalry. The Polish knight Zawisza Czarny (Zawisza the things were better in every Black) may serve as an example. Zawisza was famous competition after that. It for his noble-mindedness and honorable behavior. He was Hannawald’s attitude possessed character traits such as selflessness, respect, that made them behave GLEAMING AIRSHIP fighting for honor and not for personal gain, fairness, the way they did. He was GLEAMING AIRSHIP and ensuring the odds were even. These were not just aggressive and arrogant the principles of a virtuous knight, but the rules athletes when he won. He put on live by today. airs, which was extreme- Fair play is also based on a British code of honor known ly unfriendly. However, as the gentleman’s agreement. A gentleman was a brave two wrongs don’t make and gallant man with fautless manners and an unblem- a right. It’s better to de- ished name who held honor to be the highest virtue. feat a rival in sport than In the modern Olympic Games, fair play is the spirit to exchange words or be of the competing – the internal voice that tells us what is aggressive,” Małysz said.

56 57 GLEAMING AIRSHIP 59

splendid have seen this - competition enhanced in theirin enhanced competition sense of their manly beauty. sense of their manly beauty. cele match am aware that the technicalam aware that always admire the fact that these youngalways admire the deeply-felt defeat, without any apparent defeat, without deeply-felt sport in Africa. It is a semi-barbaric stench.” (1928) have never grown tired of it. It fills me with delight.have never grown tired of it. It team from Africa wins a hundred times, and I ball. Scoring is often omitted. What counts most is the is most counts What omitted. often is Scoring ball. Football Football is more than just a bration of life. Whenever a in an international competition, all work and classes are cancelled the following day. Young people play football wherever they can – sports fields, beaches, streets, court- usedbe can object round Any balconies. on even yards… a as would like it if we were to treat today’swould like it if we were to treat spectators like great children, walking

organization was remarkable, which came as no surprise to me, and that remarkable, which came as organization was as well. The second of these of the competitors was excellent, the athletic spirit matters most to me. I 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, in themselves to handle a moral strength bitterness, and to shake the winner’s hand with heartfelt warmth. I happen a of athletes to have a But one has to be in the company THE SPIRIT OF SPORT OF SPIRIT THE “Through I my friends and former colleagues, If one goes over to the spectators’ 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 I to teach them how to appreciate a among them with enormous cards on such occasions are those outbursts of crudeathletic feat, and how out of place nationalism that give our era a significant impact chance. Morgenstern was Morgenstern chance. sporting event is remembered years later. sporting event is remembered years principle, nobody can talk you into acting against it.” similar situation. “Sport is controlled by money and lot of the spectators hotly debated Małysz’s behavior,

In 2010, Małysz was awarded the Fair Play at Trophy the Cup in for Engelberg World giving his closest rival, Thom- a Austria, from Morgenstern as supposed supposed to jump before Małysz in the second round, but the zipper on his jumpsuit broke. Małysz could see that Morgenstern was going to be disqualified, struggling with his zipper instead as of concentrating on his he was jump. He might not have even made it to the starting line. Małysz asked the judges to change the order, so that he This zipper. his fix to time “Morgi” give and first jump could spur-of-the-moment request took the judges by surprise. sup- The insisted. Małysz but agree to reluctant were They porters were no less surprised to see someone else in the the given being competitors about is play fair me, “For air. oth- the for respect having and yourself, as chances same er person. Apart from that, I’d rather win or lose in sport, not outside it.” Although he did not win, and even attitude the came and competing of joy the Morgenstern, behind of both were more important. This made everyone happy. A and asked themselves how they in would a have behaved the media. There be wouldn’t any sporting events without them. But whether or not something is fair is entirely up to the Once competitor. you’ve made up your mind to stand by a The attitudes of the competitors have a on how a 58

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 way with - get feinting, friend, player would express his goal in his own special way. This is goal by running to the corner of the field goal against Russia. Roger Milla from Cameroon, one of Africa’s all-time Roger Milla from Cameroon, one of Africa’s all-time fun of playing – passing the ball to a to ball the passing – playing of fun shoot else someone letting and opponent an round ting fun. This is all pure for goal. pleasure. and fun for played always footballers, great Milla was voted best African player from the past 50 2007. in Football African of Confederation the by years The joy he got from around playing him happy. Cameroon sport went a made everyone Milla as captain. At the 1990 World Cup, Cameroon beat the odds to become the first team from to make Africa it to the quarter finals, and won the Who could of football fans everywhere along the way. hearts forget that beautiful moment when Milla celebrated scoring a and dancing for joy around the corner flag? And so began the custom where a joy at scoring a still done and not just by African players. Milla’s - pas sion, enthusiasm and dedication will never be - forgot ten. He was 38 during the 1990 Championship, World but this did not stop him from scoring the two match against Romania and goals another two against in Colombia. He also set up two goals in the quarter fi- however, players, European The England. against nal everything,Despite strong. too were could Cameroon be proud of how they had played. The “Indomitable Lions”, as the Cameroonian team is known, took the whole world by surprise, and the universally idolized Milla was their driving force. Milla also played in the 1994 World Championship. He became goal scorer in the history the of the competition when he oldest scored a 60

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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-

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 ed 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 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

- long time ago. ago. time long PROGRESS Coubertin stated that better sporting equipment im- Sport was revolutionized by science a science by revolutionized was Sport 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 line This would cross a 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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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, Nothing is ever done once and for all. It is not enough enough not is It all. for and once done ever is Nothing It is the same with sport. It was not made up on the

to clean our room once, as it a will be 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. RHYTHM OF THE TIMES OF THE RHYTHM 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 too often the letter than the spirit of this legislation is respected.” (1894) than the spirit of this legislation too often the letter - new world re- thunderous ovation. Meanwhile, The Games Technical Committee had to rule on what what on rule to had Committee Technical Games The 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.” 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 de cided 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 64

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- - - - - means to individual desire for self-perfec for desire life and death struggle, but a These two contrasting recipes for competition were Coubertin calls up the image of the gladiator of the

