| Abstract: | Allen Guttmann has discussed the quest for records as a distinguishing characteristic of modem sport. I contend in this paper that while on the surface a distinction between modern sport and earlier forms of sport can be made on the basis of that characteristic, this may conceal or obscure a significant continuity or parallel between Greek athletics and modem athletics. The parallel that I propose is the similarity, both functional and substantive, of records in modern athletics and the victory odes of Pindar in Greek athletics with regard to the possible legitimation of sport in the context of a symbolic world view. This parallei is developed through a discussion of Paul Weiss's treatment of records and an interpretation of Pindar's victory odes. |
