Over the past fortnight, spectators of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and sports fans around the world, have been delighted to witness the athletic feats of sportsmen and women, some who are household names, from the worlds of golf and tennis and even newly forged stars in lesser-watched sports.
As the Games draw to a close this weekend, I have an overwhelming feeling of awe. And besides the significant victories of athletes across nations, and all their preparatory hard work to reach this far, I am struck by the champions from the US, and of America as the unrivalled world superpower in all avenues – of sport and also modern life.
Not only does the US stand at the top of the Paris medals table, but it has emphasised the strength and talent found among its population across almost all Olympic disciplines. Sport has always been seen as an extension of political, military and economic power.
In comparison, Russia, which has strived to flex its superpower credentials is not present at the Games, and China, which many have expected to overtake America as the world’s number one economy, has lagged in the medal count and some may even question its economic growth trajectory.
At the top of the table with a total of 94 medals (as of Thursday 9am UK time) including 27 gold, the US is way up in front. China is at 65 medals, including 25 gold. There are more matches and contests to go before the games end on Sunday, of course, but the trend of the medal tally shows a re-energised and reinvigorated United States.
In 2020, the US also led the table but the gap with China, in second place, was smaller at 24 overall and only a single gold between them. In 2016, a year that might represent a peak for American global influence, at the Rio games, the dominance of their athletes was absolute. They seem to be on a similar path this time. It could herald an upswing for its reputation once again.
To further illustrate this point, in a presidential election year no less, many were surprised during the Games when the American athlete did not win the gold. Such as in the women’s 100 metres, won by Julien Alfred of St Lucia, or when Simone Biles, the world’s greatest gymnast, literally stumbled during her bid for a Vault title.
The usual controversies that come up have been a mish-mash of issues. No one issue seems to have overshadowed the actual sport in the end, despite health fears related to the water quality of the Seine and the complaints about the food in the athletes’ village. On the positive side, the chocolate muffins were a sensation, judging by the videos posted by Olympians that have popped up on my TikTok feed.
We can often expect Olympics and other international sporting contests to be an extension of the wider rivalries. During the Cold War, for example, every time athletes from the countries of the Warsaw Pact faced competitors from Nato member nations, there was an added edge. This time, in Paris, it seems as if the US is in a class of its own. This couldn't have been better symbolised than by the massive vessel carrying its team down the river during the opening ceremony. No other nation has such scale of representation.
Many athletes from other nations also have ties to the US, either because they train there or have coaches from there or have studied in one of its universities. The lifestyles and opportunities available in the US are unparalleled in other regions of the world. Also, If you can win in America, it is likely you can win on the world stage. That is a high bar, literally speaking – in many cases, from the diving to the pole vault to the Rugby Sevens. When another country does win then the accomplishment is that much more impressive.
So, it is into this crucible that the finest talent representing Arab nations are pitched. They had to prove themselves worthy. Largely, they did that and more.
Bahrain's Winfred Yavi won the women's 3,000m steeplechase gold medal in style. The UAE’s Omar Al Marzooqi distinguished himself in the final of the individual equestrian contest. There were also impressive rides from Saudi Arabia's Ramzy Al Duhami and Abdulrahman Alrajhi. Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali became only the third Arab athlete to win double Olympic gold when he won the men’s steeplechase. The Moroccan great was understandably emotional and elated after victory, embracing his country’s flag and his supporters in the stand. His feat should not be underestimated.
The spectre of a US win is never far away in any Olympic event. In the same race, America’s Kenneth Rooks was second, showing determination to hold off a challenge from Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot. The alternative is typically an American victory.
That is why they are expected to win laurels. Arabs are usually not competing under the same expectations. That does not mean we should not aim to one day emulate the US but its dominance should also provide a reality check about how much further athletes from the region need to go and our efforts must extend beyond sport if we are to be more successful.
Everything is linked – politics, culture, sport – and when one pillar weakens so will the others and when one strengthens so do the rest. Yes, talent and ambition are key but without a broad base of competitiveness and high performance in all aspects of life, it won’t be possible to deliver on the track, field, pool, velodrome or arena.
