Abstract:

Disparities among nations in the summer Olympics are often ascribed to long-lasting climatic influences. In this study, we examined six Summer Games (1996–2016) to investigate the potential correlation between climatic origin and national Olympic success in 12 dissimilar sports categories. We measured total success by medal tallies (MT) and the revealed symmetric comparative advantage (CA). Using Tobit regression, we tested the effect of four generic climates (Dry–Arid, Tropical–Equatorial, Warm–Humid, Cool–Humid) against the covariation of population, gross domestic product and the socialist system. The Tobit models were significant both for MT (ρ² = 0.20–0.73) and CA (ρ² = 0.08–0.54). With a few minor exceptions (Weights, Aquatics/Water, Combat) much of the variation in MT and CA was explained by the three covariates. Inter-nation disparities in Olympic performance are unrelated to climatic origin. The previously observed ‘advantage’ of the Temperate climate is discussed considering the strong ‘socialist’ covariate.

Publisher's Version