Why do you like the Olympics even if you are not active in sports?
By Jayson Panganiban April 14, 2025 13:44
Enjoying the Olympics is not shameful, even if you know of no single individual engaged in an event you have never heard of. The opening ceremony attracted a record-breaking 34 million viewers, and overall 79% more people watched the Olympics this year than in Tokyo's previous summer.
The enthusiasm for and participation in the Olympics is felt all across the world, but notably in France, the host nation. According to experts, the national fervor in Paris and the way supporters' fashion choices (like Jason Kelce's Ilona Maher shirt) reflect it are really fulfilling fundamental psychological demands.
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Here are several more reasons why and ways to keep that enthusiasm alive beyond the ceremony.
Making a statement while blending in
Everyone wants to feel like they're a part of something bigger, and sports provide that opportunity. For example, this study says that most New Zealanders see value in sport and active recreation. At certain times, it doesn't matter as much if someone is a certain ethnicity or gender. The human spirit needs community, and belonging is the path to fulfillment. Sharing, supporting, and harmonizing with one another is something that humans were designed to do.
The Olympics' unique desire to fit in and stand out is one of its features. For example, when we support Team USA among other American fans, we feel like we're fitting in. Since not everyone is rooting for the same teams as us, our wish has come true. Not every fan is the same.
Someone can always find that one squad that makes them feel like they're not alone. This clone is not me, no. It is distinct and exceptional in some way. Furthermore, individuals can achieve that via sports. Even as they stand out, they may blend in.
In general, we can say that:
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Sports create a sense of belonging to a community.
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People want to stand out and be part of something bigger.
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Supporting your favorite team unites you despite your differences.
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Everyone can find their “own” team with which they feel a kinship.
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Sport allows you to be unique and feel included in the community at the same time.
Testifying to extraordinary
The development of compelling plots is a major draw for sports fans. The Olympics increase our interest since we learn more about the athletes' backgrounds.
He explains that it's like having a lot bigger canvas to write and paint on for the tales that fans already like. It's an ideal situation.
The Olympic news cycle has been dominated by several tales, such as the charmingly specialized "Pommel Horse Guy," the composed and composed Turkish sniper Yusuf Dikeç, and the rugby star Ilona Maher.
It makes our hearts flutter when we see these athletes achieve their goals. The word “elevation” was first used by psychologist Jonathan Haidt to describe that sensation. It shows up when we see wonderful things happen, as when someone's efforts pay off or when someone is really kind to us.
But we can find excellence wherever. As Lyubomirsky saw a young guy tend to a wounded bird in a parking lot, she felt a surge of pride.
This fresh, lovely moment when we felt connected and he did something kind was really breathtaking. Although it was a little matter, we felt a sense of elevation.
Recreate that feeling by bringing people together
After the anthems have finished playing and the confetti has settled, what becomes of the joy we felt?
We hope that those who were there may hold on to their memories and feel a bit of the excitement all over again. In actuality, however, isn't everyone always on the lookout for a quick fix?
People who are missing the excitement of competitive sports may want to think about finding something they can watch all year round with friends. On the plus side, people benefit greatly from regularity and organization, which are provided by sports programs.
The "next fix" need not be a sporting event. There are several ways to satisfy your need to be part of a large gathering without cheering for your country. That may be sharing a passion like gardening or watching TV or reading a book.
Improving your interpersonal abilities in one-on-one, small, or big groups may increase or maintain your mood.
Discover the joy in little victories
There's much to be thrilled about during the Olympics, but it's easy to ignore our daily blessings.
It's like our DNA to stay attentive in danger because it's vital to our life. Unfortunately, our prejudices restrict our worldview. We must fight that gravitational pull to grow and succeed.
While you may long for the days of daily Olympic celebrations, you may find more joy in focusing on the little victories that occur in your own life daily. Some examples of such tasks include arranging a meeting, completing a report, or even just returning home without incident.
Partying is in full swing. It is unnecessary to have a gold medal; it makes no difference. The insignificant details are of equal importance.
We have an innate preference for drama
Since most sports are competitive, we appreciate them. We care about sports results because they signal a group's victory.
The animal world is full with metaphorical competition. Instead of fighting, crabs wave their claws until their opponent retreats.
The stakes are greater when someone competes for us, like our national team in the Olympics. Since we cheer for our national athletes, we appear to win even if we don't.
This sense of shared victory stems from several deep-rooted psychological factors:
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the desire to belong to a group;
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the need to experience collective pride;
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the emotional reward of symbolic success.
In reaction to a winning team, male sports fans boost testosterone. Everyone has experienced envy or jealousy when others prosper or fail. Our athletes' boldness in global competition brings tears.
We appreciate riddles answered for the same reason we prefer last year's TV show over a sports event. Since the outcome is still unknown, watching an athletic event in real time is more meaningful.
Whatever the winner's country, a close game is more exciting than a blowout. The element of ambiguity in stories makes us desire to know what happens next. Sports enthusiasm and art appreciation appear linked.
There is beauty in sport
Cheerleading, synchronized swimming, professional wrestling, figure skating, gymnastics, ballroom dance, and other similar activities have clear connections to the performing arts. Because there isn't yet a more objective way to evaluate performance in these sports during competition, panels of raters are necessary.
Still, many people find that even the most traditional sports, like football and hockey, can move them with their breathtaking beauty.
Our complicated emotions to sports are a reflection of our multi-faceted passion for them. What gives rise to the wide variety of sports that we enjoy? Why can't we just focus on one sport? They probably appeal to various impulses in us. The Olympics are a feast of sports joys, whether we're loyal, want to learn and conquer uncertainties, or appreciate physical power.
The Olympics connects people from across the globe to celebrate sports excellence. A strong link unites viewers regardless of time or place.
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