INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE OLYMPIC MEDAL TABLE FROM THE WORLD POWER INDEX

Abstract

This research examines the sports performance of countries from International Relations. Considering that most sports studies overlook systemic imperatives and power as comprehensive element that guide the state action, the aim of this article is to explore the relationship between the international power geostructure and the Olympic medal table. Methodologically, a correlational analysis is conducted between the World Power Index (WPI) and the medal table of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, from the edition of Atlanta 1996 to Beijing 2022. The findings show a strong and positive correlation across the different Olympiads evaluated. From International Relations this means that the international geostructure defines and determines the design of state sports diplomacy in terms of sports performance: prioritization of sport on the government agenda, medal plans, and resources allocated to elite sport.