ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the interplay of nationalistic discourse and friendly international competition in the early versions of the Olympic Games organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after it was founded in 1894 until the outbreak of the First World War. It has primarily concerned with amateur competition, it is worth saying briefly that ideological and pragmatic feminism could be expressed in professional sport. In view of the anxieties about popular imperialism, the military strength of European neighbours and concerns about Britain's role in Africa, America and Asia, it is likely that the assessment of Stockholm would have been considerably worse without the medals of the women tennis players, swimmers and divers. In May 1905 the British Olympic Association (BOA) was formed by representatives of national governing bodies from the following sports: archery, Association football, track and field athletics, cycling, fencing, rowing, Rugby football, skating, swimming and life save.
