Research articles

Olympism and Cross-Cultural Differences in The Youth Olympic Games: The Case of Singapore and Norway

May 26, 2025

Jannicke Stålstrøm OLY^1,2, Zack P. Pedersen³ & Marina Iskhakova⁴
¹ School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway; ² Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney; ³ School of Sport Sciences, West Virginia University; ⁴Research School of Economics,
Australia National University

This study examines the influence of Olympism in a cross-cultural context within the Youth Olympic Games educational program. A mixed methods approach was used to analyse both quantitative data (surveys; n = 173) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews; n = 30) from former Singaporean and Norwegian Youth Olympic Games athletes. The cross-cultural aspect of the current investigation was examined using two prominent cross-cultural dimensions, namely the original concepts of universalism and particularism, and individualistic vs collectivistic natured societies, as the theoretical underpinnings of cross-cultural differences in the program’s influence on participants from two selected countries. The findings indicate that when comparing Singaporean and Norwegian athletes, Singaporean athletes appear to be more receptive towards the Youth Olympic Games educational program and its impact. The significant findings are posited as stemming from the contrasting cultural norms and backgrounds of these athletes. Additionally, the Olympism subthemes of fair play and friendship are the most impacted by cross-cultural differences. Practical applications related to cross-cultural differences in program design are suggested for both Olympic scholars and YOG practitioners. Pre-/post-program specific strategies are outlined to strengthen and extend the impact of the educational program for all athletes competing in the Youth Olympic Games.

Click to access this peer review article in Scandinavian Sport Studies Forum, Vol. 16, 2025

JANNICKE STÅLSTRØM (OLY, PhD) is an Associate Professor in Sport Sciences at the School of Sport Sciences, Arctic University of Norway, in Tromsø. Her research interests include the Youth Olympic Games, Olympic Games, sports coaching, athlete development, and the broader societal role of sport. She earned her PhD at the Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney, Australia. Stålstrøm brings a unique perspective to her academic work, having lived, and worked on three continents and competed as a three-time Olympic athlete in sailing (windsurfing). Additionally, she has served as a sailing coach for various nations, this also includes at the Youth Olympic Games. Transitioning to academia after two decades of involvement in Olympic sports, she has recently contributed to the scholarly discourse on the Youth Olympic Games, with her latest articles published in the International Journal of Sport Communication and The Sport Journal.

ZACK P. PEDERSEN (PhD) is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management in the School of Sport Sciences at West Virgina University. He received his doctorate from Indiana University and formerly worked in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas Tech University. His research interests are in the area of sport marketing and brand management, with a specific focus on athlete brand management. His research has been published in journals such as Sport Marketing Quarterly, International Journal of Sport Communication, International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, and the Journal of Global Sport Management.

MARINA ISKHAKOVA (PhD, MBA) is a Senior Lecturer in Business & Economics and Cross-Cultural expert in the Research School of Economics, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. Her research interests include cross-cultural management, short-term study abroad, cultural intelligence, global mobility, international experience. She has published her research in Studies in Higher Education, Journal of Management Education, Journal of International Education in Business, and critical perspectives on international business among others. Beyond Academia, Marina travelled 52 countries, lived in 6 countries on 3 continents, survived in the toughest 500 km Expedition Race – Eco-Challenge Borneo 2000, took part in the World Orienteering Championship and World Adventure Racing Championship and is Awards-winning athlete, coach and expert contributing to Orienteering development in Australia.