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 who is primarily motivated by a by motivated primarily is who tion. This perfection is worth striving even for, though pur our because is That realized. fully be never can it 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

- - 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 Pierre de Coubertin explained what he had in mind The ancient Greeks tried to prove to each other

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 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 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 were obviously an incentive, but the greatest dream 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 66

GLEAMING AIRSHIP ing matches. They have become really good footballers as a result of their dedication and commitment, so, it comes as no surprise when the PE teacher asks them to join the school football team. He needs to make up a team for an upcoming interschool competition. 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 help by giving his all. He really wants to play, and the SAINT upcoming competition is the perfect chance to see if he measures up against other footballers and check LOUIS that his skills are constantly improving. Unfortunately, Jim does not share his enthusiasm. He does not see any point in taking part in a tournament that is virtu- World ally unwinnable, and at first, he turns his nose up at Fair the idea. The prizes for the winning team do not do much to persuade him either. However, he eventually agrees to join the team after the teacher tries to talk him round a few times. The tournament ends as expected. The school team, with Jack and Jim playing, pulls out all stops but does not come first, despite their high skill levels. But no GLEAMING AIRSHIP matter how bad things get, Jack gives it everything he’s GLEAMING AIRSHIP got and urges his teammates on as well. Jim, though, is clearly not happy. He kicks some really beautiful goals, but there is no point when everything, including the match, is lost. Every school has stories like this. Jack can easily be cred- ited with having an attitude similar to that of the “athlete from Olympia”, while Jim’s approach is closer to that of the “gladiator”. So, which of the two do you think the teacher will want when the next competition comes round?

68 69 GLEAMING AIRSHIP 1915 , 71 Pierre de Coubertin

”The strength of an ”The strength reside athlete does not solely in his muscles.”

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 punctured lung. punctured lung. 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 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 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 she - always rain hail or shine. Szewińska had of the a character throughout her sporting career. 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 medals, including at least one gold. She had competed in previously Salt Lake City in 2002 and in Turin 2006, but without success. A

CHARACTER world-famous track and field star, was 14 when Irena Szewińska, Poland’s most outstanding athlete Irena Szewińska competed in five Olympics. She began She Olympics. five in competed Szewińska Irena and a her PE after teacher, watching her run, noticed that she constant by supported gift, This talent. “exceptional” had gold Olympic seven win Szewińska see to was work, hard for world the over all known also was Szewińska medals. her commitment to, and activities on behalf the of, Polish Com- Olympic International the and Committee Olympic mittee. 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 Far from it. He prepared by fasting and praying before 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) “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 70

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man man costume, costume, complete complete lesson, to deliver lesson, to deliver way of risking everything. way of risking everything. hurry, giving the maximum giving the maximum hurry, large number of psycho- continuous fount of courage continuous fount of courage sport for men in a lack of costume. Lastly boxing brings into play brings into play lack of costume. Lastly boxing pair of padded gloves, bathing trunks, and soft-soled heel-less trunks, and soft-soledpair of padded gloves, bathing heel-less skillful stance, behind which he prepares to fight, sees blows come, come, blows sees fight, to prepares he which behind stance, skillful strong and well-muscled man’s arms. This is completely mistaken. is completely mistaken. arms. This man’s strong and well-muscled was describing the other day how Theodore Roosevelt had used boxing had used boxing Roosevelt the other day how Theodore was describing straight punch or kick. You will discover not only your clumsiness but the but the discover not only your clumsiness will or kick. You straight punch

“I to the naturally in case of need – an art which comes quite the art of biffing ends of a never had a if you have all instinctive. Try, Boxing is not at a your effort, which will glance off or become complete ineffectiveness of The gesture which nature teaches a deadened of its own accord. grab any handy weapon – or else to seize threatened by an attack is to the opponent and try a 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 forward a at the crucial moment; which call for a tactics and strategy in miniature needs sangfroid and calm, quickness of eye physiological qualities. The boxer and above all a and decision, remarkable speed the combat with no weakening of any kind. Add playing steadily throughout a to this other merits. Boxing is time. It requires little equipment. What of exercise in the minimum of is needed? A than such a incidentally, healthier, shoes – that is all. Nothing is 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, or more correctly such a rowing, and like the various groups of muscles almost as harmoniously as COMBAT SPORTS COMBAT

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

contest. 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 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 Herbreathing. and movement of inverselyease her to proportional bronze medal win in the final sprint was heroic. “I 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 72

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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 observe others. Stamm noticed that considerably people in temperament varied and ability. He under 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 ed from the 1936 Berlin Olympics. As he was it the happened, best possible choice. Stamm repeatedly 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 we “Haven’t saying: began People successes. many of Mr Stamm?” had too many of these victories he supported them and demanded things from them. He was a 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 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

- mod- combi- moment. Jerzy Jerzy moment. block of choco glass of milk, a combative sport having such such sport having combative pair of boxing gloves and the pros- the and gloves boxing of pair sport where two protagonists fight each small prize. dialog governed by certain rules. Although boxing 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 Boxing is a

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 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 tactics. 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 Poznań. Competing in the ring, however, convinced him that boxing was not his calling. He preferred to other using only their fists. It is like fencing with fists, a pacifying influence.” (1919)

a 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 in such a which results of energy expenditure 74

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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 he’s training or develop his physical capacities, because because he doesn’t have the ‘nose’. It takes a a out sniff to individual those to training his adjust to and strengths, 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 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 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 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

- - re- sports sportsman who has a given sport and get a certain level, an unskilled or inexperienced 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 man to a im- further any about bringing of capable not is coach provement in the skills of a He is. it how just That’s him. of ahead career great ally can’t draw out the natural advantages of the person using words and statements, but only by practice and and practice by only but statements, and words using 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 basis the on – right the him gives that relationships of of an agreement between men – to demand that the this on only is It properly. behave and persevere boxer basis that the next important component of training a , 1919 Pierre de Coubertin keepers of the peace.” 76 “Boxing gloves are the surest “Boxing gloves are the surest

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 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

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

- 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 These examples all go to show that peace is one of It all happened at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The talent- The Olympics. Berlin 1936 the at happened all It 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 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 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 Owens and Lutz 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

