It was a busy and fulfilling trip as I got to see several aspects behind the scenes of the human event of the Olympics, with field trips to OBS, MPC, HOC, sponsor events, and Olympic hospitality programme, as well as guests who have been in the sports industry for many years to share their experiences. This was my first time attending the Olympics and the trip helped me to get a clearer idea of what I wanted to do, thanks to Dr. Neirotti, Mr. Burns and Lisa C. for their help.
As Paris 2024 comes to a close, the official gold medal count has been finalized, reigniting discussions on social media about the correlation between Olympic gold medals and a country’s overall strength.
It is widely recognized that the Olympic gold medal table often reflects a country’s strength in economic, political, social, and cultural aspects. Countries with strong economies are more likely to invest in sports facilities and athlete development, while government policies, sports culture, and historical traditions also play crucial roles in Olympic performance. During my time in Paris, I had the opportunity to learn about the top three medalists, Team USA, and Japan’s commitment to athlete performance, which allowed me to draw some comparisons.
Team USA’s High Performance Center for Paris 2024 is located in the Paris suburb of Eaubonne. This facility is designed for approximately 450 athletes across 30 Olympic and Paralympic sports. It offers comprehensive training facilities, medical and recovery services, nutritional support, and mental health services to ensure athletes can perform at their best. The HPC includes two dedicated training gyms, a wide indoor track, outdoor sports areas such as those for triathlon and rugby, and specialized facilities for gymnastics and weightlifting. Additional amenities include a Team USA lounge, high-tech massage tables, cryotherapy chambers, and 100 sleeping rooms. The center aims to replicate a real competition environment, providing a significant advantage over the more crowded Olympic Village. By offering top-tier training and recovery resources, it gives athletes the best chance to excel at the Games.
At Japan House, I learned about the Japan Sports Council (JSC), a national organization dedicated to promoting sports throughout the country. The JSC aims to use the power of sport to contribute to society by fostering healthy and active lifestyles, from local communities to elite athletes. They are involved in constructing new sports facilities and improving existing ones, including the Japan High Performance Sports Center, which provides a world-class training environment and conducts cutting-edge research to enhance Japanese athletes’ performance. The Japan Sports Council also supports international events, athlete development, and the integrity of sports through the Sports Promotion Fund and lottery subsidies.
While the number of gold medals doesn’t tell the whole story, it is more than just a measure of sporting achievement; it also reflects a country’s influence and overall strength on the global stage.