Blog #3- Dr. Guttman

Dr. Guttman felt the Paralympic Games were “the real Olympics” because they adhered to the ideals of the founder, Pierre de Coubertin. The Olympic maxim is “the most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning, but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering, but fighting well.” - International Olympic Committee. I agree with Dr. Guttman and think that the Paralympic Games are "the real Olympics" because people can overcome challenges and simultaneously compete at the highest level. The Paralympics embody these principles by celebrating the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve excellence, making them a more authentic representation of the Olympic philosophy.

The Paralympic Games highlight integrity and show that physical challenges can be accomplished. Athletes who compete in the Paralympics often showcase their perseverance and resilience when facing obstacles. Their journeys to the games emphasize effort and determination, which resonate with the Olympic ideal of "fighting well." The Paralympics often have less media coverage than the Olympics and gain more attention. The competitors at the end of the day all have something in common and that is a passion for the sports and commitment to achieve something greater than themselves. 

Click the LINK to learn more about the "Father of the Paralympic Games." This video highlights his work in developing sports-based rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries, which led to the creation of the Paralympic Games. The video showcases Guttmann's dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities and his lasting impact on the Paralympic movement.

While the Olympic Games also emphasize excellence and participation, they are often overshadowed by a focus on winning and commercial success. The Paralympics, in contrast, offer a purer stage for athletes whose journeys to the games are often as remarkable as their performances. These athletes inspire audiences worldwide, reminding us of the importance of effort, determination, and the human capacity for resilience.

The Paralympic Games often receive less media attention than the Olympics, but this does not diminish their significance. "For example, in the 2022 Beijing Games, there were 400,000 online articles about the Olympics, while only 11,600 articles covered the Paralympics. This trend continues across previous Games, with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics generating 120,000 articles compared to just 7,150 for the Paralympics" (Inside the Games). 

Instead, it highlights the genuine passion and commitment of the athletes, who compete not for fame or fortune but to demonstrate their love for the sport and their refusal to be defined by limitations. Their shared experiences create a sense of community, emphasizing the inclusive and unifying spirit of the Olympic ideal.

Dr. Guttman’s assertion resonates because the Paralympics embody the values of participation, determination, and inclusivity. These games challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and celebrate the unyielding human spirit. While both the Olympics and Paralympics aim to inspire and unite, the Paralympics often serve as a more poignant reminder of what it means to “fight well.” I agree that this is a powerful representation of Pierre de Coubertin’s vision and the essence of the Olympic movement. 

Sources: 

International Olympic Committee. (2020). Olympic Charter. International Olympic Committee. Retrieved from https://www.olympics.com/ioc/olympic-charter

Inside the Games. (n.d.). Study reveals media coverage gap between Olympics and Paralympics. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1148466/study-reveals-media-coverage-gap