Topics highlighted include how the 18th Century 'Grand Tour' inspired a revitalisation of the concept of the Olympic Games alongside the new educational ideology of muscular Christianity, which infused the public schools of 19th century England. We consider how this inspired the organsiation of sport, which then borrowed its legitimacy from the 19th century World's Fairs. At first the Olympics were somewhat ad-hoc and ran parallel to them, but of course in time they would come to overtake them.
So to inspire your viewing of the Milan Cortina winter games which start on Friday, take a look at our post!
Access it here - https://blogs.york.ac.uk/sbs-spotlight/2026/02/03/foundations-of-managing-british-olympics-institutions-through-time/
