I believe the friendship of the Games still exists. There is a

In the ancient tales of warriors and great champions, there exists a recurring theme: the unity that arises in the midst of competition. From the epic games of the Greeks in the ancient Olympics to the gladiatorial contests of Rome, the notion of competition was not merely about victory or defeat. It was about the coming together of people from different lands, backgrounds, and beliefs to test their strength, their skill, and their courage. The bond forged in these shared moments of struggle transcended the realm of mere sport and became a celebration of humanity. In this same spirit, Lynn Davies speaks of the modern Olympics and Commonwealth Games, stating, "I believe the friendship of the Games still exists. There is a tremendous camaraderie and atmosphere at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games - where else could you go and sit down and have breakfast with a Russian weightlifter, an East German sprinter, and an Indian fencer and talk about different cultures and problems?" Here, we are reminded that the true power of sport lies not in the medals won, but in the connections made and the friendships that endure.

In the ancient world, the Olympic Games were not simply athletic contests, but were a sacred gathering that brought together peoples from all corners of the Greek world. The games were held in honor of Zeus, and all participants swore to compete in peace, setting aside their differences, even amidst the chaos of war. Rival cities, whose armies had clashed in battle, would pause their hostilities for the duration of the Games, and in this brief respite, the bond of shared competition allowed for a deeper understanding of one another. The friendships that arose from these games were not merely the result of proximity or shared goals; they were born of a mutual respect for one another’s abilities and a shared commitment to excellence. Davies’ words resonate with this ancient truth: that in the arena of sport, we are often reminded of what unites us more than what divides us.

Consider the tale of the Greek hero Pheidippides, who, after running from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of victory, embodied the essence of the Olympic spirit. His journey, though filled with personal struggle, was also a symbol of unity and shared victory. Pheidippides was not running alone in spirit—he carried the hopes of an entire people, and the victory of one was the victory of many. This sense of collective achievement in the face of adversity is what Davies speaks to when he describes the camaraderie of the Games. It is in these shared moments of glory and defeat that the seeds of friendship are planted—friendships that transcend nationality, politics, and cultural differences.

The Olympic Games of today, while no longer rooted in the religious and military significance of the ancient past, still carry with them the legacy of those ancient ideals. In these global events, athletes come from every corner of the world, each representing not just their country, but the shared spirit of humanity. Davies’ experience of sitting down with athletes from nations often in political or cultural conflict—Russia, East Germany, and India—captures the essence of what the Games offer. They provide a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas, to celebrate their differences, and to find common