International Sports Research Articles

Dead or Alive: How Amateurism Shaped Marathons in Norway, 1896–1906

The marathon in the Olympic Games in 1896 immediately inspired the sporting community both in Europe and in the United States. Some organizers sought to surpass the record set in Athens and awarded their marathon winners generously. In Norway, the main sports federation wanted to control the competition, and how it would be perceived. According to the Secretary of the Federation, the military Captain F.G. Seeberg, no participant should finish a long race in bad style, or even worse, dead. His organization managed, to some extent, to impose this partly aesthetic ideal on the many marathons during the following years. This restricted the striving for records, largely due to the shared ideology of amateurism among sportswriters and athletes. The story of marathons’ development in Norway and the rest of Scandinavia from 1896 to 1906 illuminates early cooperation and standardization in international sports, as well as national divergencies. More crucially, it details how the broader ideology of sports amateurism shaped a new long-distance running event due to its intensified attention to style.

‘I was the weird one down there’. The intersecting experiences of Norwegian international sport for development and peace volunteers

ABSTRACT For more than two decades, Norway has been one of the leading actors in engaging international volunteers to sport for development and peace (SDP) organisations in the Global South. SDP is a priority area of Norwegian sports politics, mainly projected through the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) where the international SDP volunteer (SDP-IV) scheme is central. Both local and international volunteers play a crucial role in SDP projects worldwide. To date, research on SDP-IVs has explored individual motivations, learning outcomes and experiences, and there is a body of critical literature examining SDP-IVs through the lenses of neo-liberalism, post-colonialism and critical race theory. Nevertheless, there is limited research addressing how SDP-IVs understand their roles as part of larger SDP policy structures. In response, and drawing on intersectional analysis, this paper explores how stories of gender, ethnicity and class intersect in Norwegian SDP-IV’s experiences of working in the Global South under the NIF’s SDP scheme. The study draws on empirical data from an online survey (N = 91) and two focus groups with former Norwegian SDP-IVs. The results suggest that SDP-IVs variously negotiate their roles and positions in local communities based on social categories. Stories of feeling different, finding comfort in other Norwegian SDP-IVs and negotiating power and privilege were recurrent in the data. It is also argued that by entering a system marked by ‘aid rhetoric’, the SDP-IVs may sustain uneven power relationships between the Global North and Global South. The paper draws attention to the need for critically informed SDP volunteer programme designs that better prepare SDP-IVs for work in Global South contexts.

Politics in Sport Facility Development in Budapest, 1863–1945

The interaction of sport and politics has created various consequences in the evolution and development of Hungarian sport. The legal framework of sport organizations, the possibilities of elite and grassroots athletes, the incorporation of Hungary into the international sport structure and the financial public funding of physical activity have always been dependent on the dominant political powers and the international environment. The history of sport facility development and management in Budapest started simultaneously with the institutionalization of Hungarian sport in the second half of the nineteenth century, political endeavors arguably determine this progress. Until World War I, facility constructions were correlated with the Millennial Celebrations and preparation for the athletes’ participation in the Olympic Games; moreover, the intention to host the Olympics in Budapest was also crucial in policymaking. In the interwar period, the idea of ‘Justice for Hungary’ inspired political decisions related to sport, and facility constructions served the goal to create adequate circumstances to enhance physical education of the society and to host international sporting events. Legal documents, minutes of parliamentary, governmental, and municipal sessions prove that political actors of both time periods prejudiced essentially the development of sporting life and sport facility constructions of the capital.

