The Olympics: A Critical Reader represents a unique, critical guide to the definitive sporting mega-event and the wider phenomenon it represents – Olympism. Combining classic texts and thoughtful editorial discussion with challenging new pieces, including previously unseen material, the book systematically addresses the key questions in modern Olympism, including:

• what does studying Olympism entail?


• how do historical accounts create and challenge Olympic myths?


• how do different theoretical perspectives inform our understanding of Olympism?


• which socio-political processes influence personal, collective and imagined Olympic identities?


• how do we experience and make sense of Olympism?


• who owns Olympism and why does it matter?


• how do cities compete for and celebrate the Olympics?


• how are the Olympic values promoted?


• why is it important to protect the ethical principles and properties of Olympism?


• what are the grounds for contesting Olympism?


• how can Olympism be taught?


• how can the principles and practices of Olympism be sustained in the future?

Each thematic part has been designed to include a range of views, including background treatment of an issue as well as critical scholarship, to ensure that students develop a well-rounded understanding of the Olympic phenomenon. The Olympics: A Critical Reader is essential reading for students of the Olympics and Olympism, the sociology of sport, sport management and cultural studies.