"Success comprises in itself the seeds of its own decline and sport is not spared by this law"

Pierre de Coubertin’s observation offers a profound reflection on the cyclic nature of success and decline, not only in sport but in wider human endeavors. Success, while universally pursued and admired, inadvertently carries within it the potential for future challenges and, ultimately, deterioration. Achievements create expectations; the standards are raised, and what was once innovative becomes routine. Triumph can foster complacency, a sense of invincibility, or even arrogance among individuals and institutions. These very attitudes undermine the foundations that contributed to success in the first place.

In the realm of sport, rapid advancements and periods of dominance are often followed by downturns. When teams or athletes reach the pinnacle, it becomes harder to maintain the intensity and drive that fueled their ascent. Rivals adapt, innovate, and are motivated by the desire to dethrone the leaders. Simultaneously, those at the top may fall prey to internal conflicts, complacency, or even the overwhelming pressure of sustaining their reign. Fame and fortune can distract from the core values of discipline and perseverance, turning focus away from sustained growth towards the preservation of status and image.

Moreover, the commercialization and professionalization of sport, often signs of success, can harbour seeds of decline. As financial incentives grow, so can corruption, doping, or other forms of misconduct that threaten the integrity of sport. Grassroots initiatives may be neglected in favour of short-term profit. The sense of community and fair play, Sport’s original spirit as envisioned by Coubertin, risks being overshadowed by the mercenary pursuit of victory.

The law Coubertin refers to is powerful because it applies universally: the very fruits of achievement contain the beginnings of decline, if vigilance and humility are not maintained. In recognising this paradox, there lies a challenge for individuals, teams, and the sporting world: to continue striving, evolving, and safeguarding the core values even amidst glory, thus sustaining meaning and vitality beyond mere success.