The arsenal of democracy? An examination of political regime types’ success in the global sporting arms race following the collapse of the iron curtain

ABSTRACT Over the years, international elite sport has developed into an ‘arms race’ with the success of national elite sport systems becoming a symbol of regime superiority. During the Cold War, the Eastern and Western Blocs battled for success in various sports disciplines. The former nations were dominating in terms of medals, symbolising the force of the socialist autocratic system. However, because of the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Western liberal democracies had the opportunity to gain more strength. In this paper, we aim to test whether this has happened by analysing the association between political regime type and international sporting success at the Winter and Summer Olympic Games in the post-Cold War Period. We do this by deploying data on the political regime types to a set of regression models, finding that democratic nations have taken over the international sporting arms race at the Summer Olympic Games. For the Winter Games, our results indicate that less democratic countries (anocracies) are in the lead. Our results add to existing research by suggesting that political regime type still matters to international sporting success. Implications for stakeholders, sports managers, and politicians are that they must decide to what extent they want to be part of this game in the coming years.

Tracing Testosterone in Women’s Elite Sports News Coverage: Cisnormatively Policing the Category of Women

ABSTRACT The study is tracing testosterone through debates and regulations of participation in women’s elite sport between 2015 and 2022. We are interested in the ways that testosterone becomes an agent in constructing sport-bodies as gendered bodies and sustaining as well as deconstructing binary gender categories in elite sport. Furthermore, taking up feminist science and technology studies, affect and trans theory, we are interested in what testosterone does to the ways elite women athletes are imagined, but moreover, we are interested in the figures and signifiers that get attached to testosterone within elite sporting realms, such as questions of fairness and danger. Based on a dataset of documents, regulations, and press releases from a range of international sports organizations and articles from Danish media debates on (especially trans) women’s participation in sports, we analyse selected cases of woman athletes, sport organization and sport disciplines that have been involved in debates about testosterone rules and levels in women’s sport.

Sustainable development of non‐mega international sports events in a small town: Social impacts, residents' attitudes, and leveraging role of local government

AbstractThe impacts of mega international sports events on host communities have attracted considerable scholarly attention, while few studies explored the impacts of non‐mega international sports events (NMISEs). Prior studies focus on economic impacts of hosting sports events, ignoring social impacts. This study interrogates the dynamics behind staging NMISEs in the small town of Cambridge, New Zealand, focusing on social impacts. It also examines the role of social exchange theory in explaining formation of residents' attitudes toward NMISEs. As findings indicate, Cambridge residents are supportive of NMISEs. They believe that hosting the events improves wellbeing. The local authority plays an important role in event planning and management. It was found that complementarity of social exchange theory and community attachment helps explain the phenomenon.

‘Reimagining’ gender equality in media coverage?: feminist frameworks in European and Olympic portrayal guidelines

European entities (such as the European Union, European Commission, Council of Europe, and the European Broadcasting Union) published several reports between 2019 and 2022 that addressed gender representation in sports media. Drawing on multiple types of sources, including peer-reviewed research, the reports make recommendations for gender balance and gender equality in media coverage pertaining to national-level and international sports. This study analyzes four such documents to identify how research informs recommendations. First, the study examines citation practices in terms of authors’ location and data scope to observe that the guidelines draw primarily on research based in the United States, while omitting data from several regions of Europe. Then, guided by feminist storytelling as a framework, we analyse which feminist concepts circulate in media guidelines. The guidelines use systematic reviews to address gender inequalities in coverage, draw on intersectionality without specific references to theory, and recommend a gender-mainstreaming approach in production practice. We highlight studies that would address asymmetrical citation practices and epistemological gaps in portrayal guidelines and propose future directions for feminist sport media studies and sociology of sport research. A transnational feminist approach would be useful in avoiding universal recommendations while making connections between local particularities and global patterns.

