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Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical Psychologist)
Since the start of the Games, have you been having trouble tearing yourself away from your screens? This obsession can say a lot about your personality according to Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist.
During the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, on France 2, nearly 22 million viewers turned up. While the event is a source of passion and audience records on the channels, some French people, on the other hand, show a total lack of interest in this great popular celebration. For what reasons? Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist, gives us some answers.
Why are the Olympic Games so fascinating?
If the Olympic Games captivate so much, it is because they are an extraordinary celebration: the event brings nations together, inspires individuals to surpass themselves, and amazes young and old alike with sporting and artistic feats (Celine Dion’s performance, the Olympic cauldron being flown, etc.).
All these highlights make this event much more than a simple sporting competition, believes Amélie Boukhobza.
“The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of human performance, where athletes show us exceptional physical prowess. It’s still very beautiful, it’s inspiring! When human capacities are pushed to their maximum…”, she emphasizes, as a preamble.
“The Olympic Games are also fascinating because they bring together participants from all over the world, and that symbolizes peace and international unity in some way. Even if it is illusory or only for the duration of a competition.…”, the expert continues.
A celebration that is also fascinating for the spectacle, for the emotion.
“When you dive into a competition, you are totally caught up in it! You live the moment fully: the drama, the victory or defeat, the perseverance and the resilience” says the psychologist.
Finally, the Olympic Games are a celebration.
“It is a major media event, presented as an unmissable spectacle. opening ceremony proves it well! What’s more in our country in France… It creates enthusiasm and can possibly arouse pride!”, says Amélie Boukhobza.
Without forgetting “the social dimension” of the event, as the Games remain a popular topic of conversation.
“Discussions around performances, medals and controversies create a sense of community,” confides the expert.
Why do some people remain indifferent to it?
Despite the fascination that the Olympic Games exert on many spectators, some people may remain indifferent to them. The reason: the lack of passion for sports and competitions.
“It may also not fit with the values of others, who may see the Olympics as an excessive display of nationalism or criticize the commercial and political aspects of the event.“, analyzes Amélie Boukhobza. Finally, “The omnipresence of the Olympics in the media can lead to saturation for some, pushing them to turn away from the event“.
Feeling good in your body, feeling good in your head!
Obsession with the Games: What does it say about us?
The obsession with this event may reflect an admiration for the “success” in all its forms and serve as a source of personal inspiration. Participating athletes, by pushing their own limits, become models of determination and excellence for others.
But for other spectators, the Games are also an opportunity to celebrate their national identity… or simply to escape the monotony of everyday life.
“This overwhelming passion for the Games reveals our values, interests and social needs. Those drawn to the event may seek inspiration, unity, or simply a form of collective entertainment.“, explains Amélie Boukhobza.
As for the others, that is to say those who remain insensitive to it, “They may favour other forms of stimulation or reject what they perceive as the less desirable aspects of the Games.“, notes the specialist.
Ultimately, this diversity of reactions underlines the richness and complexity of human nature, “where each individual finds meaning and pleasure in different experiences“, concludes the expert.
Slideshow: The 10 athletes who left their mark on the Olympic Games