The Institute of Ideas’ Geoff Kidder on the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the sporting and non-sporting controversies it threw up.

Geoff Kidder’s Olympic blog - part seven

The Institute of Ideas' Geoff Kidder on the Beijing Olympics

The Olymposceptics have been sheltering under a stone for the last ten days, but will now crawl back out into the light. In the coming months we will need to be vigilant to stand up for the sporting values we cherish and against those who would belittle the success of British or other athletes.

Geoff Kidder’s Olympic blog - part six

The Institute of Ideas' Geoff Kidder on the Beijing Olympics

While recognising that some Olympic disciplines have more prestige than others, I have no time for those who ridicule people from any social background who have devoted their life to mastering a sporting discipline.

Geoff Kidder’s Olympic blog - part five

The Institute of Ideas' Geoff Kidder on the Beijing Olympics

These days we seem to play down the creative side of humanity, and focus on the dark side of human relations. We see the child who may have been abused by his or her coach, or worry about what the person has been through to reach success, but in doing this we ignore the skill and creativity it takes to win a gold medal.

Geoff Kidder’s Olympic blog - part four

The Institute of Ideas' Geoff Kidder on the Beijing Olympics

Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger) is the motto of the Olympic Games. Usain Bolt’s ‘Citius moment’ has set a benchmark for others to follow, and is an achievement all humanists should celebrate.

Geoff Kidder’s Olympic blog - part three

The Institute of Ideas' Geoff Kidder on the Beijing Olympics

Why are these external technological aids acceptable and even celebrated, when a whole panoply of internal aids are proscribed by being labelled ‘drugs’, and hang as a constant threat over the athletes and the Olympic Games themselves? 

Geoff Kidder’s Olympic blog - part two

The Institute of Ideas' Geoff Kidder on the Beijing Olympics

The tennis tournament does not have the prestige of a Grand Slam and is not about to. Like the Olympic football tournament, which resembles a mini youth World Cup, it is a chance to showcase the sport but not much else. Golf now wants Olympic status and a piece of the action.

Geoff Kidder’s Olympic blog - part one

The Institute of Ideas' Geoff Kidder on the Beijing Olympics

The constant carping and criticism of China in the run up to the Beijing Games has made enjoyment of the sport something of a guilty pleasure. During this month we should be celebrating the high points of human physical achievement that are taking place in Beijing. It is time to knock the critics off their lofty perch.