Jules Boykoff

Explores the discrepancy between the slogan "athletes first", which is often touted by the International Olympic Committee, and the reality behind the scenes of the Olympic Games. Delves into various troubling issues faced by athletes, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse, as well as grievances around equity and human rights. Highlights problems such as corruption in the awarding of the Games, displacement of people for Olympic venues, and environmental damage caused by Olympic construction. Argues that radical reforms are necessary to address these issues and truly prioritize the well-being of athletes.

Takes readers from the Olympic's nineteenth-century origins, through the event's flirtation with Fascism, and into the contemporary era of corporate control. Along the way, recounts vibrant alt-Olympic movements, such as the Workers’ Games and Women’s Games of the 1920s and 1930s as well as athlete-activists and political movements that stood up to challenge the Olympic machine.

Provides a critical overview of activist efforts to challenge the machinations of the Olympic Games before zeroing in on protesters at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2012 Summer Games in London.

Applies the theory of “celebration capitalism” to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia.