Athletic Ideal

Athletic Ideal

The "athletic ideal" was the motivation behind the original Games in ancient Greece, and it was this ideal that inspired Coubertin to revive the Games in 1896. The athletic ideal is, above all else, the primary legacy of the Olympic games. It is an ideology and legacy unique in the history of the world.

The goal of the athletic ideal is "a healthy mind in a healthy body." The ancient Greeks believed that the development of the mind, spirit, and body were linked, and that a well-educated person was instructed in all areas. An athletic victory was considered a credit to both the athlete's physical and moral virtues. Physical training was valued for its role in the development of such qualities as endurance and patience.

The motivation was the development of a disciplined, devout, virtuous citizen of the democracy. The philosophy was that the success of self-government (democracy) depended on the moral character of the citizenry. This was a large part of the motivation for the combined athletic/moral training.

This goal demanded a holistic training of mind, body, and spirit. In ancient Greece athletics were an everyday part of all areas of life—religion, education, society, the arts, and politics. Physical disciplines wove themselves into the very fabric of society, leaving no area untouched.

The aim of Olympic sport is to promote a way of life based on the joy of effort and the ability to surpass limitations, all within a spirit of friendship and fair play. The opening ceremony of the Games always includes a symbolic release of doves as a message of peace.

In LONDON - The theme of this Olympics is "Inspire a Generation." Apon seeing Galen Rupp win silver in the 10K, 7 year old Evan Owens said "that is the greatest race I have ever seen."