Qatar is celebrating its 40 years of participation in the Olympics with an exhibition titled “Olympism: More Than a Dream” held in Paris. The exhibition, which opened on July 31 at Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris Hotel, showcases Qatar’s journey in the Olympics since 1984. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to France, the President of the Qatar Football Association, and the Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
The exhibition is divided into three parts, with the first part paying tribute to Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Modern Olympics. Qatar’s gift of the first Arabic translation of Coubertin’s Selected Writings is highlighted in this section. Visitors can also see iconic Olympic objects from the museum’s collection, such as Muhammad Ali’s boxing glove from Rome 1960 and a rare Innsbruck 1964 Olympic torch.
The second part of the exhibition focuses on key milestones in Qatar’s Olympic journey, from its first participation in Los Angeles 1984 to Tokyo 2020. It showcases Qatar’s continuous involvement in each subsequent Summer Olympic Games and Paralympics, highlighting milestone moments, memorabilia, and medals. One of the highlights is the bronze medal won by Qatar athlete Mohammed Suleiman in the 1500m at Barcelona, which was the first medal won by a Gulf Country in Olympic history.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the gold medal won by Mutaz Barshim, also known as the ‘Qatari Falcon’, at Tokyo 2020. In the high jump final, Barshim and Italy’s Tamberi both cleared a height of 2.37m but did not progress. In a heartwarming moment, Barshim suggested that the pair share the gold, making history in Olympic history. The exhibition aims to showcase how the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship have been embodied in Qatar and the MENA region.
The exhibition also features memorabilia and medals from Qatar’s first medal in 1992 to one of the two gold medals won at Tokyo 2020. Qatar’s continuous involvement in the Olympics demonstrates its commitment to sports and the values of the Olympic Movement. The exhibition is a testament to Qatar’s dedication to promoting Olympism and celebrating its achievements on the world stage.
Overall, the “Olympism: More Than a Dream” exhibition celebrates Qatar’s rich Olympic history and its contributions to the Olympic Movement. Through iconic objects, milestone moments, and memorable achievements, the exhibition highlights Qatar’s commitment to excellence, respect, and friendship in sports. The event in Paris is a fitting tribute to Qatar’s 40 years of participation in the Olympics and showcases the country’s continued support for the values and mission of the Olympic Movement.
