Synopses & Reviews
Athletes first' is a slogan the International Olympic Committee often touts, but the reality is very different, as pre-eminent Olympics expert Jules Boykoff shows in this book. While the world's attention is riveted by the triumphs and tribulations on their screens, there is much that goes on behind the scenes that is deeply troubling: athletes are increasingly voicing concerns over physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and they are collectively expressing grievances around equity and human rights. Outside the stadiums, problems range from the democratic deficit and corruption surrounding the awarding of the Games, to displacement of people and gentrification of neighbourhoods to make way for Olympic venues, to the environmental damage that Olympic construction inflicts and then tries to greenwash away. Boykoff tells us that radical steps are required if the Games are to be fixed and only then will they be truly 'athletes first'.
Review
"A brilliant, timely and erudite debunking of the myths of Olympism. Boykoff provides us with a blueprint for what a radically reimagined and more democratic Olympic Games might look like." Ben Carrington, University of Southern California
Review
"Invaluable in exposing the longstanding problems with the Olympics, the persisting erosion of leadership in the Olympic Movement, and the consequences and impact for all involved." Harry Edwards, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley and Olympic Project for Human Rights
Review
"Compelling, infuriating, and heartening all at once. Boykoff strikes the perfect balance between searing criticism of Olympic corruption and the celebration of athletes' achievements. It's a generative book that suggests paths towards fulfilling the tournament's loftiest promises." Brenda Elsey, Hofstra University
About the Author
Jules Boykoff is a professor of politics and government at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. His writing on the connection between politics and sport have appeared in the New York Times, the Guardian, the Nation, the Los Angeles Times and New Left Review. He is also a former professional soccer player who represented the US U-23 men's national team in international competition.