Sometimes the messages of Baron Pierre de Coubertin ring with an immediacy that makes them relevant to the moment we’re living through.  Right now in the world of sport, a number of major organizations are beset with crises of corruption generated by deceit and hypocrisy of various kinds.  The Baron’s message is clear: the time for reform is now. Right now. Every sports organization has a responsibility to drive the bad actors from its midst and return to the principles of honor and integrity on which it was founded. This was part of his speech to the IOC in Prague in May of 1925 as he prepared to retire. His warning was based on threat of ‘the love of money,’ but it covered all forms of deceit and hypocrisy. He predicted nothing but trouble ahead for those who didn’t reform. 

“Sports have developed within a society whose love for money threatens to cause that society to rot right to the marrow. Now it is up to the athletic associations to set a good example by returning to their faith in honor and sincerity, by driving lying and hypocrisy from their midst.”