THE DOVE THE We We are all affected by conflicts of varying kind and extent, whether we like it or not. Conflicts can be per 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 STOP THE WAR! HERE COMES COMES HERE WAR! THE STOP of humanity without being overly ambitious. It may seem strange that having 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 “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 80

GLEAMING AIRSHIP GLEAMING AIRSHIP 83 https://bit.ly/2ZAPOTk - bond that lasted lasted that bond force that can, in in can, that force difficult political situ political difficult medal. plating on the friendship he felt MOVIE “STOP THE WAR! HERE COMES THE DOVE“ MOVIE “STOP THE WAR! HERE bond that withstood war, ideology and racial Jesse Owens and Lutz Long forged a forged Long Lutz and Owens Jesse 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 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 any barriers.” words, “break down Coubertin’s

qualifying jump. Owens later new world record and win. Long was 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 went on to set a the first to congratulate him. Owens said that even if all all if even that said Owens him. congratulate to first the the medals and cups he had won were melted down, 82

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great lesson great lesson more sporting more sporting its advancement. As the preamble of the Regulations for the next Congress for the next Congress Asits advancement. the preamble of the Regulations 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 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 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 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 not stop, war can merely delay, future. That being the case, it out for that

light, light,

local or temporary role. The mission local or temporary role. The mission THE OLYMPIC FLAG OLYMPIC THE flag, and the look of the flag would be perfect. It is a flag, and the look of the flag delight to see fluttering in the wind. Its meaning is largely wind. Its meaning is largely delight to see fluttering in 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, to be turned into a appealing flag, a 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 “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

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cinema; nor is it our wish that mercantile it our wish that mercantile cinema; nor is museum or a school of moral nobility and purity as well as of physical as well as of physical school of moral nobility and purity fitting object for a fitting object for have not laboured to restore the Olympic Games to you in order to make to you in order to make to restore the Olympic Games have not laboured

ADDRESS TO YOUTH ADDRESS inaugurated ruins of Olympia, has been amidst the glorious “Today, of the Olympic Games commemorating the reestablishment the monument thirty-three years ago. Thanks to the generosity of the Hellenic Government, the Hellenic Government, Thanks to the generosity of years ago. thirty-three and I them a 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 Olympism may be a 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.” (1927) muscular strength. The future the initiative it was good enough to honor has now materialised into an event 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. recent phenomenon. In act, history reveals In phenomenon. recent anextremely held matters the Olympic the throughout in Britain position tenuous - com o ModernOlympic years ormative most emerged apathy nation’s Te petition. Games the 1920 Olympic during clearly the how examines essay Tis in Antwerp. held - Associa Olympic Council o the Brit-ish the nation’s ensuring at attempts (BOA) tion’s extremely proved in Antwerp participation the benecence o to Appealing dicult. Olympic the British pub-lic, the British (BOC) a 30,000 Committee launched and train to efort an schemein und-raising Antwerp. or athletes the nation’s prepare a prodigious such dicultiesin raising Te the BOC orce to ultimately would amount participation the nation’s seriouslyquestion competition. Olympic in uture November on ring stopped the guns When de Coubertinand the IOC11, 1918, Pierre towards attentions their immediate turned In movement. the modernOlympic reviving . bravery o Belgium’s recognition - - TIMES amount would ultimately orce the BOC orce to ultimately would amount participation the nation’s seriouslyquestion competition. Olympic in uture November on ring stopped the guns When de Coubertinand the IOC11, 1918, Pierre towards attentions their immediate turned movement. the modernOlympic reviving during bravery o Belgium’s recognition In the Games IOC awarded War,the the Great a at Antwerp to Olympiad o the VIIth - Swit Lausanne, in 1919, 5, April meetingon o home the new administrative zerland, Coubertin, the For movement. the Olympic liberated recently city a o Antwerp, choice oppression, and German occupation rom games. postwar ideal an settingor provided the Interna surrounded that Euphoria Te (IOC) deci-sion Committee’s Olympic tional Games Olympic the 1918 Summer award to theimpres creates o London the City to the to central are the Olympics that sion sport. Uponcloser o British aspirations the or anity British inspection, however, a very tobe appears Movement Olympic - - Te Euphoria that surrounded the Interna surrounded that Euphoria Te (IOC) deci-sion Committee’s Olympic tional Games Olympic the 1918 Summer award to theimpres creates o London the City to the to central are the Olympics that sion sport. Uponcloser o British aspirations the or anity British inspection, however, a very tobe appears Movement Olympic act, history reveals In phenomenon. recent anextremely held matters the Olympic the throughout in Britain position tenuous - com o ModernOlympic years ormative most emerged apathy nation’s Te petition. Games the 1920 Olympic during clearly the how examines essay Tis in Antwerp. held - Associa Olympic Council o the Brit-ish the nation’s ensuring at attempts (BOA) tion’s extremely proved in Antwerp participation the benecence o to Appealing dicult. Olympic the British pub-lic, the British (BOC) 30,000a Committee launched and train to efort an schemein und-raising Antwerp. or athletes the nation’s prepare a prodigious such dicultiesin raising Te Dear Readers, we would like to remind you of what Pierre dethe regarding said has Coubertin Olympic symbol and the Olym- pic flag. The particular colors are commonly understood to symbolize the five continents. Pierre de Coubertin, who created them, has explained that the six colors of the flag refer to the national colors of every country in the world. First time at the Olympic Games, the Olympic Flag was flown in Antwerp in 1920. THE OLYMPIC OLYMPIC THE FLAG 86

GLEAMING AIRSHIP 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 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 the assessment 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, gold in 1908 and silver who won U.S. shooter, was a Winans W. Walter sculpture in 1912. in 1912, and was awarded another gold medal for his

single single unique ceremony. unique ceremony. two-day conference at great deal about the Olympic Games. Art conveys A PERFECT MATCH A PERFECT long way. Ancient pottery, sculpture and literature tell When Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic who Coubertin, hear up turned delegates of Dozens The association between sport and art goes back place and time, just as they had been in In antiquity. 1906, Coubertin convened a Games, he wanted to combine the spiritual, intellectual intellectual spiritual, the combine to wanted he Games, and physical achievements of humankind in 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 the essence, describes the events, and glorifies the winners. Sculpture brought Olympians closer to the ideal, music added harmony of movement, and poetry saved them from oblivion. Our purpose is this: to reunite the Muscles and the a us a “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 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 and 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 - 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 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 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 90

