What Are the Olympic Values? Exploring Sport Diplomacy and Global Unity

Every two years, the world gathers in shared anticipation, watching athletes from nearly every nation compete not only for medals but for something far deeper—honor, unity, and excellence. These are the bedrock of the Olympic Movement: a set of ideals that transcend sport to become a framework for global citizenship. At the heart of this framework are the Olympic values—respect, excellence, and friendship—concepts that have evolved to support sport diplomacy and a vision of global unity.

The first Parade of Nations in London 1908. Photo Courtesy of IOC

But what do these values mean today? Have they changed over time? And how can we, as citizens of a divided world, look to the Olympic Games for lessons in cooperation, peace, and shared humanity?

The Olympic Values: A Foundation Beyond Sport

The Olympic Charter, maintained by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), outlines the core values that define the Olympic Movement:

• Excellence: Giving the best of oneself—on the field and off it.

• Friendship: Encouraging mutual understanding and solidarity among individuals and nations.

• Respect: Upholding rules, fair play, opponents, and cultural diversity.

These principles echo Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s founding philosophy. In his own words:

Simone Biles withdrawal from 2020 Tokyo Games brings broader awareness to mental health. Photo Courtesy of NBC.

“The important thing in life is not the triumph but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.”

For athletes, this means valuing personal growth over podium finishes. For spectators, it’s about recognizing courage and effort regardless of flag. And for the world, it represents an ethos of coexistence.

Sport Diplomacy: The Olympics as a Global Language

The concept of sport diplomacy may sound modern, but it has long roots in Olympic history.

At its core, sport diplomacy uses international sport as a tool to foster peace, build bridges between nations, and promote dialogue. The Olympics, with their scale and symbolism, are its most powerful expression.

North and South Korea enter Pyeongchang Games as one nation. Photo Courtesy of IOC

Consider the following historical examples:

• Ping Pong Diplomacy (1971): While not an Olympic event, this instance of table tennis

  between the U.S. and China paved the way for President Nixon’s landmark visit to Beijing. The Olympic spirit inspired the approach.

• Unified Korean Teams (2018 Winter Olympics): Athletes from North and South Korea marched under a unified flag in Pyeongchang, signaling hope in one of the world’s tensest regions.

• Refugee Olympic Team (2016 & 2020): Created to represent displaced athletes who could not compete for a national team, the refugee team embodies the Olympic commitment to human dignity and inclusion.

Each of these moments illustrates sport's unique ability to transcend borders. As Nelson Mandela famously said:

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

Global Unity: A High-Stakes Experiment in Togetherness

The Olympic Games are one of the few events where nearly every country participates on

equal footing. Athletes compete side by side, regardless of their nations’ political conflicts or economic disparities. For 17 days, the world sees what unity can look like.

The torch flame passes from one person to the next, emphasizing unity across the world. Photo courtesy of the IOC.

Unity isn’t just symbolic—it’s structural. From the athletes' village to the international judging panels, the Games are designed to create shared experiences. The Olympic Truce, an ancient tradition revived by the IOC, calls for a ceasefire during the Games. While often symbolic, it is a reminder of what is possible when humanity prioritizes peace over politics.

Have the Values Changed Over Time?

The spirit of the Olympic values has remained remarkably consistent, but their application and interpretation have evolved alongside global shifts.

Early 20th Century: Imperial Pageantry

In the early Games, nationalism often overshadowed unity. The 1936 Berlin Olympics, for instance, were manipulated by Nazi Germany for propaganda. Still, Jesse Owens’s four gold medals stood as a rebuke to racist ideologies, affirming the Olympic ideal of universal excellence.

Cold War Era: Ideals vs. Reality

The Olympics became a stage for ideological rivalry. Boycotts (Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984) revealed tensions between sport and geopolitics. Yet, even in this climate, moments of respect—like American and Soviet athletes exchanging pins—showed glimmers of friendship beyond politics.

21st Century: Diversity, Equity, and Activism

Chris Waddell competes at the Salt Lake 2002 Paralympic Games. Photo Courtesy of USOP Museum

Modern Olympism emphasizes inclusivity. The increased visibility of Paralympic athletes, greater gender parity, and the elevation of mental health conversations reflect a broader, deeper application of respect and friendship. Athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka have redefined excellence—not as perfection, but as the courage to step back when needed.

The Olympic values now intersect with issues of equity, justice, and identity, making the Games not just a celebration, but a conversation.

Why This Matters Today

In an age of polarization and disinformation, the Olympic values offer a rare model of ethical clarity. Respect for opponents, friendship across cultures, and striving for personal excellence are not just sports ideals—they are civic imperatives.

In classrooms, these values teach cooperation. In diplomacy, they offer neutral ground. And for everyday citizens, they remind us that greatness is not about winning—it’s about showing up, pushing forward, and lifting others as we go.

Looking Forward: The Legacy We Build

The Olympic Movement is not immune to criticism. Concerns about host city displacement, doping scandals, and commercialism are valid. But these challenges do not invalidate the values—they demand we defend them more actively.

Teaching Olympic values in schools, supporting youth access to sport, and engaging in Olympic legacy initiatives are vital to keeping the flame alive. As fans, educators, and citizens, we are all stewards of this global experiment.

So the next time the torch is lit and the anthem plays, consider not just the medals—but the message. Let us honor the Olympic tradition not just with applause, but with action.

Call to Action

At Inside the Rings, we believe that Olympic stories are human stories—filled with triumph, tension, and transformation. If this resonated with you, subscribe to our newsletter, share this post, and help us spread the values that unite a world in motion.

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