Semantic changes in the meaning of ‘Olympic minimum’

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the use of the term ‘Olympic minimum’ as the professional standard determining Israeli athletes’ eligibility for participation in the Olympic Games. Over the years, this standard was influenced by external social factors reflecting the national mood as well as by contemporary political events. The sociological-professional discourse surrounding the modest achievements of Israeli athletes to some extent contributed to obscuring the meaning of the term ‘Olympic minimum’ or else to stripping it of its pragmatic intentions. The article examines the significance of this term in the context of specific circumstances. The political, security, and social reality in Israel imbued diverse meanings on this term that at times bolstered its status and at times weakened it. Indeed, during certain periods the Olympic minimum was thought of as a wall defending the nation from disgrace in the international arena, whereas during other periods it was treated as an enemy that needed to be defeated, for it prevented Israeli athletes from serving as ambassadors. The ‘demise’ of the Olympic minimum was declared during the fourth decade of Israeli statehood, when the Elite Sport Department of Israel was established and professional standards for Olympic participation were set.