What is the Olympic Motto?
The Olympic motto is a significant phrase that embodies the spirit of the Olympic Games. It consists of the Latin words 'Citius, Altius, Fortius', which translate to 'Faster, Higher, Stronger' in English. This motto was adopted during the first modern Olympics in 1896, initiated by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who is considered the father of the modern Olympic movement.
The essence of the motto captures the aspirations of athletes competing on the global stage, striving to push their physical and mental limits. "Citius" reflects the desire to achieve greater speeds in sports; "Altius" emphasizes reaching greater heights, both literally in sports like pole vaulting and metaphorically in personal achievements; while "Fortius" stands for the strength and resilience required to succeed in athletic competition.
In recent years, the Olympic motto has evolved to include a more inclusive perspective. In 2021, Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), added the word 'Together' to the motto, transforming it into 'Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together'. This evolution emphasizes solidarity and unity among athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting a sense of community and friendship beyond competition.
Thus, the Olympic motto serves not only as a guiding principle for athletes but also as an inspiring reminder of the values of perseverance, excellence, and togetherness in sports globally.