Juan Jose Arevalo vs Pierre de Coubertin

Juan José Arévalo was elected president of Guatemala in the country's first democratic election after the 1944 revolution. He won with 85% of the vote, ushering in a period of progressive reform.

Arévalo established the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS), providing health insurance, pensions, and other benefits to workers. This was a key component of his 'spiritual socialism' program.

Arévalo's government enacted a comprehensive Labor Code that established the right to organize unions, collective bargaining, an eight-hour workday, and minimum wage. This was a landmark reform for workers' rights in Guatemala.

Arévalo survived several coup attempts by conservative and military factions, including a major uprising in 1949 led by Colonel Francisco Arana. His ability to remain in power demonstrated popular support for his reforms.

Arévalo completed his six-year term and peacefully transferred power to his elected successor, Jacobo Árbenz. This was a rare event in Guatemalan history and a testament to the democratic gains of the revolution.

Coubertin convened the Sorbonne Congress in Paris, where delegates from 12 countries voted to revive the Olympic Games and established the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He became the IOC's second president and drafted the Olympic Charter, laying the foundation for the modern Olympic movement.

Coubertin organized the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, with 241 athletes from 14 nations competing in 43 events. The games were a success, establishing the quadrennial tradition and promoting international athletic competition and amateurism.

Coubertin designed the Olympic flag with five interlocking rings representing the five continents, and introduced the Olympic oath for athletes. These symbols were first used at the 1920 Antwerp Games, becoming enduring icons of the Olympic movement.

Coubertin resigned as IOC President in 1925 after 29 years, citing a desire to focus on educational work. He was succeeded by Henri de Baillet-Latour. Coubertin continued to promote Olympism through writing and lectures until his death in 1937.