THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Abstract

This article addresses the application of the Olympic values, with emphasis on the search for excellence, in the educational context. The central problem of the research revolves around the tension between the traditional concept of excellence, focused on performance, and the need for an educational approach that promotes the integral development of individuals, respecting cultural diversity and ethical and environmental issues. The objective of the research is to analyze how the Olympic values can be critically applied in pedagogical practices and adapted to local realities, without losing sight of the principles of inclusion and sustainability. The methodology adopted was a qualitative analysis based on the literature review, focusing on the contributions of Binder (2020) on Olympic education and Krenak (2019) on the criticisms of the progress and development model. The results indicate that, although the search for excellence is an essential value in Olympism, its application in education needs to be reconfigured to include the promotion of critical awareness and respect for diversity. The research concludes that true educational excellence must be integrated with pedagogical practices that recognize environmental and social needs, proposing training that goes beyond competition and addresses broader issues of sustainability and social responsibility.