Olympic history shines a light on our changing world

Released: February 8, 2022 | Last Updated: April 21, 2022

News release School of Arts and Science

Major global sporting tournaments like the Olympic Games provide a grand stage for the world’s best athletes, but they can also shine an uncomfortable spotlight on controversial geo-political divisions of their era, according to Camosun College history instructor Dr. Stephen Fielding, an expert on the history of sport.

“I like to think of sports as a lens and a lever to try to understand our changing world.” 

“I like to think of sports as a lens and a lever to try to understand our changing world,” says Fielding. “Sport gives us a window into political movements, tensions between political systems, social and racial inequalities, national and local identities, human ethics and also our own values.”

Athleticism, camaraderie and the spirit of sportsmanship bring elite athletes together in a shared experience, which often serves as a means of playing out national differences through the rules and structures of competition.

“We usually believe that sports creates a shared playing field, of shared rules for competitors,” explains Fielding. “This makes our competitions a proving ground for athletes, and so much is on the line, because athletes represent the aspirations of their countries, teams, ideals, identities, classes and groups. More than medals or trophies, at stake are billions of dollars in sponsorships, broadcasting deals and national pride.”

As we cheer on our Winter Olympians, plan Super Bowl snacks ahead of the big game, and sit on the edge of our seats as the Canadian men’s soccer team charges towards FIFA World Cup qualification, Fielding has prepared a short video that highlights how sports history is a powerful tool for understanding our modern world. 

“Throughout history, sports, in one form or another, have been at the centre of social, political and economic life,” says Fielding. “It’s a powerful tool to see the world through the lens of sports, because sports have changed the world.”

Camosun offers history courses on a variety of topics through the School of Arts and Science. For more information, please visit: camosun.ca/history

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