THE OLYMPICS ARE DEMOCRATICALLY ILLEGITIMATE: A call for democracy in sport

Despite the Olympic Games’ global appeal, they remain surprisingly undemocratic, with host-city residents, athletes, and other stakeholders often excluded from key decision-making processes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) operates without external electoral oversight, prioritizing financial and political interests over democratic engagement. This chapter examines the lack of public consultation in Olympic host selection, governance, and execution, highlighting human rights concerns, political controversies, and the persistent issue of corruption. The chapter also explores potential democratic reforms, including athlete voting rights, increased public participation in host-city bids, and transparency in economic and environmental sustainability claims. While recent games have incorporated sustainability rhetoric, critics argue this is often greenwashing rather than genuine reform. With upcoming games in Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032), there remains an opportunity for the IOC to embrace democratic legitimacy, ensuring that the Olympics become a participatory event rather than a top-down imposition on host cities and their citizens.