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 common goal. The body The goal. common source of esthetic experiences and ar a or motivation form of presenting the perfection of the hu- Sport is a beauty is either a either is beauty of an athlete is a 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 generally make the world beautiful. specified way, 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 short great deal of promising poet and all-round all-round and poet promising need to express beauty in words and deeds. Sport and Sport deeds. and words in beauty express to need 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 demonstrate the possibility of a marriage between sport and lead people to that and art. They inspire each other, which is beautiful and make them good. a People have art fulfill that need. 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 Halina Konopacka “There is no sport without beauty.” 92

A PERFECT MATCH ODE TO SPORT 95

Jakub Maliszewski, 11 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw to whether it is 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. is the human body and which can body and is the human or sublime accordingbecome abject O Sport, you are Beauty! You are You you are Beauty! O Sport, which of that edifice the architect Eliza Borzym, 8 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie ODE TO ODE SPORT 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

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 is a prudent, well-considered audacity. in staking everything on chance. Yours 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

Julia Kamińska, 7 years, Julia Kamińska, Coubertin Pierre de 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 solely by his own physical and moral strength. 96

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 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 the sorrowful salutary can even bring you To their distress, whilst the happydiversion from to savour their joie de vivre. you enable fully 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 101

Zuzanna Celej, 12 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw Zuzanna Lipińska, 8 years, Polish Olympians Primary School No. 323 in Warsaw 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 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 Jakub Śmigasiewicz, 12 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie 100

ODE TO SPORT ODE TO SPORT 103 Marta Różycka, 12 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw

Bartosz Hoffmann, 11 years, DIDASKO Primary School No. 98 in Warsaw 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; 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. Zosia Hryniak, 10 years, Zosia Hryniak, 98 Primary School No. DIDASKO in Warsaw 102

ODE TO SPORT ODE TO SPORT 105

different virtue of sport is mentioned mentioned is sport of virtue different - Cou de Pierre by written was Sport” to “Ode bertin under the pseudonym Georges Hohrod – – Hohrod Georges pseudonym the under bertin 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 and Poetic - considera lofty. of dimension human the to secondary are tions A text. the in everyverse. Szymon Śmigasiewicz, 10 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie Szymon Śmigasiewicz, 10 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie Kornelia Wilczek, 9 years, Pierre de Coubertin Primary School in Budy Siennickie

the diversity of national qualities becomesthe diversity of generous and friendly rivalry. the source of a 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 104

ODE TO SPORT 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 things held dear by people of matter? every race, religion and culture, e.g. mutual respect, a strong Pierre de Coubertin created feeling of personal pride, the what has become the great- principle of fair play, Olympic est theatrical spectacle in the solidarity, fostering peace, and world – and one where only the having fun as a form of educa- best of the best get to perform. tion, where playing in the back- the attention of Greek youth, made every Greek personally re- WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? Every four years, we take part yard can one day lead to the who could then adopt behavio- sponsible for protecting the com- in an event that is followed by Olympic Stadium. ral models and get enthusiastic petitors and spectators during thousands of millions of people Pierre de Coubertin noticed about their sporting prowess. the games and for ensuring their on every continent. Coubertin that the Greek schools of old The oldest and largest games safe arrival at Olympia by road set up a standard sporting com- taught gymnastics, music, and were held in Olympia in honor and sea. The sacred truce was petition with a variety of events physical and mental exercises of the god Zeus. The ancient proclaimed a couple of days or and gave it a celebratory touch. in such a way that young peo- philosophers tell us that they three months before the games It was he who came up with ple would leave school broadly proceeded peacefully and that commenced, depending on the the idea of having an Olympic prepared for life in times of order was maintained in the pe- political situation. This was a sort Games Opening Ceremony with war and peace. Games were riods immediately before and of armistice concluded between symbols and values to highlight held in various cities in order after the games, as well as dur- the Greek city-states so that the the unbroken Olympic tradition to combine physical exercise ing the competition itself. competition, sanctified with cen- from ancient Greece to the pre- with moral training. These were This ancient custom was turies of tradition, could be held sent. This idea encompasses grand affairs designed to attract known as “the sacred truce” and according to sacred rituals.

106 107 Pierre de Coubertin cited observing standard sporting as 45,000. They additionally had this extraordinary political act regulations. This has enriched to spend a lot of preparation time in the hope that the modern and invigorated the Olympic in Elis, two days by road from Olympic movement would cre- movement. The Games were Olympia, to acquire the neces- ate an opportunity for nations made the property of the whole sary polish and familiarize them- and individuals to live together world following a personal ap- selves with the rules. There was in peace. The “Modern Olym- peal from Coubertin, the man an examination before an official pia” was meant to be a symbol whose commitment and dedi- group of trainers and judges, who and would be assigned the fol- cation to their international re- decided who would be included lowing role: “Ancient Olympia vival had made it possible for and excluded. Pythagoras is was a city of athletics, art, and athletes to come together in supposed to have said that three prayer. The order of these three stadiums around the world in kinds of people made it to Olym- terms has at times been wrong- a spirit of peace, friendship and pia. First, the athletes came to ly reversed. The sacred na- respect. If not for Coubertin, our win Olympic wreaths and im- ture and the esthetic nature of culture would be all the poorer mortal fame. Second, artisans, Olympia were consequences of for not having a competition philosophers, theatrical per- its athletic role. The city of ath- that unites rather than divides. formers, sculptors, musicians letics was an intermittent thing. ATHENA and poets came to make money The city of art and prayer were and advertise their goods and WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER?

