This issue is the 7th one for 2024 and the 28th since the beginning of the war in Ukraine...Paris hosts the Summer Olympics from 26 July 2024 under a special threat from all enemies of Europe and Democracy. The war in Ukraine began just after the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February 2022. In a first point, we will discuss the often mixed message of Olympism in the past. In a second point, we will see how the Games were a battleground between blocks during the Cold War, during the time of the Soviet Union. In a third point, we will analyze the impact of the IOC’s decisions on the war in Ukraine, but especially on its champions, and the message sent. The Centennial of the 1924 Paris Games, with Coubertin’s controversial personality, did not defend the spirit of modernity they were supposed to promote. The Paris 2024 Olympics are opening in a climate of extreme and worrying national and international tension. May the committed citizens of the world of sport be more far-sighted and courageous in 2024 by defending a 21st century Olympism that contributes concretely to world peace. Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter, “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”, this time for a good cause.
1-Unpeaceful olympism in the past
2-An Olympic and sporting spirit exploited during the Cold War
3-A symbolic sporting and Olympic battle for Ukraine
4-Citius, Altius, Fortius - Communiter