Jules Boykoff

Jules Boykoff is a professor of political science at Pacific University in Oregon and the author of six books on the Olympic Games, most recently What Are the Olympics For?

Nikki Hiltz celebrates crossing the finish line to win the women's 1500 meter final at the 2024 US Olympic Team Track & Field Trials at Hayward Field on June 30, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon.

Why There Are No Trans Women Competing at the Paris Games Why There Are No Trans Women Competing at the Paris Games

There are at least two trans nonbinary athletes—Quinn and Nikki Hiltz—and they’re impossible not to cheer for.

Jul 25, 2024 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

French soldiers stand guard near to Eiffel Tower in Paris on July 21 ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Appalling Social Cleansing of Olympic Paris The Appalling Social Cleansing of Olympic Paris

In the last year, an estimated 12,500 vulnerable Paris residents were forced from their homes.

Jul 24, 2024 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Participants wave French national tricolors as fireworks light up the sky during an election night rally following the first results of the second round of France's legislative election at Place de la République in Paris on July 7, 2024.

France Avoids Disaster. Can the Olympics Do the Same? France Avoids Disaster. Can the Olympics Do the Same?

The socialist mayor of Paris has promised that the Olympics can make Paris greener, cleaner, and safer. With the left triumphant, will this actually happen?

Jul 8, 2024 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Protesters hold inflatable tubes in Olympic colors

What Happens to the Paris Olympics if National Rally Wins? What Happens to the Paris Olympics if National Rally Wins?

If Macron’s snap-election gambit fails, the far right could be in power and use the Games to legitimize its politics.

Jun 20, 2024 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Macron and Sarkozy beside Olympics sign

The 2024 Olympics Are Already Dealing With Multiple Political Crises The 2024 Olympics Are Already Dealing With Multiple Political Crises

Despite all the bluster about how the Paris 2024 Olympics would be different, they’re looking a lot like the Games of recent years. And we’re only 100 days out.

Apr 15, 2024 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Should Israel’s Flag Be Raised at the Paris Olympics?

Should Israel’s Flag Be Raised at the Paris Olympics? Should Israel’s Flag Be Raised at the Paris Olympics?

How the IOC is penalizing Russia provides insight into how it could treat Israel at the 2024 Games.

Nov 21, 2023 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

A mural depicting Roberto Mancini and Mohammed bin Salman painted by aleXsandro Palombo outside the San Siro Stadium at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, September 19, 2023, in Milan, Italy.

Saudi Arabia Hosting the World Cup Is a Win for Sportswashing Saudi Arabia Hosting the World Cup Is a Win for Sportswashing

Though not yet official, Saudi Arabia has all but muscled out the only other real contender.

Nov 2, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

The Paris Olympics Are Developing a Familiar Stench

The Paris Olympics Are Developing a Familiar Stench The Paris Olympics Are Developing a Familiar Stench

A recent raid shows that the Olympic corruption follies aren’t going anywhere. 

Jun 27, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Policemen take part in a civil protection exercise at the Matmut Atlantique stadium.

Get Ready for AI Surveillance at the 2024 Paris Olympics Get Ready for AI Surveillance at the 2024 Paris Olympics

The Olympics don’t make authoritarian countries more democratic; they make democratic countries more authoritarian.

Jun 6, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

People demonstrate in Paris, France, on March 30, 2023

The Protests in France Are About to Collide With the 2024 Paris Olympics The Protests in France Are About to Collide With the 2024 Paris Olympics

Rage over Macron’s pension raids is feeding into anti-Olympic activism. But who will benefit: the French left or the racist right?

Apr 24, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

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