UVic Café Historique | Sport and Scandal: Exploring 130 Years of Olympic History

Event Description

Presented by Dr. Christine O’Bonsawin

The Olympic Games have emerged as the most pervasive global festival—sport or otherwise—and, for over a century, have remained at the heart of global culture. Although the Olympics have proven to be an exceedingly popular, prosperous, and, for some, profitable international spectacle that has captivated audiences worldwide since their inception in 1894, the Games have experienced significant opposition, controversy, and scandal throughout its history. This talk addresses major controversies throughout the 130-year history of the Games and questions of persistent discrimination within the Olympic movement relating to various matters, including race, gender, sex, and human rights.