The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics are set to begin in six months, bringing excitement and anticipation to the city of Paris and the world. With various unique features and sporting events, this edition of the Olympics promises to be a memorable one. From the opening ceremony on boats to the inclusion of breakdancing as an Olympic sport, let’s delve into what you need to know about the upcoming Games.
The summer Olympics will run from 26 July to 11 August, featuring 10,500 athletes from 206 countries competing in 32 sports and 329 medal events. Following a few weeks later, the Paralympics will take place from 28 August to 8 September, with 4,400 athletes from 184 countries participating in 22 sports and 549 medal events.
Paris, having previously hosted the summer Games in 1900 and 1924, will become the second city to host them three times, joining London in this prestigious distinction. The city has carefully chosen 15 Olympic and 11 Paralympic venues in central Paris, optimizing existing or temporary structures to reduce costs and carbon emissions.
Some of the notable venues include the Seine river for triathlon, marathon swimming, and Para-triathlon events, as well as the iconic Stade de France for the main athletics events. Marseille will host sailing, while surfing will take place in Teahupo’o, in Tahiti – a French overseas territory in the South Pacific.
In a departure from tradition, athletes will not parade in a stadium during the opening ceremony. Instead, they will sail down the Seine river for 6km through the heart of Paris. The national squads will gather in the Trocadero park for the lighting of the Olympic Flame, allowing the public to witness the ceremony free of charge. Half a million spectators are expected to line the riverbank, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
The Games have introduced new mascots, “Les Phryges,” inspired by the red “Phrygian” caps worn during the French Revolution. Noteworthy is the Paralympic Phryge, who has a running blade, making them the first mascot to have a visible disability.
However, the Games have not been without controversy. Russia and Belarus have been excluded from sending teams due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Belarus’ support for it. Athletes from these countries can compete as Individual Neutral Athletes. The decision sparked criticism, with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arguing that Israel should also be barred from participating due to its military operations in Gaza. IOC president Thomas Bach did not entertain the comparison and confirmed Israel’s participation.
Additionally, a Refugee Olympic Team will participate, comprising athletes displaced from their home countries. In the Tokyo Games, the team consisted of 29 members from 11 countries, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and solidarity.
Tickets for the Olympics and Paralympics are available for purchase on the Paris 2024 website, with prices starting at 24 euros for Olympic events and 15 euros for Paralympic events. However, many sessions are already sold out, so interested individuals should act quickly to secure their spots.
While the Games bring excitement and pride to the city of Paris, some residents have expressed concerns. A poll revealed that 44% of Parisians view the hosting of the Olympics as a “bad thing.” Additionally, bus and metro fares will double during the Games, irking certain residents. Moreover, the construction of the Olympic and Paralympic Village and a new aquatics center in Seine-Saint-Denis has led to the eviction of squatters, prompting criticism from charities.
As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics draw near, the world eagerly awaits the celebration of human athleticism, unity, and global camaraderie. The Games will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the history of the city and the international sporting community. Let us embrace this momentous occasion and support the athletes as they strive for excellence and inspire us all.