Is Pierre de WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? permanent. The same will hold Coubertin’s Olympic “Olympism was born fully services. Third, the spectators true for the modern Olympia.” idea still relevant? equipped, like Athena!” came to take part in religious This project got no further ceremonies, watch the running, than theoretical considerations. Few things have captured the Pierre de Coubertin, 1934 wrestling and horse racing, and The concept of a “theater of pil- public imagination the way the admire the beauty of old and grimage” won out through the Olympic Games have. The Olym- there, philosophers advertised new works or art. Pythagoras will of Coubertin himself. The pic competition was considered their latest works there, and any described this last group as be- modern games have since been an exceptional event by the an- number of merchants and arti- ing the only true Olympians. This hosted by large cities that have cient Greeks and was not even sans came in search of profit. is an important observation as it introduced the defining values, interrupted when Athens was Most important, however, were shows how greatly he honored signs and symbols of their own directly under threat from the the athletes, who were few in art lovers and sports specta- cultures and civilizations while Persian army. New directions in number but trained to perfection, tors. Olympians, then, were not keeping the traditional opening art sprang up in Olympia. The and the visiting spectators, who just those who engaged in com- and closing ceremonies and best plays had their premieres sometimes numbered as many petitive sport, but also those

108 109 who participated in the religious It is important that the image it continues to gain in strength An educated person celebrations and artistic events of the Games, which reaches every year as the population of An Olympian subscribes to Olympism. This at Olympia, and watched the the farthest corners of the world, the “Global Olympic Village” in- was distinguished athletic contests. Poets and mu- as this influences people’s at- creases. is an individual who strives for self-perfection by his or her sicians were worthy of being titudes to sport and teaches in respecting others; someone who cultivates responsiveness to called creators in Greece, be- them how to live in harmony and What is the “Spirit of harmony between body, soul and intellect; who, beauty, and a noble cause they created things that regard others as fellow partici- Sport”? did not exist in nature. Artists pants and not as rivals. in victory, sees only the joy of the effort put into person by his or her Pierre de Coubertin wrote that achieving it. Olympians can praise others while love for the law and the Germans had dug up Olym- speaking of themselves; they are grateful to their Competitors now have to go through years of grueling pia and exposed the ruins of the respect for ethical rivals for the competition and the opportunity training before they make it to the Games. Only the very city. As a Frenchman, however, standards. to test themselves. These individual values lead best obtain the honor of competing. But the question he was determined to resurrect the ancient spirit of the Games, to collective values, e.g. concern for world of whether the Olympic concept is still relevant touches which has survived unchanged development and world peace. on a far more important issue, namely whether the values until now. The word “spirit” is promoted by the International Olympic Committee still a synonym for culture, with the proviso that what is meant is sym- hold their appeal in the 21st century. bolic (or spiritual) culture, and modern schools. We are more WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? not what can be distinguished as than happy to quote the ancient who created with their hands Coubertin’s hope that modern technical culture (i.e. civilization). Greeks, because we understand were treated the same as those Olympism would open up new Reviving up the ancient spirit and our place in the world better be- who practiced handicrafts. ways of looking at international pressing it into present day ser- cause of them. If this way of thinking was ap- development might find expres- vice required restoring long lost The sports field is a kind of plied to the Games today, the sion here too. The “Global Olym- humanistic values and revisiting school where children and positive side of the ledger would pic Village” may be an example the philosophy of the person who young people can learn by do- appear as follows: over 11,000 of this. The Olympic movement strives for self-awareness and ing, and develop mental forti- athletes, 3200 coaches, approx. has been extending its influence the “justifiably proud” person tude, no matter how heated the 36,000 volunteers and over to cover more territory, reach- who is prepared to rise above game gets. The “spirit of sport” 25,000 accredited media partic- ing deeper into the fabric of so- the run-of-the-mill for something accompanies every game. It ipate in the Summer Olympics, ciety, and proclaiming the joy of important. Those philosophical signifies a tradition of competi- and the event is broadcast to engaging in sport. The Olympic models were put into practice tiveness according to specified a billion people. idea is not just relevant today; and are now broadly applied in rules and does not change over

110 111 time. The idea of sport is not to Olympia. He won the kingdom a sacred grove. On their return Games were how they found subdue or humiliate an oppo- of Oenamaus and the hand of home from Olympia, the winners out what they were made of nent. We do not meet with a ri- Hippodamia in a chariot race. were presented with material during peacetime. The children val but a fellow player on the The Olympian gods also played prizes of enormous value. This and youth of today similarly en- sports field, and the purpose of games, e.g. Apollo beat Ares, prompted Solon, an Athenian ter competitions to find out who the game is to have fun, and get the god of war, in a fist fight. lawgiver from the 6th century they are and what they can do. to know ourselves and the other Games evolved from hav- B.C., to set an upper limit of players. ing fun. Over time, different 500 drachmas on Olympic vic- What is the role of kinds of fun took on the form tory prizes. This could have Olympism in sport? Where did the idea of games, and winning, rath- purchased a country property for games come er than enjoyment, became or financed a lifetime of city liv- Olympism is a modern con- from? the main aim. It is due to these ing. Two hundred years later, cept. There were all sorts of beginnings that contemporary the prizes were smaller but still reasons why people played Games are older than litera- professional sport has not com- impressive. By way of compari- sport at the turn of the 20th ture. Homer mentions Nestor, pletely shed its former selfless son, a professional soldier serv- century, but there were two who fought in the Trojan War, nature, for all its seriousness ing at sea was paid 1.5 drach- main ones. The first concerned in Book XXIII of The Iliad, which and elaborate technology. Sport mas per day. working class people. Playing is dedicated to “the Games in has retained a cultural identity in The Greeks had games in their sport after work was a form of honor of Patroclus”. Nestor says which the more the result is left to blood. They had to constantly relaxation and a fun pastime WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? that he is too old to compete, chance, the greater the likelihood improve and monitor their own that made up an important part but a few Greeks kept fields for of it being referred to as playing progress in order to nurture of the local rituals and sea- battles and games for him at a game or having fun. a sense of personal pride and sonal festivities. Practical skills, one time, and he is now help- The original Olympians were win the social approval of their strength, endurance, wrestling ing his son Antilochus get ready given a palm leaf and had peers. As there were no objec- and boxing, i.e. anything that for a chariot race by advising a tainia placed on their heads tive measurements, they kept could be used at work, were him how to behave on the track. on the day of their victory. On comparing themselves to oth- what mattered in folk festivals. This is the oldest historical re- the final day of the Games, the ers – in art, philosophy, public Organizational ability, group cord of a talk between a coach winners had wreaths bestowed activity and war. Some say the leadership, and various artistic (the father) and an athlete (the upon them before a statue of ancient Greeks were “greedy skills were also valuable social son). Zeus as the ultimate proof that for fame”, loved wisdom and qualities. Having fun playing Games also appear in Greek they were the best. The wreaths beauty, and prized virtues so sport relieved the monotony of mythology. Pelops is considered were made from the sprigs much that they were ready to lay lives full of chores, and gave the founder of the games at of olive trees that grew wild in down their lives for them. The a brief feeling of freedom and

