What are the motifs in The Amateurs by David Halberstam?

The Olympic Games is a recurring idea in this book. The book focuses upon the amateur competition of the international Olympic Games. The references to it are mainly those of the 1970s and 1980s. Now and then, during discussions of how some of the coaches developed, there is mention of an earlier games. The Olympics are shown to be heavily involved with politics in this book. Twice, American rowers are disappointed by cancellations and boycotts.