China has been unfazed by diplomatic boycotts by the west. In Beijing’s eyes, the Olympics still have broad support by many nations and, importantly, corporate sponsors.
The Olympics will have to be adaptable in order to keep up with the rapidly shifting economic landscape and changing interest in the Games if it wants to continue to turn massive profits.
Many Canadians point to the 1976 Montréal Games as the reason why the country should never host another Olympics. But an Olympian argues the Montréal Games had many lasting benefits.
It would seem obvious athletes are the most important part of the Olympics. But competing issues, from sponsorship rules to politics, means the rights of athletes aren’t always the top priority.