112 113 hope for a change of fortune. who played sport profession- Are the principles of Olympic values have also been The conditions for concentrat- ally, although they were not all Olympism universal? adopted by societies that never ing on self-perfection were sim- that interested in money. This used to recognize them. Olym- ply not present. was the group that Coubertin If the code of conduct between pism has thus paved a road It was a different story for the was referring to during the first competitors was not universal in for people of different races, upper classes, as they did not Olympic Congress in Paris in application, Olympism would be religions and cultures to make have to work. The physical activ- 1894, when he announced the an example of local and short- their way towards the Olympic ity they engaged in substituted establishment of the Interna- lived culture. There are now Stadium, where they confirm, by for work. Sportspeople from the tional Olympic Committee. This over 200 countries and inde- their very participation, the real- upper echelons of society were was to be a non-governmental pendent territories in the Olym- ity that a world based on friend- not paid and competed solely institution charged with popular- pic family. What binds them is ship, justice and mutual respect for their own benefit. They saw izing Olympism as a philosophy the affinity of their own values between people entitled to the sport as an opportunity to hone of sport and the Olympic Games with Olympic ones. They praise same rights is possible. At pre- their bodies and improve their as a social practice. freedom, equality and solidarity, sent, this happens on the sports characters. Prizes were me- On this view, Olympism, as and in so doing, they demon- field, but its influence is such mentos of the competition rath- previously stated, refers to strate their readiness to defend that it could embrace our entire er than financial benefits. As sport that is not played for these values, as they are vital to lives from kindergarten. such, their value was symbolic. large prizes. Every competitor the future of our world. Upper-class sport was viewed should get a high from exert- Olympism is also about know- WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER?

What is the future WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? as an amateur activity. Club life ing him or herself and from ing yourself, whether you can of the Olympic was considered to be the most playing by the rules. The main persistently strive for the goals movement? important thing. Sporting and thing is neither the result nor you have set yourself, how you tourism associations focused the prospect of a valuable conduct yourself after win- The Olympic movement is still on the elite. Social gatherings prize, but the chance to over - ning and losing, whether you a young and developing institu- and cultural events came to be come their own limitations, compete in an artistic and tion, but it is firmly and deeply held regularly, and old sport- know themselves, push the beautiful way, and whether rooted culturally. An illuminated ing events were revived and limits of their abilities, and your opponent is a partner in olive tree held center stage dur- new ones introduced, e.g. cy- experience the sense of fulfill- sport or an adversary out to ing the opening and closing cling, motor racing, ice skating, ment that comes from having capitalize on your mistakes. ceremonies of the 2004 Olympic rowing, horse riding, fencing done something well. Finally, it is about whether the Games in Athens. The genera- and tennis. Sport might have “other person” is an outsid- tions that have grown up in its retained its casual nature, but er or a fully-fledged Olympic shadow have changed. People even then, there were some competitor. have come and gone, but the

114 115 tree is still there and has with- This cannot help but spark is famous all over the world. He The contemporary school has stood the ups and downs of histo- conflicts, revolts, protests and is held in very high esteem for changed in this direction, al- ry. Its sacred branches are used demonstrations. As an example, giving us the Olympic Games, though this is not normally attrib- to make wreaths for the best. the Defenders of Tibet came out a festival of youth and sport, uted to the educational activities Restoring the Olympic Games to meet the Olympic torch relay where young people come to- of Pierre de Coubertin. He also 15 centuries after they had fallen on its way to Beijing from old gether in the Olympic Stadium coined such terms as “moral into oblivion, and even giving Olympia. They saw the Olympics to express their attachment exercises” and “moral training”, them a much greater reach than as an opportunity to draw atten- to the Olympic motto “Citius – and emphasized “muscle and they had in ancient times, builds tion to human rights violations in Altius – Fortius”: running and mind” and body and soul coordi- hope for the future. China. This was contrary to the knowing yourself faster; rising nation as a prerequisite for any The modern Olympic Games peaceful mission of the Olympic higher above the horizontal bar kind of education. The school are threatened by civilizational movement, which had granted and mediocrity; and becoming playground is the best field development and social culture the right to host the Games to the stronger, i.e. so that the power to cultivate kalos kagathos (good changes. The modern world of city and not the country against of the spirit can overcome the and beautiful) as an education knowledge, the world of con- which they were protesting. natural limitations of the body. ideal directed at the individual stant and rapid change, the IT Coubertin is also esteemed for child and his or her relationships world, and the virtual world are Why is such a great introducing sport to schools, not with others. colliding with the old world of man so little known? through a hole in the fence but Coubertin gave the world the sport, which is based on a cul- through the main gate, and not Olympic Games as a trans- WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? ture of chivalry, an ethos of per- We are now trying to make up just so that the playground could formed battleground where sonal excellence and “pilgrim- for this neglect. Coubertin, the ring to the sounds of children people of equal importance age theater” across the world. creator of the modern Olympics having fun, but mainly to intro- and dignity could compete in duce autonomy to the pupils and a game where the most im- to revive school activities in the portant thing was playing, not “Citius – Altius – Fortius”: running local community outside lessons winning. Participating builds and after hours. He was familiar a community that shares so- and knowing yourself faster; rising higher with school and knew its weak cially accepted values, while above the horizontal bar and mediocrity; points. Coubertin tried to build winning has an individual di- and becoming stronger, i.e. so that the a future school education on mension in that it highlights power of the spirit can overcome the the assumption that education personal identity and inde- should occur through develop- pendence. There is supposedly natural limitations of the body. ment and development should more pleasure in giving than occur through enjoyment. in receiving. The beauty of this

