The Paris Olympics 2024 is already underway and the event is living up to expectations. So far, China is leading the medals table. However, it is still early yet and there are going to be more medals, even upsets in the upcoming games.
Meanwhile, the Paris Olympics 2024 is a historic one, amid controversies rocking the opening ceremony. However, the international multi-sport event has made significant progress and promises to deliver more special moments.
Therefore, here is everything that needs to be known about the Paris Olympics 2024.
What is Paris Olympics 2024?
The Paris Olympics 2024 is an international multi-sport event which is taking place from July 24, 2024, to August 11, 2024. About 10,714 from 206 countries will participate in 329 events spread across 32 sports.
Paris, popularly known as the “city of love”, is hosting the games which made history as the first “gender-equal Olympics”, with about 49 per cent of women athletes participating in the events. In other words, 28 out of 32 sports are fully gender equal in Paris. Also, the Paris Olympics 2024 schedule comprises 152 women’s events, 157 men’s events and 20 mixed-gender events, meaning a more gender-balanced number of medal events.
In addition, France shares a historic connection with the Olympics as French educator and historian, Pierre de Coubertin is credited with reviving the Olympics in the modern era. He proposed the restart of the games in 1894, which was originally scheduled for 1900. However, delegates from 34 countries loved the idea so much that they convinced him to move the games up to 1896 and host them in Athens, the capital of Greece.
Paris has hosted the Summer Games three times – 1900, 1924 and now 2024. The most notable iconic venues for the events in 2024 include Stade de France, Parc des Princes and Accor Arena. Although Paris is the host city, sporting events will be held in 16 additional cities spread across metropolitan France.
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Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony
The opening ceremony held on July 26, 2024. Directed by Thomas Jolly, it was the first Summer Olympics opening ceremony to be held outside the traditional stadium setting. The parade of athletes was conducted as a boat parade along the Seine from Pont d’Austerlitz to Pont d’Iéna. Then they attended the official protocol at Jardins du Trocadéro, in front of the Eiffel Tower.
The ceremony also featured music performances by American musician Lady Gaga, heavy metal band Gojira, soprano Marina ViottiAxelle Saint-Cirel (who sang the French national anthem atop the Grand Palais), rapper Rim’K, Philippe Katerine (who portrayed the Greek god Dionysus), Juliette Armanet, Sofiane Pamart and Canadian singer Celine Dion.
France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, officially opened the Games. The Olympic cauldron, simulated by an LED lighting system and aerosol water jets, was lit by Guadeloupean judoka, Teddy Riner, and sprinter Marie-José Pérec.
Olympics opening ceremony backlash
The opening ceremony sparked a substantial backlash from commentators and viewers, who found several elements of the ceremony offensive and inappropriate. One of the most contentious was a performance by drag queen critics, viewed as an endorsement of LGBTQ+ lifestyles and a departure from traditional Olympic values. Critics argued that the Olympics is supposed to be a traditional prowess and should not be used as a platform for political or social statements.
Another controversial event was the featuring of a controversial recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, with drag queens standing in for the apostles. On the meal table was a man painted blue and dressed as the Greek god, Dionysus, who performed a song during the ceremony.
The portrayal was condemned by the French Catholic Church and conservative commentators as a “gross mockery” of Christian beliefs and traditions. Many social media users took to their platforms to air their complaints.
One user posted: “This is crazy. Opening your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples at The Last Supper with men in drag,” adding, “There are 2.4 billion Christians on earth and apparently the Olympics wanted to declare loudly to all of them, right out of the gate NOT WELCOME.”
The event also featured depictions of historical and religious figures, such as the beheading of Marie Antoinette and a Golden Calf idol, which further fueled outrage with critics labelling the ceremony as “hyper-sexualised” and “blasphemous”. They argued that the ceremony crossed boundaries of respect and sensitivity.
Also, using the Seine River as the setting for the ceremony was criticised by some conservatives, who opined it was a waste of resources and an unnecessary risk to the environment. Hence, it was labelled by some commentators as the “worst ever” opening ceremony.
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Paris Olympics 2024 schedule
Check out the full schedule of the Paris Olympics 2024 here.
Athletes to watch at Paris Olympics 2024
Below are the top five athletes to watch at the Paris Olympics 2024.
1. Tobi Amusan – Nigeria
World record holder in 100-meter hurdles, Oluwatobi Amusan, will be looking to clinch her first Olympic medal in Paris. The 27-year-old was a revelation at the 2023 World Athletic Championships, beating world-class stars like Kendra Harrison and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn to clinch gold. Since then, she has won the 2023 Commonwealth Games, 2024 African Games and three Diamond Leagues.
2. Sha’Carri Richardson – United States of America
After missing out on Tokyo 2020 through suspension after a failed drug test, Sha’Carri made an impressive comeback by winning three medals in the 100 and 200-meter events at the World Athletic Championships. She is part of the U.S. delegates who are expected to win gold for her nation in Paris.
3. Rory Mcllroy – Ireland
True world number three in the PGA Tour finished third in the Tokyo Olympics. He is in excellent form, racking up the honours and a Ryder Cup. Rory will be looking to add an Olympic medal to his collection.
4. Noah Lyles – United States of America
Already dubbed the greatest sprinter since Usain Bolt, Lyles does not have one important medal – an Olympics gold medal. He won bronze in the 200 meters in Tokyo 2020 and has since declared his ambition to break Bolt’s world record of 19.19 seconds.
5. Gudaf Tsegay
Dubbed the “most versatile athlete on the planet”, Tsagey will be making her third Olympic appearance. The 27-year-old Ethiopian is the third-fastest runner ever at 1,500 and 10,000 meters and holds the world record at 5,000 meters.
Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony
The Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony will be held on August 11, 2024, in a more traditional setting at the Stade de France.
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