Economics of Olympic Success

[Guest guest]

I have been following the Olympic weightlifting competitions and I have noticed

that the sport is dominated by athletes from economically less developed

countries. I have not done the statistics but I am sure that athletes

representing, say the worlds 20 richest countries do not have more than a

smattering of medals in Olympic weightlifting. The Asians dominate the lower

weight classes and the East Europeans the upper weight classes. I think this has

to do with a long tradition of weightlifting in many of these countries which

has produced great organizations, great coaches and nationally recognized

athletes. However, weightlifting is a relatively cheap sport (you don't have to

train with an Eleiko bar) and the upkeep is low. An athlete can attain a very

high level without very expensive investments in facilities. Especially when the

tradition and recognition are there.

Now, compare this to swimming. Building pools is expensive and the upkeep is

huge. Therefore swimming is a sport where all the great athletes are from

developed countries. Of course, the tradition and culture of the sport also play

a role (i.e. the swimming tradition in Australia). BTW, one thing common to many

of the Olympic medal winners in the pool is the fact that they study, train and

live in the US most of the year (Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwa, Oussama Mellouli

of Tunisia). So actually, in a way, they also represent the US (Milorad Cavic

from Serbia, who was second by 0.01 to Phelps in the 100 fly, actually has dual

Serbian/US citizenship).

Just a few thoughts.

Yehoshua Zohar

Karmiel, Israel