A scoping review of sport organisations’ accountability

ABSTRACT Purpose/Rationale Stakeholders of sporting organisations have expressed a myriad of concerns regarding sport organisations’ accountability. Despite growth in the literature, a review and examination of this scholarship remains missing. This paper provides a scoping review on the accountability of sport organisations, and in doing so, map the research field and determine future research opportunities. Design/Methodology/Approach Based on the scoping review guidelines of Arksey and O'Malley (2005), four databases were comprehensively searched. Following a thorough search process, 44 articles relating to sporting organisation accountability were reviewed. Findings Our analysis reveals a dominance of conceptual and theoretical-based studies with a varied approach to accountability, and evidently a pre-eminence of case study methodologies and lack of explicit theoretical perspectives. International sport organisations, national sport organisations, and government agencies were among the most studied. Practical implications Future studies should pursue an integration of discourses, and greater generalisability among organisations. This has the potential to strengthen the theoretical perspectives and guide research that improves accountability practices of sport organisations. Research contribution We have mapped the sport organisation accountability literature, as well as identifying research gaps to direct future research. Overall, the results reveal sport organisations’ accountability is a nascent topic with unrealised interdisciplinary potential.

THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN OPTIMIZING AND AUTOMATING MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES IN OLYMPIC AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

In the given scientific inquiry, the problem of utilizing artificial intelligence tools for optimizing and automating management processes in professional and Olympic sports management is examined. Considering the realities, managers of sports clubs, public organizations, and professional sports associations often juggle coaching and managerial duties, leading to compromised task execution due to time constraints and excessive paperwork. It has been identified that managerial work demands continuous education and enhancement of personnel management skills, encompassing not only quality control of duties performed by sports association or club members, but also personnel selection, adaptation, training, initiation, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and work methods. A significant portion of these tasks can be delegated to artificial intelligence processing, which, when properly utilized, can alleviate managers from 60% of paper and routine work, resulting in even more precise and thorough automation. Consequently, managers would have more time to focus on managerial tasks requiring indispensable human qualities, experiential wisdom, and interpersonal communication. This approach is particularly pertinent to sports management, as sports managers are the professionals who amalgamate professional work skills with athletes, coaches, parents, governmental representatives, and investors. The invaluable experience and expertise of sports managers significantly influence the development and deepening of Ukrainian and global sports. By characterizing methods of utilizing artificial intelligence tools in professional and Olympic sports management processes, strategies for optimization in sports management were examined to analyze and identify ways to enhance working conditions for sports managers, especially in professional and Olympic sports. The objective is to create conditions for the development of domestic and international sports, optimizing the performance of coaches and personnel in sports associations and public organizations.

Sentiment Analysis on the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina Using Support Vector Machine

The decision made by FIFA regarding the selection of the soundtrack and the host country for the FIFA U-20 World Cup has sparked emotional reactions among the public and raised concerns about the event, especially on social media platform X. This is due to FIFA’s decision to choose a soundtrack not from the host country, Argentina, but from the previous host, Indonesia. FIFA should advocate for the creation of a soundtrack by the host country to reflect its distinctive characteristics or atmosphere. Concerns about the U-20 World Cup in Argentina have also been fueled by the country’s economic crisis, which is feared to affect the facilities and infrastructure for the young players representing their nations. This research focuses on filtering public responses to FIFA’s decisions regarding the soundtrack selection and the host country for the U-20 World Cup into positive, neutral, and negative categories using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method. The research aims to provide policy recommendations regarding the host selection process and cultural representation in international sports events. Additionally, this study is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the preferences and values held by the public regarding international sports. The research steps include data collection, pre-processing, labeling, weighting, and classification using a Support Vector Machine. The data for this research were obtained through crawling on social media platform X, totaling 2400 data points. The performance evaluation of the SVM algorithm using a 50:50 ratio of training and testing data yielded an average accuracy of 85.71%, Precision of 85.98%, Recall of 85.71%, and F1-score of 85.58%.

Examining the Relationship between International Sports Organizations and Sports Awareness

The focus of this study is to look into the relationship between international sports organizations and sports awareness, taking into account factors such as gender, education level, individual engagement with sports, and family involvement. The research study group comprised 168 individuals, 77 female and 91 male, who were picked utilizing an easily available selection technique. The study used a personal information form developed by the researcher, an Attitude Scale towards International Sports Organizations, and a Sports Awareness Scale. The data was descriptively evaluated using the independent samples T-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson Correlation analysis, and SPSS 25.0 software. The t-test results revealed a significant difference in attitudes towards sports awareness based on gender (p<.05). One-way ANOVA analysis revealed substantial variations in attitudes towards international sports organizations and sports awareness based on education level, relationship with sports, and family interest in sports (p<.05). The correlation analysis used to explore the relationship between the participants' opinions towards international sports organizations and their degrees of sports awareness found a high positive correlation. According to the study's conclusions, it is necessary to host more international sports organizations and conduct research to raise public awareness in order to create sports consciousness.

Fandom as Method: Decolonising Research on Social Media Communications Through Chinese Transnational Fandoms of a Japanese Olympic Figure Skater

This paper focuses on international sports personality in figure staking Yuzuru Hanyu, who plays for Japan, and his transnational fandoms in China, to examine the politicisation of his evolving fandom during and after his performance at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Our contribution is to illustrate the value of analysing fandoms in the Chinese social media as a method that seeks to advance a decolonised approach to communication studies. This study uses digital ethnography to collect data and conducts critical thematic analysis to illustrate the complexity of socially mediated fandom debates and flames. Consulting interdisciplinary literature in sports fandom and communication, athletic branding, and political communication, we propose a fresh critical approach to Chinese communication studies, which we have conceptualised as “fandom as method.” We offer a case study to illustrate this critical approach, which we argue is a contribution to decolonising scholarship by promoting inclusivity of alternative approaches, in communication studies in the global south. “Fandom as method” can excavate new terrain, rather than simply adding to West-centric theoretical advances. Findings underscore that critically analysing the complex interplay between fans, anti-fans, and the authorities through “fandom as method” can reveal previously undetected communication patterns. More importantly, fandom as method can help us interrogate the nuances of communications situated within complex, dynamic, evolving patriotic and nationalistic social media discourses. This approach helps to explicate opaque clashes of “mainstremeist belief and action” in the name of patriotism and nationalism which, in the Chinese context, are subject to intervention from the authorities as the ultimate other. It reveals how social media activity politicises a sports personality, a fandom trend that seems likely to spill over into other spheres of the entertainment industry.

Cultural Diplomacy through Sports: Case Studies of International Sporting Events Promoting Diplomatic Relations

Purpose: This study sought to examine the relationship between international sporting events and cultural diplomacy. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to international sporting events and cultural diplomacy. Preliminary empirical review revealed that international sporting events played a crucial role in fostering diplomatic relations between nations. Through an analysis of various tournaments, including the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, the study found that sports served as a universal language, transcending cultural barriers and fostering mutual understanding. Effective coordination among stakeholders was highlighted as essential in maximizing the diplomatic potential of these events. The study emphasized the need for ongoing research and evaluation to refine strategies and address challenges, ultimately enhancing the diplomatic impact of sports on the global stage. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Soft Power theory, Constructivism and Network theory may be used to anchor future studies on international sporting events and cultural diplomacy. The study made several recommendations to advance theory, practice, and policy in sports diplomacy. It suggested that scholars refine theoretical frameworks to capture the complexities of cultural diplomacy through sports, while policymakers incorporate evidence-based strategies into diplomatic practice. Collaboration among stakeholders was encouraged to pool resources and share best practices, while integration of sports diplomacy into broader foreign policy agendas was deemed essential. Furthermore, inclusive and sustainable practices within sports organizations were recommended to promote diversity and social inclusion. Lastly, the study emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and capacity-building efforts within the sports diplomacy community to drive innovation and learning in the field.

The Impact of Mega Sports Events on the Strength of the National Soft Power: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract This article examines the strategic use of mega sports events as a means to enhance national soft power, exploring the complex interplay between international sports diplomacy and geopolitical influence. The study will examine how these events serve as means of economic and cultural diplomacy and also as platforms for global interaction through a comparative analysis of countries that include South Africa, Brazil, Russia, Germany, and Qatar. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research synthesizes the existing literature and case studies to provide information on the objectives, strategies, and outcomes associated with hosting such events. This study aims to contribute to the larger discussion on soft power and its effectiveness in the modern international arena by analyzing the complex effects of these mega events on national branding. It does this by providing a nuanced understanding of how major international sporting events can affect geopolitical dynamics and shape international perceptions.

