BBC World Service South Asia

The Real Story

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Politics

Global experts and decision makers discuss, debate and analyse a key news story.

The Real Story: A Flickering Flame: is the Olympic Ideal Dead?

Factual

A Flickering Flame: is the Olympic Ideal Dead?

29/07/2016 GMT

BBC World Service - The Real Story, A Flickering Flame: is the Olympic Ideal Dead?

As the Rio Games approach, Owen Bennett Jones and his guests discuss sporting ethics.

As the Rio Games approach, Owen Bennett Jones and his guests discuss the ethics of sport.

“The important thing in life is not to win but to take part, the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well”. So said the founder of the modern Olympic movement, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, at the end of the 19th Century.  How does his noble ideal fit with the modern phenomena of professionalism, doping, individual financial gain, nationalistic pride, huge corporate sponsorship?  Is the Olympic ideal still alive? In this week’s edition of the programme, as the Rio Games approach, join Owen Bennett Jones and his guests as they discuss the present and future of the Olympics.

Photo: Athletes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Credit: Getty Images

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Real Story

A Flickering Flame: is the Olympic Ideal Dead?

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service South Asia

About BBC World Service