Pierre de Coubertin

Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin (1 January 1863 – 2 September 1937) was a French educationalist and historian, founder of the International Olympic Committee, and is considered the father of the modern Olympic Games. Born into a French aristocratic family, he became an academic and studied a broad range of topics, most notably education and history.

Sourced

• In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams.

• The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part . . . The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.
  • Olympic Ideals in Crisis; Awake! magazine, September 8, 2000.
  • Note: Coubertin believed that engaging in wholesome competition could build good character, foster sound judgment, and promote upright conduct. He even spoke of a ‘religion of sport.’ The Olympics, he felt, could teach people to live in peace.

• A better world could be brought about only by better individuals.
  • Attaining the Ideals, Awake! magazine, September 8, 2000.

• I therefore think that I was right in trying from the outset of the Olympic revival to rekindle a religious awareness.
  • Stated the modern founder of the Olympic movement, in the year before he died. The Olympics, Sports and Religion—Is There a Conflict?, Awake! magazine, August 8, 1984.

• Winning medals wasn’t the point of the Olympics. It’s the participating that counts.
  • The Olympics—Where Are They Headed?; Awake! February 8, 1977.