The use of doping control data to administer sex-based eligibility regulations: an analysis of how the World Anti-Doping Agency and international sport federations violate data protection laws

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) provides that anti-doping organizations, such as international sport federations (IFs), may use data from a doping control test to monitor compliance with sex-based eligibility regulations that regulate the serum testosterone levels of transgender and intersex athletes. This contemplated use of doping control data has been incorporated into the regulations of several IFs and is facilitated by WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration Management System (ADAMS)—a web-based database managed by WADA in Canada that contains analytical results from doping control tests and is accessible by anti-doping organizations. WADA’s collection, use and disclosure of personal information through ADAMS is subject to Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This paper examines WADA’s non-compliance with PIPEDA when it discloses doping control data in ADAMS to an IF for the purpose of the IF’s administration of sex-based eligibility regulations, and how a complaint about WADA’s data disclosures might be handled by Canada’s Privacy Commissioner. The paper also examines the application of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation to IFs that seek to use doping control data stored in or outside of ADAMS to administer sex-based eligibility regulations. The paper concludes with the perspective that data protection laws can be used to challenge the implementation of sex-based eligibility regulations, alongside other human rights-based legal strategies.

Media aspects of the relationship between politics and sports using the example of the Russian Federation’s exclusion from international competitions

RELEVANCE. The relationship between politics and sports is a pressing issue, since political contradictions between states are reflected in sports. Major sporting events are not just competitions between athletes, but also fierce political struggles. Through professional sports with the help of various media technologies, it is possible to influence global society and achieve geopolitical results. The relationship between elite sports and politics is considered using the example of the exclusion of Russian sports from international competitions and materials about this in the media.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Materials from foreign media have been studied on the topic of removing Russia from big-time sports, depriving it of state symbols, removing Russian athletes from international competitions due to disagreement with the political course of the authorities of the Russian Federation, and the introduction of so-called sanctions in the field of sports. The study was based on a comparative historical method, which helps to consider the dynamics of the development of relations between Russian sports and the political course of Western countries. The theoretical basis was the work of domestic and foreign researchers of the history and theory of sports. Content analysis was also used to study materials from Russian and foreign media with the aim of determining the attitude of foreign states towards Russian sports and its oppression in the international sports arena from 2014 to 2024.RESULT AND DISCUSSION. An analysis of foreign media materials confirms that pressure on Russian sports is being exerted by Western countries due to their disagreement with the political course of the Russian Federation. An analysis of sources showed that Western media agree on the issue of sanctions against Russian sports: they support the introduction of restrictions against Russian sports, but at the same time they call such measures an instrument of geopolitics, an instrument of “containing Russia”. This confirms the politicization of sports through the media.CONCLUSION. Analyzing the content of publications in both foreign and Russian media, we can conclude that pressure on Russian sports and members of the Russian national team began to intensify after the victory of the Russian team in the team event at the Olympic Games in Sochi 2014 and after the Republic of Crimea joined the Russian Federation . After the Russian Armed Forces launched a special military operation in Ukraine, even more sanctions and restrictions were introduced against Russian sports, and Russia was actually excluded from international sports. The author believes that the pressure on Russian sports will only increase.

