The world of international sports encompasses any competition in which athletes represent at least two countries. Some of the most well-known examples include the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.
The ancient Olympic Games, a series of athletic and combat events held in Olympia, Greece, set the stage for modern international sport: the city-states of Ancient Greece would travel to Olympia to compete against each other, and all internal struggles were put on hold until the Olympics were over. Today, the international sporting world is a massive business. According to a 2011 study by A.T. Kearney, the global sports industry is worth between EUR350 billion and EUR450 billion, with revenue generated through infrastructure construction, sporting goods, licensing products, and live sports events.
In addition to the Olympics, there are numerous other international multi-sport events. The Gay Games, for example, are held every four years and are open to all LGBT+ participants regardless of country or sport.
Whether a multi-sport event or an individual sport, there is no doubt that international sports can have a powerful impact on countries, their citizens and the world at large. But it is important to remember that the game of international sport is not without its flaws.
The power imbalances present in the world of international sports reflect the broader inequality in the world. For instance, during the preparations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, FIFA—the governing body of international soccer—discouraged the upgrading of a soccer stadium in a working-class neighborhood to benefit the area’s residents. Instead, they pushed the local government to build a new stadium in wealthier areas of town, which resulted in people losing their homes and livelihoods.