Prof. Aage Radmann
Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. He is sociologist and sport scientist who researches (social) media, gender, supporter culture, outdoor life, and youth cultures.
Email: aager@nih.no
Prof. Susanna Hedenborg
Malmö University, Sweden. She is historian and sports scientist who researches children & young people, equestrian sports, outdoor life, sustainability, and gender.
Email: Susanna.hedenborg@mau.se
Armand Duplantis’ world record in the pole vault, reaching an unprecedented height of 6.25 meters during the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the extraordinary atmosphere created by 80,000 enthusiastic spectators cheering him on, can be analyzed through the lens of Max Weber’s concept of the “ideal type.” Weber’s ideal type is a methodological tool used to abstract and isolate the key features of a social phenomenon, serving as a benchmark against which reality can be compared. In this context, Duplantis’ achievement, alongside the collective support from the audience, can be seen as a near-perfect realization of the Olympic ideal—a manifestation of what the Games are designed to represent. In this text we will demonstrate in what way Dupantis’ performance (not only the record per se) can be seen as an ideal type and problematize the representation.
At the core of this analysis is the understanding that Duplantis’ record-breaking performance exemplifies the pinnacle of human athletic achievement, which is a central tenet of the Olympic ethos. The Olympics are historically and symbolically a stage for the demonstration of the highest levels of physical and mental excellence. From a Weberian perspective, Duplantis’ achievement can be viewed as an “ideal type” of athletic perfection—a distilled and exaggerated example of what the Olympics are meant to celebrate. His performance does not merely represent a victory; it symbolizes the human capacity to transcend previous limits, embodying the Olympic motto of Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger). It is worth remembering that Duplantis had already won the gold medal when he requested the officials to raise the bar. In other words, he had already jumped the highest – but the motto ‘higher’ was demonstrated when he was not satisfied with winning the medal.
The enthusiastic support Duplantis received from the crowd, which extended beyond national loyalties to also embrace the silver medalist from the United States, Sam Kendricks, and the bronze medalist from Greece, Emmanouil Karalis underscores another critical dimension of the Olympic ideal: international unity and sportsmanship:
Kendricks (5.95m, 30cm shorter than Duplantis) commanded the crowd’s applause and created an unlikely good atmosphere in the stadium. Karalis (5.90 m) bandaged Duplanti’s injured hand between the various attempts–an ideal image of what sport strives for. Weber’s concept of the ideal type emphasizes the importance of shared values and norms in defining social phenomena. In this case, the collective celebration of not just one, but multiple athletes from different nations, highlights the Olympics as a unique platform where international competition fosters, rather than undermines, global solidarity and mutual respect. This scenario aligns closely with Weber’s ideal type of the Olympics as an event that transcends political and nationalistic divides, promoting a spirit of camaraderie and shared humanity through sport.
The role of the audience in creating a “magical” atmosphere is also significant when viewed through Weber’s concept of the ideal type. The intense and unified support from the 80,000 spectators watching and cheering for Duplantis exemplifies the ideal of the Olympics as a communal experience that transcends individual interests and national affiliations. The audience’s engagement, characterized by a collective joy in the athletes’ achievements, reflects the Olympic ideal of inclusivity and universalism. This collective celebration represents a realization of the Olympic spirit in its purest form—where the competition is not just about national pride, but about a shared appreciation for human endeavor and excellence. Furthermore, Duplantis’ achivement exemplifies the narrative of a sport hero. His first two trials failed, which increased the tension. When he reached the record height in the third attempt tensions were released–possibly increasing the feeling of togetherness.
Finally, Duplantis’ record-breaking feat contributes to the cultural and historical legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, resonating far beyond the immediate context of the event. Weber’s ideal types are often used to identify enduring patterns and structures within social phenomena. In this case, Duplantis’ achievement not only elevates the status of the Paris Games but also reinforces the broader legacy of the Olympics as a venue for creating lasting memories and defining historical milestones. This aspect of his performance resonates with the ideal type of the Olympics as a stage for the creation of cultural and historical narratives that persist long after the Games themselves have concluded.
From a Weberian perspective, this event serves as an ideal type of a successful Olympic Games—one that perfectly encapsulates the values and aspirations that the Olympics are supposed to uphold but which is rarely reached. Well, the ideal type of the Olympic performace, could also serve as a blessing in disguise. As researchers we often become flies in the ointment, but we still want to ask the provoking question: if the Weberian ideal type of the Olympic Games can be encapsulated in one athlete and one performance of a very specific type – a white man, in an individual sport, who does not take a stand in any of the contemporary political issues (such as climate change, wars, racism, sexism)–there is a risk that the Games (and ideals connected to them) become outdated. Will our children and grandchildren look back at the Paris Games (just as we do when discussing the Olympic Games in Berlin 1936) and ask – did they not recognize that they could have changed the future?
