Uncovering the origins of the Olympic motto: going beyond the finish line
Picture the noise of the teams, the adrenalin of athletes, and the feeling of unity among different countries around the world through sports. That is Olympic spirit, an event that is worldwide and has been held for centuries. But don’t know if you have ever thought about the terms that refer to this spirit. In today’s article, we uncover the tale behind the Olympic motto and its symbolism.
The Spirit of Excellence: The Olympic motto represents the pursuit of athletic and personal perfection, which goes beyond just physical prowess and was advocated by Pierre de Coubertin, the man who founded the Games // Picture Courtesy – Nation Geographic Kids
For more than a century, the Olympic motto has been inspiring athletes and spectators. The original three Latin words, "Citius, Altius, and Fortius," translate to "Faster, Higher, Stronger." The urge or desire to surpass past achievements is encapsulated in this short yet impactful statement, which sums up the fundamental goal of the Games.
These words are connected to a fascinating story that began in 1881. Henri Didon, a Dominican priest, used them at a school sporting event and persuaded Pierre de Coubertin, the man who invented the current Olympics. Coubertin selected them as the official motto in 1894 because they were bold and assertive in their proclamation.
A Retrospective of Tradition: For more than a century, the Olympic motto, "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger), has inspired athletes and generations of people to strive beyond their limitations // Picture Courtesy – Esquire
The motto of the Olympics, ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ does not refer simply to muscles alone. Coubertin also thought it was a moral ideal, in much the same way. He suggested that the drive to win games should be complemented by the formation of character and the principles of the game. These values, he thought, would go beyond games and become the philosophy of a person and a contribution to the world.
In this case, the Olympics have always been associated with the unity of countries from all over the world. Competitors from different countries participate, and they make friends and learn to embrace each other. This unifying power was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which decided to modify the motto in 2021. The word “together” was added because the Olympics are about people coming together in unity.
Stronger Together: The Olympic motto modified in 2021 to emphasise sport's ability to bring people together. The inclusion of "Together" emphasises the value of cooperation and solidarity in the Olympic spirit // Picture Courtesy – Paris 2024 Olympics
The motto of the Olympics has a much deeper meaning than the simple context of sports. It is inspiring for everyone to remind each other to aim for improvement and the height of our capabilities and potentialities. Whether it is in our working lives, our love lives, or in achieving our goals, the saying ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger Together’ can be inspiring.
Therefore, the next time you watch the Olympic Games, recall the phrase engraved on every sportsman’s process. It is a battle cry, a reassurance that the chase for victory, together with the strength of unity, will lift all to the next level.