The Effect of University News Production Practices in Large Sports Events - A Study of Zhejiang Gongshang University's Coverage of the Hangzhou Asian Games from User/Producer Perspective

The Hangzhou Asian Games, a key international sports event in 2023, provides China with an opportunity to showcase its global standing, following the Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai World Expo. Zhejiang Gongshang University's Culture and Sports Centre serves as the handball competition venue, with about 1,200 teachers and volunteers engaged across various Asian Games sites. Despite this, the university's media impact falls short compared to peers in Hangzhou with Asian Games venues. This research explores the news production practices of universities during large-scale international sports events, focusing on improving Zhejiang Gongshang University's media coverage and influence. Utilizing in-depth interviews and The Uses and Gratifications theory, the study analyzes news production related to the Asian Games on the university's official website, social media, and newspapers. Interviews include both producers and audiences of this news.Findings indicate a disconnect between media reports and the diverse needs of media users, with news production primarily driven by informational and promotional objectives. Recommendations include diversifying themes and forms of media coverage, enhancing creativity and interactivity, adopting a proactive and strategic approach to media communication, and leveraging new media platforms for more engaging content.

Student Leadership Qualities through Academic Sports Diplomacy and Qualities

This research investigates the field of academic sports diplomacy, with a specific emphasis on the leadership abilities and levels of involvement exhibited by student-athletes. By conducting a thorough analysis, this study reveals valuable insights regarding the evaluation of leadership skills in student-athletes across different dimensions. These dimensions encompass modeling the way, encouraging the heart, enabling others to act, challenging the process, and inspiring a shared vision. Furthermore, this study investigates the level of involvement of student-athletes in academic sports diplomacy. This includes activities such as student-athlete exchanges, international sports competitions, cultural sports exchange programs, international sports projects, and cross-country competitions. The research emphasizes a positive relationship between leadership abilities and involvement in sports diplomacy initiatives, emphasizing the significance of leadership training in promoting active engagement. Furthermore, this study illuminates important challenges encountered by student-athletes, including limitations on time, gaps in awareness, the necessity for skill development, the juggling of competing priorities, the importance of cultural comprehension, and the significance of collaborative efforts. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the creation of strategies and programs that aim to empower student-athletes in their role as effective representatives of sports diplomacy. These initiatives seek to foster cultural connections and inspire positive global transformations.

Политизация спорта в современном мире: правовой взгляд на проблему

The article is devoted to the definition of theoretical and methodological approaches to the proper legal assessment of the processes of politicization of elite sports in the modern world. The generally accepted principles of relations between the state and sports federations, key Olympic principles, conceptual provisions on sport as a specific socio-cultural activity are considered. An analysis has been made of the systemic discrimination occurring in recent years in Russian sports, the main reason being the unprecedented political pressure of the political leadership of some countries of the “collective West” on the International Olympic Committee, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the World Anti-Doping Agency, and international universal and regional sports federations. The author’s theoretical, methodological, scientific and practical proposals are formulated to overcome the politicization of world sports, and a model for the full implementation of Olympic principles in the decisions and actions of the International Olympic Committee and international sports federations in individual sports is proposed. The scale of the negative impact of the politicization of sports to ensure the rights of athletes, the efficiency and quality of sports competitions, and ensuring a non-discriminatory approach in world professional sports is shown.

Личный бренд студента-спортсмена как инструмент публичной дипломатии

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need and expediency of supplementing the competence of international activities with the competence of public sports diplomacy of specialists in physical culture and sports for productive participation in the implementation of international sports cooperation programs. The article complements the political, humanitarian, cultural prerequisites for the implementation of public diplomacy in the field of physical culture at the level of mass and amateur sports, recorded in international and Russian documents. The goals of public diplomacy in the field of youth policy and student sports are clarified, aimed at creating a positive image, business reputation and a productive personal and corporate brand. Based on the concept of “sports well-being”, the structure of its components and their content, the content of the phenomenon “personal brand of a student-athlete” is substantiated. The structure of the components of the personal brand of a student-athlete as an actor of public diplomacy was modeled. Methodology for designing a personal brand of a student-athlete is presented. Recommendations have been formulated for designing the content of the educational program of additional education, the advanced training course “Strategies, tactics and techniques of public diplomacy in the field of physical culture and sports”, integrating knowledge in the field of foreign policy, world sports, sociology, social psychology, intercultural communication, public relations and journalism, collectively necessary and sufficient to assume the social role of “actor of public sports diplomacy”.