ABSTRACT

In Chapter 5, I introduce my WISE formula at the policy level, before discussing wealth, the first of several macro variables explaining success and failure of countries at the Olympic Games. I argue that the importance of wealth depends on the type of sport and Games. I demonstrate the advantage of wealthier countries in sports that require expensive equipment, and that for example wealth matters more at the Winter than at the Summer Games. But, I conclude that the variable of wealth does not explain outliers, and the success of some poor countries.