Synopsis

Sergio Mendes' "Olympia" is presented as an inspirational Olympic montage rather than a conventional narrative video. Contemporary athletes are shown in the midst of competition, while imagery of ancient Greek warriors connects modern sporting achievement with the origins of the Games. A young boy in an urban neighborhood represents the possibility of becoming a future Olympian. Scenes of darkness, flame, dawn, and sunlight give the film a ceremonial, hopeful atmosphere, matching the song's sweeping arrangement and message of ambition, unity, and human potential.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Olympia" was written for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and appeared on Mendes' 1983 album "Confetti."

• Joe Pizzulo sings the lead vocal, while an Olympic choir is credited on the recording. The choir included numerous established singers, among them James Ingram, Jeffrey Osborne, Lani Hall, Phil Perry, and Carmen Twillie.

• Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil wrote the song. Mendes and Mann produced the recording, with Robbie Buchanan responsible for the arrangement.

• The single reached No. 58 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 18 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1984.

• The song later found an unexpected afterlife as the theme for All Japan Pro Wrestling's World's Strongest Tag Determination League. It was also used by Olympia Sports Camp in Ontario, Canada.

• The track was released in both vocal and instrumental versions, with the instrumental recording becoming particularly recognizable in some sports-related settings.