An Elite

The second characteristic of Modern Olympism is that it constitutes an aristocracy，an elite；it is an aristocracy which is，of course，entirely equalitarian in origin since it is determined purely by the physical superiority and muscular potentialities of the individual，enhanced to some degree by hiswill power and his training.Every youngman is not cut out to be an athlete.In the future，no doubt，we shall be able by means of better hygiene，both personal and public，and by an intelligent effort to perfect the race，to increase considerably the number of those capable of benefiting by an advanced education in sports.It is，however，unlikely that this number will ever be above half or at themost two-thirds of each generation.At the moment，we are stillmuch below this estimate in all countries；but even if such a result could be achieved，itwould not follow thatall these young athletes would become，“olympics”，that is to saymen capable of disputing world records.

To try to impose a regime of strictmoderation on all athletes is to be a Utopian.Sportsmen need to know that they are free to commit“certain excesses”if they desire to do so.This iswhy they have been given themotto：Citius，Altius，Fortius.—ever quicker，higher，stronger—themotto ofmen who dare to aspire to break records！

4-3　Elite in Sport