Almost everyone, it seems, is watching the athletes in China. There are, of course, those who hate sport but the Olympic Games have got most of us enthralled. We watch in fascination as nation takes on nation. We exchange views on performances and shout on our own favourites. Will they win medals or is it the taking part that really matters? It should be, of course, but there is huge pressure on the athletes to do well not only for themselves but for the pride of their own countries. Whether we like it or not the game are political too. Otherwise the athletes would not run under any flag but under their own names. Instead the national anthems are part of the prizegiving ceremony. Why?
Is it because Governments fund the training of athletes? Is it because countries are sending out their own message to the world? Do we confuse shouting on our athletes with patriotism? Just what are the benefits of the Olympics?
Some say they throw the spotlight on human rights abuses but does that have any effect? Will it change the world whether the Olympics are held or cancelled? What about the nastier side of athleticism? What about the case of the steroids and sport? What makes an athlete cheat which is totally against the whole ethos of sportsmanship?
The original Olympic Games had nothing to do with commercialism. The heroes were feted for their sporting prowess alone. They were not paid, they were truly amateur, their prize some laurel leaves. So what has happened to make the Olympics the business it is today? Would any country be prepared to send representatives who ran or swam for love of the sport and not for gain?
The questions asked are about who will be winners? Maybe a more fundamental question is are the Olympics about prestige profit and power or just simply sport?

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