Fifteenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Globalization and nationalism are two topics of great debate. In an increasingly connected world, these concepts are contrasted as opposites, sometimes unable to coexist – with a rise in one there must be a fall in the other. In this study, these concepts are explored alongside Olympism through the medium of the Olympic Games. Historically, the Olympic Games are structured around nations, nations-states, and national teams, while still attempting to promote diversity, internationalism, and the unity of humankind. This work explores how and why nationalism, Olympism and globalization are expressed in the Olympic Movement through case study of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games and what the outcomes of these actions were. Incorporating the interpretivist paradigm, this study focused on selected events during the summer games of 2022. Through the course of data collection there was a focus on not only the institution staging the Games but also the spectators watching from home this time.