Also in Prospect’s guide to the Olympics: David Goldblatt’s guide to the political and cultural landscape of the Games; and a special feature on China’s critics—China’s most famous democratic activist, Wei Jingsheng, speaks to author Christian Tyler, and Chinese entrepreneur Jimmy Lai reports on the moral crises of his nation
You can discuss all these pieces at First Drafts , Prospect’s blog.
Athens 1896
The first modern Olympics were only rescued from the chaotic morass of Greek politics by the intervention of the Greek royal family. Of Danish descent and only recently installed, they saw the games as a perfect opportunity to establish their Hellenic credentials. But the Royal House did not do cash—instead, a generous donation from the Greek business tycoon George Averoff was required. Nothing changes: the Hellenic Olympics were underwritten by booty and betting, prizes and patronage. Nigel Spivey’s The Ancient Olympics (Oxford University Press) is a wry and witty account of the circus.
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