Chariots of Fire: Anti-Semitism, Sabbath and Sponsors — the Art Market Called Olympics

CANADA

A scene from the film Chariots of Fire: a time when the Olympics could
be driven by personal ethics over money. Photograph by: Handout , Vancouver Sun

UNITED KINGDOM---There may be ethical dilemmas, but there has been very little controversy over the entire 2012 Olympic Games having been scheduled to take place while observant Muslim athletes are fasting for Ramadan. Nor is there any question today about whether Christian or Jewish competitors will compete on their Sabbaths during the London Games. They will. With billions of dollars in play and national prestige on the line, what has become the greatest show on earth goes on no matter the religious beliefs of the participants. It was not always thus. During the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, Scottish sprinter and pre-race favourite Eric Liddell passed up his chance to take part in the 100 metres because one heat fell on a Sunday. Liddell's faith and idealism and the purity of sport were central themes of Chariots of Fire, a celebrated film that won four Academy Awards in 1981, including Best Picture. [link]