From the helmet that led to the disqualification of the Ukrainian skeleton racer at the recent Olympics to the exclusion of Iranian, Russian, and Israeli athletes and teams from major sports events. From the controversial 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin to current calls to boycott the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 because of Trump (with Qatar ’22 still fresh in our minds). Sports historian Jurryt van de Vooren takes us on a journey through historical sporting events to show that sports have never been politically and socially neutral.
The lecture ends at 13:45. It is not possible to leave the room earlier.
Sports, politics, and social debate are strictly separate. At least, that is ideal for many. This maxim is often invoked by sports federations and athletes when confronted with socially sensitive issues. Organizations like the IOC want their prestigious events, which involve major commercial interests, to run smoothly. Athletes often shrug it off and prefer to focus on their own sporting battles. The public, meanwhile, just wants entertainment.
Although the controversial Summer Games in Hitler’s Berlin may be the most blatant example in recent history of the politicization of sports, the separation of the two is the exception rather than the rule. In fact, sports competitions and their venues are the front lines where social contradictions clash. This interaction does not only bring negativity to sports; the positive ideas that sports are good for health, serve as a meeting place, and foster camaraderie are also a direct consequence of the political-social and humanitarian low points of the last century.
Sports historian and author Jurryt van de Vooren, who studied political science and modern history at the University of Amsterdam, discusses how societal struggles are repeatedly reflected in sports. From our number one national sport to boxing, chess, and American football, and spanning a century and a half of sports history. Van de Vooren argues that sports, in fact, must embody a vision of society that addresses the greatest challenges of our time.
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SG & USE/ITEC registration
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