The Olympic Motto, Together, and the Debate Around Unity in Sport
The discussion about adding the word Together to the Olympic motto has prompted strong responses from former professional tennis player Andrei Chesnokov. His public remarks questioned how unity could sit alongside the historic maxim Faster. Higher. Stronger and what the extra word might mean for the Olympic movement and the athletes who compete under its banner.
Chesnokov observed that when he searches for meaning in the new phrasing, the link to the Olympic spirit does not come easily. He asked whether Together could align with the core values of sport and suggested the phrase might create tension rather than promote cooperation on a global stage. He noted that a single word must contend with the competitive nature of elite athletics and the traditions of international competition. Reactions to his comments underscored a broader conversation about language, symbolism, and the role of unity in sports.
In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued guidance to international sports federations regarding athletes from Russia and Belarus. The guidance advised that those athletes should not participate in competitions under ordinary circumstances, signaling concerns about broader geopolitical developments and their impact on sport. This step was part of a wider discussion about safeguarding the safety and integrity of events during a period of heightened international tension.
For Russian athletes aiming to qualify for the Olympic Games, participation terms were updated to include a pledge that aligns with the Olympic Charter. The update stressed the peaceful mission of the Olympic movement and the expectation that athletes honor the values of fair play, respect, and non-violence during competition and in off‑field conduct. This commitment was presented as a prerequisite for eligibility, reflecting the emphasis placed on ethical standards within the Olympic framework.
Earlier statements from Olympic officials indicated that athletes from Russia would need to condemn the actions that sparked the conflict as a condition of participation. The goal, as explained by organizers, was to maintain the Olympic arena as a forum for peaceful competition and to promote sport as a unifying force rather than a conduit for political division. The evolving expectations highlighted how the Olympic movement strives to balance national identities with universal sportsmanship amid disagreement and crisis.
These developments reveal a persistent tension at the crossroads of sport and geopolitics. On one side, the Olympics are portrayed as a universal arena where athletes from diverse backgrounds come together to compete with honor. On the other, the global stage inevitably confronts geopolitical realities that shape eligibility, participation, and the interpretation of Olympic ideals. The ongoing dialogue shows the complexities of maintaining a neutral, inclusive environment while addressing accountability and ethical considerations in international competition. Public discussions by sports authorities and athletes alike continue as stakeholders seek a path that preserves fair play, respect for human dignity, and the spirit of competition, even amid regional conflicts and political disagreements.