116 117 thought is definitely born out in airship.” The Olympic Games Kalokagathia (Ancient Greek: “kalós kai agathós” means “beautiful sport. have become a visible symbol Coubertin’s greatest contribu- of the modern world and a kind and good”). In ancient Greek philosophy, this was the perfection tion was undeniably in education of “religion of beauty”, which of the harmonious fusion of beauty and good in a person and for peace as a new social out- draws young people in and in- was a virtue of both body and soul. The concept of kalokagathia look. He believed that the Olym- spires them to make an effort, is timeless. Sport develops the mind and the soul as well pics would draw people cordial- teaches them to respect their op- ly disposed towards each other ponents and abide by the rules as the body. A lot of sportspeople have shown that together to cultivate universal of sport, and becomes an object it is possible to be a champion in life as well as in sport. 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 differences. These people would wavered in its zeal. bring a “Global Olympic Village” I would ask what needs to be into being as a sort of social uto- done if sports education is to pia that would take shape once regain the force it had in an- every four years. The Olympic cient times, when young peo- movement has attracted an in- ple came out of the gymnasium creasingly large following as it ready to give their all, eager to WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? kalós+kai+agathós = has developed, and the concept compete, respectful of the rules, of Olympic Peace has become and appreciative of the beauty increasingly significant. of the human body as a work of art created through years of What would you ask training and subjected to the Pierre de Coubertin cultivation of muscle and mind if you had the and nature and culture? Young chance? people with the spirit of Icarus, fulfilling their dreams in a ro- I would ask the question he mantic flight to the sun. Sports himself did at the end of his records are still being broken by life, viz. how it came about that proud people who reach where “Olympism has sailed serenely their sight cannot reach and kalós + kai + agathós = kalokagathia = person over the world like a gleaming break what their minds cannot

118 119 break. These people are not, occasionally spanned life and place on the sports field. Every- however, adventurers or circus death, but always held in check thing else is decoration. Olym- performers walking a tightrope Olympism is conduct by reason and conscience. The pic education will determine between life and death. Cou- where our human sports field is especially made the future of the Olympic move- bertin said that caution and virtues pass a public to glorify human beings. Olym- ment. restraint had to be exercised exam. Olympism pism is conduct where our “The future depends on you!” on the sports field, as victory human virtues pass a public This call to action Pierre de only matters when it is won in is heroism displayed exam. Olympism is heroism Coubertin sent out to the athlet- a fair and full-fledged contest in peacetime. displayed in peacetime. ic youth of the world from Olym- between equally matched com- Sports education stresses pia in 1927 is just as relevant petitors, i.e. primus inter pares that the individual has pride of now as it was then. (Latin: first among equals). once more. The best works are Sport without TV and In- honored with Olympic medals ternet would be unthinkable and put into community circu- these days. Transmissions liv- lation. Art shows the spiritual Poetry Reading / Wisława Szymborska (excerpt) ened up sporting events and depth of sport and athletics and made them more dynamic, the greatness of the person who To be a boxer, or not be there although it has simplified the determines the limits of his or her cultural narrative. Viewers watch own excellence. This might be at all. O Muse, where are our teeming crowds? WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? WHY DOES COUBERTIN MATTER? sport with foreign eyes in a sense. a time, a distance, artistic skill, Twelve people in the room, eight seats to spare – Instead of watching and reading or courage and valor. The valor it’s time to start this cultural affair. about a game or heat with em- shown in a fist fight was the rea- Half came inside because it started raining, pathy and understanding, they son Homer and Szymborska in- are often content to just listen to troduced boxing into their poetry. the rest are relatives. O Muse. information about e.g. the medal It has already worked before. tally. Information is stored and Olympic art competitions were The women here would love to rant and rave, facts are committed to memory, on the program of the Olympic but there is no change in their Games from 1912 to 1948. The but that’s for boxing. Here they must behave. appreciation of sport and athlet- sculpture, painting, architec- ics as works of art. It has there- ture, music and literature on (…) fore been necessary to invite art- the sports field learned the dy- ists from different fields to enter namics of movement subjected Szymborska, W. (2012). Nic dwa razy. Wybór wierszy / Nothing twice. Selected poems. Olympic design competitions to spontaneous emotions that Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Literackie (transl. by Clare Cavanagh and Stanisław Barańczak).

120 121 “The Polish Youth Olympic Team has participated in WHATEVER THE GAME, the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) and the LET JOY WIN! Youth Olympic Games (YOG) since their inception. These events, modelled on the Olympic Games and The story has now come to an end, but Coubertin’s dream of a world united by held under the Olympic flag, are extraordinarily invaluable sport is still unfolding. The founder of the modern Olympic Games always looked experiences for competitors aged 14-18. They are not to the future with optimism, despite the many obstacles in the way. Let’s follow in only intended to stage competitions based on previously his footsteps. If we put our Olympic glasses on, and look hard enough between the obtained qualifications, but to promote the Olympic Ideals clouds, we can see that the gleaming airship is continuing its journey. of excellence, friendship, respect for sports rivals and judges, We especially hope that, hav- Kinder Joy of Moving, Ferre- and losing gracefully. Each of these Olympic events is a ing been raised on sport based ro Group social responsibility great celebration of sport, joy, passion, and positive energy. on Olympic values, child, ado- programme, is an official part- lescent and young adult ath- ner of the Polish Youth Olym- Young Olympians are not only ambassadors for their country letes will become passionate pic Team and the “Ja i Sport” when abroad, but ambassadors for the positive values of

WHATEVER THE GAME, LET JOY WIN! Olympic ambassadors around Olympic education project

competitive sport every single day. We really want our WHATEVER THE GAME, LET JOY WIN! the world. as of 2020. The programme is young Olympians to inspire their peers to adopt the best approach to life and join the culture of movement!” Members of the Polish Andrzej Kraśnicki, President Polish Olympic Committee Youth Olympic Team during the closing ceremony of the III Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, predicated on the belief that Kinder Joy of Moving was 2018. Photo: POC. access to physical activity been present in Poland since will inspire children and ado- 2007. Its slogan, “Whatever the lescents to join the culture of Game, Let Joy Win!”, reveals movement and consequent- its formula, which is primarily ly become physically active based on the fun and joy that adults. comes with being active.

