Hosting the Olympics in Times of a Pandemic: Historical Insights from Antwerp 1920

5Citations
Citations of this article
32Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

Postponing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 marks a unique moment in the history of the Olympic Movement. For the first time since the cancelation of the Olympic Games during both World Wars, the Olympics will not take place as scheduled. This unprecedented postponement strongly impacts the Olympic Movement. Although only the future can tell exactly, the Antwerp 1920 Olympics can offer certain historical insights. Exactly 100 years ago, the Antwerp Olympic Games were the first Olympics organized after World War I and the Spanish flu pandemic. Their value in terms of rising the Olympic Movement from its ashes is vital. Profoundly promoting its identity, newly introduced Olympic symbols then helped avoiding the collapse of the Olympic Movement. Acknowledged as the “Games Reborn”, the Antwerp 1920 Olympics were strongly about recovery, helping to heal a wounded society. How could Tokyo 2020 fulfill the same role?.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Constandt, B., & Willem, A. (2021). Hosting the Olympics in Times of a Pandemic: Historical Insights from Antwerp 1920. Leisure Sciences. Bellwether Publishing, Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2020.1773982

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free