Johnson, Daniel K. N. and Ali, Ayfer (2004) A tale of two seasons : participation and medal counts at the summer and winter Olympic games. Social Science Quarterly, 85 (4). pp. 974-993. doi:10.1111/j.0038-4941.2004.00254.x

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Abstract

Objectives. This article examines all postwar Summer and Winter Olympic Games in order to investigate the economic and political determinants of participation and medal‐winning success.

Methods. Using newly compiled data, regression analysis gives intuitive results with surprisingly accurate predictions beyond the historical sample. We also estimate the rise in income per capita required to send an extra participant, and the “cost” in GDP per capita of an extra medal.

Results. Compared to the Summer Games, Winter participation levels are driven more by income and less by population, have less host nation bias, and a greater effect of climate. Single‐party and communist regimes win more medals in both seasons.

Conclusion. Although their effects differ with the season of the Games, socioeconomic variables explain Olympic participation and success remarkably well.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Journal or Publication Title:	Social Science Quarterly
Publisher:	University of Texas Press
ISSN:	0038-4941
Official Date:	December 2004
Dates:	Date Event December 2004 Published
Volume:	85
Number:	4
Page Range:	pp. 974-993
DOI:	10.1111/j.0038-4941.2004.00254.x
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Description:	Based on a working paper http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/113212/
Related URLs:	Related item in WRAP

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