122 123 WORTH WHO VISITING IS WHO

John Stephen Akhwari (b. 1938) John Carpenter (1885-1933) – Tanzanian marathon runner – U.S. track and field athlete, 400m www.olimpijski.pl at the 1968 Mexico Olympic sprint finalist at the 1908 London Games. Olympic Games. www.kinderjoyofmoving.pl Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) – U.S. boxer, light-heavyweight – humanist and pedagogue, gold medalist at the 1960 Rome founded the modern Olympic Olympics. Games. Thomas Arnold (1795-1842) Henri Didon (1840-1900) @olimpijski was the headmaster of Rugby – Dominican priest, friend of Pierre @pkol.jaisport School in England from 1828 de Coubertin, the first to utter to 1841, where he introduced the words that have since become @KinderJoyofmoving.Polska 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 @pkol_pl Games, journalist, co-founder (3000 B.C. – 393 A.D.) of the London Marathon (held – inhabitants of the southern part @pkol_jaisport since 1981). of Europe, the Balkan Peninsula, WORTH VISITING @kinderjoyofmoving.polska Asia Minor, and the coasts and William Penny Brookes islands of the Ionian, Aegean and (1809-1895) - English surgeon, WHO IS 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.

124 125 Alfréd Hajós (1878-1955) Irena Szewińska (1946-2019) Larysa Latynina (b. 1934) Albert Roger Mooh Miller – Hungarian swimmer and outstanding Polish track and field – Soviet gymnast, won 18 Olympic (“Roger Milla”) (b. 1952) architect, won two gold medals athlete, won 7 gold medals in medals 1956-1964. – Cameroonian striker, one of the at the first modern Olympic 1964-1980 in the 100m sprint, 200m first African footballers to become Ernst Larsen (1926-2015) Games in Athens in 1896, as well sprint, 4 x 100m relay, 400m sprint a major international star, played – Norwegian track and field as the silver medal in architecture and the long jump, IOC member. for Cameroon in three World Cups. athlete, 3000m steeplechase at the Olympic Arts Competitions Halina Konopacka (1900-1989) bronze medalist at the 1956 Thomas Morgenstern (b. 1986) at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. – first Polish Olympic gold medalist Melbourne Olympic Games. – Austrian ski jumper, three-time Wyndham Halswelle (1882-1915) in the discus throw at the 1928 Olympic champion (Turin 2006, Carl Ludwig „Lu(t)z” Long – won the controversial 400m Amsterdam Olympic Games. Poet, Vancouver 2010), bronze medalist (1913-1943) – German track and sprint at the 1908 London Olympic rally driver, Miss Olympic Games at Sochi 2014. field athlete, silver medalist Games, the only Olympic gold in Amsterdam. in the long jump at the 1936 Berlin Wolfgang Nordwig (b. 1943) medalist ever to win by walkover. Jerzy Kulej (1940-2012) Olympic Games, posthumously – German pole vaulter, gold Sven Hannawald (b. 1974) – Polish boxer, sports commentator, awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medalist at the 1972 Munich – German ski jumper, three- Olympic gold medalist 1964 medal for his exceptional Olympic Games. time Olympic medalist in 1998 Tokio Olympic Games and sportsmanship, friend of Jesse Tadeusz Olszański (b.1929) and 2002, Four Hills Tournament 1968 Mexico Olympic Games, Owens. – Polish publicist, writer, sports winner, the only ski jumper in charge of the outstanding Polish Petra Majdic (b. 1979) journalist and author of numerous history to win on all four hills. boxing trainer Feliks Stamm. – Slovenian cross-country skier, books on sport, created the John Hayes (1886-1965) Janusz Kusociński (1907-1940) sprint specialist, Olympic bronze “Gentleman of Sport” award in – U.S. athlete, marathon winner at – was a Polish athlete, winner in medalist in 2010 Vancouver 1963, which has since become the the 1908 London Olympic Games. the 10,000 meters event at the 1932 Olympic Winter Games and Fair Play Prize. Los Angeles Olympic Games. two-time World Championship Homer (8th century B.C.) Jesse Owens (1913-1980) His dream was to compete medalist in the sprint event. – father of the epic poetry, the – U.S. track and field athlete, with Paavo Nurmi (1897-1973) greatest of Greek epic poets, Adam Małysz (b. 1977) gold medalist in the 100m sprint, – an outstanding Finnish long author of Iliad and the Odyssey. – Polish ski jumper, one of the most 200m sprint, long jump and distance runner (9 times Olympic successful ski jumpers of all time, 4 x 100m relay at the 1936 Berlin Jan Johnson (b. 1950) Champion). His dream never four-time Olympic medalist (Turin Olympic Games, set numerous WHO IS – U.S. pole vaulter, bronze came true because Nurmi was WHO IS 2006, Vancouver 2010), awarded world records, fought for the rights medalist at the 1972 Munich suspended before the 1932 Games the Fair Play Prize by the Polish of black people in the U.S. Olympic Games. by an IAAF council that questioned Olympic Committee. his amateur status. Adriaan Paulen (1902-1985) – Dutch sports official, IAAF President 1976-1981, track and field athlete, competed in three Olympic Games.

126 127 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 NOTES 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 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. NOTES participated in seven Olympic Games from 1936 to 1968, taught and trained many Olympic medalists.

128 129 NOTES NOTES

130 131 NOTES

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