From July 26 to August 11, 2024, around 10,000 god-like athletes and an estimated 10 million mere mortal visitors will descend upon Paris for the 33rd Summer Olympic Games. Tonight, the City of Light will ignite with the dazzling opening ceremony, marking the first time Paris has hosted the Games since 1924.
After decades of failed bids, including a heartbreaking loss to London for the 2012 Games, Paris secured the 2024 Olympics eight years ago. Learning from other host cities, Paris decided to take a unique approach.
Instead of building brand-new stadiums, Paris is embracing its historical and cultural landmarks. The main athletics events will take place at the Stade de France, but 15 Olympic and 11 Paralympic venues are spread across the city. Venues include the La Defence Arena for swimming, the Berov Arena for gymnastics, and the Pont d’Iena for cycling.
Adding to the novelty, new sports like 3×3 basketball, skateboarding, BMX freestyle, and breaking will be featured at the Parc Urbain at Place de La Concorde, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity.
Paris is setting a new standard for sustainability. Following Tokyo’s lead, the city is using eco-friendly measures like cardboard beds in the Olympic Village. These beds, tested for durability, will be recycled post-Games. Additionally, 80% of the €7 billion budget is focused on constructing the Olympic Village and an aquatics centre in Seine-Saint-Denis, which will be repurposed into homes, a student residence, and office spaces after the event. From a sustainability perspective, Paris aims to host the greenest Games ever, promising to halve the carbon footprint compared to London 2012
For the first time ever, the Olympic opening ceremony will take place outside a stadium. A grand 3.5-mile boat parade along the Seine will culminate at the Trocadéro near the Eiffel Tower. Initially, Paris planned to offer free tickets to 600,000 members of the public, but the number has since been reduced to 300,000 invited guests. To ensure security, 20,000 soldiers, 35,000 police and gendarmes, and international support will be on duty.
With the opening ceremony this evening, a confluence of global and domestic issues threatens to overshadow the spirit of unity that the Olympics traditionally embody. These Olympics have already been dubbed the ‘Conflict Games’ due to ongoing global conflicts and political unrest.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus are allowed to compete only as neutrals, a decision reflecting the international community’s stance against the aggression in Ukraine. This move is intended to uphold the Olympic spirit while acknowledging the broader political realities.
However, the war’s ramifications extend beyond the athletes’ status. Security concerns are heightened, with fears of potential protests or disruptions related to the conflict. The French government has put in place extensive security measures, including deploying 20,000 soldiers and 35,000 police officers, with additional support from international forces to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.
Additionally, the conflict in Gaza could pose another significant challenge. With France’s substantial Muslim and Jewish populations, the situation in the Middle East is a sensitive topic.
On the home front, France is grappling with its own political challenges. President Emmanuel Macron, who narrowly won re-election in a highly polarised environment, faces a divided nation. His victory was challenged by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, which gained significant traction, and a hastily assembled left-wing alliance. The domestic political landscape remains fraught with tension, with various groups feeling disenfranchised and frustrated.
This political backdrop has the potential to influence the Games. Strikes and protests are a common feature of French political life, and there is a possibility that labour unions or political groups could use the global stage of the Olympics to voice their discontent.
While political and social tensions exist, the Olympics have always been a stage for more than just sports. These Games might not solve all the world’s problems, but they can remind us of our shared humanity and the power of coming together, even amidst conflict.