The Athletes Oath

At the start of each Olympics, every athlete promises to play fairly and obey all of the Olympic rules. One athlete from the host country takes this oath at the Opening Ceremonies on behalf of all athletes. The chosen athlete holds a corner of the Olympic Flag while repeating the oath:

"In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams."

The oath was written by Baron de Coubertin, and became a part of our Modern Olympic Games in 1920. Olympic officials also have to take an oath. While holding a corner of the Olympic Flag, one official from the host country repeats a similar oath on behalf of all the officials.

The oath for the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia was read by Rechelle Hawkes, captain of the Australian women's field hockey team on behalf of the nearly 11,000 athletes entered in the games.  For the first time, the oath included a pledge against the use of drugs at the games.

"In the name of all competitors, I promise we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the spirit of true sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams."