When two or more nations compete against each other in a sport, it’s called international sports. Some are well known, like the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup. Others are less so, but still important for local communities and national identities. International sporting events can even be powerful economic forces, generating large revenue for infrastructure construction, licensing and merchandise sales.
One of the most significant developments in international sports is that athletes from different countries are able to travel to other nations with relative ease and safety. This has accelerated the globalisation of sports and made it easier to compare performance levels. For example, a recent presentation by Professor Gerke Berenschot of Linkoping University in Sweden pointed out that while European footballers have entire medical teams and computer-based analysis programmes supporting them, African players often rely on just one or two family members. The result is that the lives of young African athletes are more vulnerable to fatal cardiovascular events, while European athletes can rely on excellent health care and support.
The modern Olympic Games began in 1896, and at that time athletes were thought to be competing only as amateurs—meaning that they competed for love of the sport rather than for financial rewards or fame. Today, however, the Olympics allow professional athletes to participate as well. In fact, it’s not uncommon for athletes to become a multi-millionaires after winning medals at the Olympics.
The most prestigious multi-sport event is the Olympic Games, which are held every four years. There are 43 sports in the current Olympic program for the 2020 Tokyo Games, including eight in the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and 35 for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics.