Director of University Sports and leading observer Pierre Pfefferlé shares his impressions of the Youth Olympic Games
Lausanne – the Olympic capital, as we all know – is busy completing its preparations before the start of the Youth Olympic Games, which are aimed at young people aged 15 to 18. Based on the enthusiasm of the organisers and numerous volunteers who raise their hands whenever they are asked to get involved, it all promises to be spectacular. As one might expect for a large-scale event.
But is it really such a big deal? Not, by any means, for everyone. In fact, some people are frustrated about how much energy is being spent on an event they believe is relatively unimportant. Or not important at all. Seasoned observer and director of the University Sports unit Pierre Pfefferlé weighs up the benefits and limitations of the YOG.
A stepping stone
If we compare the acronyms, there’s only one letter separating the OG and the YOG. Proof that the latter is an unmissable event? Not at all, according to Pierre Pfefferlé. “There are two completely different aspects. The Olympic Games are the high point for a large majority of athletes. The YOG are important too, in their own way. But it’s all relative. The YOG are an experience, but they are simply a stepping stone and don’t necessarily have a direct impact on someone’s career. For some young people, they will be their supreme achievement. For others, they will just be a step along the way.” Not to mention the group of athletes who will take part in the top competitions without ever having participated in youth events.
While it is a matter of nuance and degree, the YOG nonetheless have their advantages. Not least, in what they are likely to offer the young people concerned. “I’ve heard people say that the competition can be bad for the athletes,” comments Pierre Pfefferlé. “Because they can get the impression that they’ve made it. And actually, that could be a danger. But the IOC’s approach, with its educational workshops and meetings, really helps young people to get to know their own discipline and sport in general better, in an intelligent and considered way. Building up their sporting and social experiences and the educational potential are really very interesting.” »
What level of visibility?
Lausanne University Sports, which was present at the 2018 event in Buenos Aires, received good media coverage for their “Performance Accelerator”. This is a program that offers athletes a battery of performance tests and ways to avoid injuries. The trial was a resounding success and will be repeated in Lausanne under the new name “Health for Performance”. “Our aim is to help people understand the importance of carefully considered physical activity, for both average and elite athletes. Health is extremely important in this context. We know, of course, that elite sport is not necessarily ideal for health. It involves pushing the human body to extremes. Giving athletes information to help them train better, recover properly and therefore understand themselves better is a very important goal for us.”
Pierre Pfefferlé hopes that the YOG taking place in Lausanne in January will be a success, after all the efforts made by the various people and organisations involved. “Given the amount of work it has required, I hope Lausanne 2020 will get a good level of visibility. It’s taken a lot of effort from both the organising committee and the Canton, as well as the higher-education institutions taking part. In Buenos Aires, we saw real local and regional interest. How much international attention it attracts, however, remains to be seen.” Particularly since, according to the director of University Sports, the Canton of Vaud and the City of Lausanne have pulled off an exceptional feat. Namely, combining the Youth Olympic Games with three major competitions that will take place in the region next year: the world cycling, hockey and pétanque championships. “One way or another, people are going to be talking about Switzerland. Associating Lausanne and its higher-education institutions with sport is a very good idea. And above all, it’s an idea that makes sense.”