From the comfort of one’s sofa there’s something universally appealing about the tales of perseverance, unexpected victories, and the raw display of human spirit as seen on TV in this sporting fortnight feast from Paris, writes David Little, a partner in our Corporate and Commercial department who increasingly handles Sports Law cases too.
Among the plethora of events, some medals appear more accessible, while others seem almost impossibly hard to attain. Alongside these differences in difficulty, the games also feature a fascinating array of event durations, from lightning-fast contests to epic, multi-day showdowns.
While no Olympic medal is truly “easy” to win, certain events statistically offer better odds for athletes. In equestrian sports the competitors often have extended careers, sometimes spanning multiple Olympic cycles, which gives them more chances to compete and win medals. The field is also relatively small compared to more popular sports, which can make the path to the podium slightly less crowded.
Precision sports like Shooting and Archery which demand steady hands and sharp focus, allow competitors to participate well into their later years. The relatively niche status of these sports means fewer global competitors, enhancing medal opportunities for those who excel in their craft.
Artistic Swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, combines choreography, strength, and flexibility. The number of nations competing is smaller compared to mainstream sports, which can mean fewer barriers to entry for well-prepared teams.
At the other end of the spectrum are the events that are notoriously difficult to medal in, attracting the world’s elite athletes and offering no room for error. Take the Marathon for example, this iconic event tests not just speed but also stamina and strategic prowess over 26.2 miles. The level of global competition is immense, with the best long-distance runners competing for a limited number of spots.
And how many sports within the sport must gymnasts master to win a medal. Their margin for error across five different pieces of apparatus is so slim, and the competition level so extremely high, requiring years of intensive training and flawless execution.
The 100m Freestyle, often referred to as the “Blue Riband” event in the pool determines the fastest swimmer on Earth. The difference between gold and missing the podium will be mere fractions of a second, making it – in my opinion – one of the most competitive and hardest to win.
The same can be said about the 100m on the Athletics track. This race crowns the fastest human on Earth, attracting top sprinters from around the globe. The intense pressure, coupled with the need for perfect execution in under 10 seconds, makes it my favourite high-stakes, high-drama event.
Some Olympic events are not just short in terms of competition time but also in the overall duration from preliminaries to finals. With events often concluded in a few hours, weightlifting is about explosive power and precision. The actual moments of competition are fleeting, yet they are the result of years of training.
The same is true of Diving. Each dive takes just seconds. Contrasting these are the events that unfold over several days or even the full fortnight, demanding sustained focus and endurance.
The Rowing Eights event involves multiple stages, including heats, repechages, and finals, stretching over a significant portion of the Olympic schedule. It’s a true test of teamwork and endurance.
Then next week the Heptathlon and Decathlon will begin. The multi-discipline events take place over two days, requiring athletes to excel in a diverse range of track and field events. The cumulative scoring adds a strategic element, making it a complex and demanding competition.
Team Sports Tournaments: Sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball involve round-robin stages, followed by knockout rounds, culminating in finals. These tournaments require teams to maintain peak performance over an extended period, with the physical and psychological challenges that come with it.
Whether it’s an “easier” shot at glory in a niche sport or a gruelling marathon to reach the podium in a globally contested event, each Olympic medal represents a pinnacle of human effort and aspiration. The variation in duration and difficulty is a testament to the diverse ways athletes push the boundaries of human potential.
For those who might not typically follow sports, the Olympics offer a unique glimpse into the heights of human achievement, wrapped in stories of personal and collective triumph. Whether you’re drawn to the quick bursts of action or the prolonged battles of endurance, the Games have something to captivate everyone’s interest.
Contact our Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial expert:
David Little is a Partner at Bishop & Sewell in our expert Corporate & Commercial team. If you would like to contact him, please quote Ref CB488 on either 07968 027343 or, 020 7631 4141 or email: company@bishopandsewell.co.uk.
The above is accurate as at 31 July 2024. The information above may be subject to change.
The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
