While out hunting, Asterix and his friend Obelix run across a sports champion of one of the local Roman garrisons named Gluteus Maximus, who is to participate in the Olympic Games. Under the effects of magic potion, they beat the Roman athlete in everything he attempts, temporarily breaking his resolve. Later on, the Gauls decide to participate in the Games as well, under the view that – as part of the Roman world – they are legally Romans (only free-born Greek citizens were allowed to compete in the ancient Olympics, butunder pressure an exception was made for their Roman occupiers). They later arrive in Greece for the games, and are entered in the list of participants, much to the surprise of the Greeks and the consternation of the Romans.
Eventually the Romans file a protest about the magic potion, which is banned by the Olympic officials; this decision would seem to put an end to the Gauls’ attempts to win a golden palm (the Romans being much fitter and better trained). However, in an ingenious twist, Asterix and the druid Getafix leak the location of the potion to the Romans, who, in their desire to win, all take the banned substance – which is laced with a dye which turns their tongues blue – and are disqualified, leaving Asterix as the winner by default (though the villagers act as if he won by his own efforts).
After the Gauls return home, it is revealed that Asterix had given the victor’s golden palms to Gluteus Maximus, since the latter had needed it more than him. And for once, Julius Caesar is pleased, and Maximus and his centurion coach are both promoted.
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