The Return of the Olympic Spirit: Paris 2024
In 2018, the world last saw the Olympic Games celebrated with the vibrant energy of a live audience. The intervening years brought us the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games (held in 2021) and the Beijing Winter Games, both conducted under strict Covid-19 restrictions. These events, devoid of the usual crowd enthusiasm, felt eerily quiet and sterile. However, Paris 2024 promises a return to the jubilant Olympic atmosphere we’ve all missed.
Paris Brings Back the Crowd
Paris is embracing the challenge of hosting the first full-audience Olympics since the pandemic began. One of the most audacious moves? Using the Seine, a river infamous for its pollution, for Olympic events. The same river, which has been off-limits for swimming for a century, is now the stage for triathletes and open water swimmers. Despite robust efforts to clean it up, the decision is not without its critics.
Paris 2024 boss Tony Estanguet acknowledges the controversy but stands firm, stating, “Sure, it creates a debate, and it’s not the easiest thing we could have done. But it sends a strong message of audacity.”
This bold decision reflects the indomitable Olympic spirit of civic pride and perseverance. Once a city commits to hosting the Games, it must overcome public resistance, logistical hurdles, and financial challenges to ensure the event goes on.
The Tradition of Hosting the Olympics
Hosting the Olympics has always been a mix of pride and contention. Despite corruption scandals and the abandoned stadiums of past hosts, the Games continue to captivate cities with their promise of global recognition and celebration. Paris, following a politically heated summer, is experiencing a typical range of public emotions towards the Games: indifference (36%), concern (24%), satisfaction (23%), and anger (5%).
Boston, an early contender for the 2024 Games, withdrew its bid after realizing the local impact, from extended Dunkin’ lines to increased traffic. Negative pre-Games sentiment is common, fueled by concerns over traffic, security, and costs. Paris faced its own disruptions recently, with a coordinated sabotage attack on the country’s high-speed trains.
The Excitement Builds
Despite these challenges, the excitement of the Olympics is undeniable. The French athletes are ready to shine, with stars like basketball player Victor Wembanyama, swimmer Léon Marchand, judokas Clarisse Agbegnenou and Teddy Riner, mountain biker Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, and the French women’s soccer team poised to captivate the nation.
The U.S. team, as always, brings star power. Gymnast Simone Biles aims for redemption after a shaky Tokyo performance, while Katie Ledecky looks to add to her seven gold medals in the pool. Sprinters Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson are set to electrify the track, alongside record-breaker Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and the young comet Quincy Wilson. Another rising star is gymnast Hezly Rivera, who turned 16 in June.
A new addition to the Olympic lineup is breakdancing, set to debut at Place de la Concorde. This art form, born in the Bronx, will bring a fresh, dynamic element to the Games.
Basketball and Beyond
Team USA’s basketball squad, led by LeBron James and Steph Curry, faces an increasingly competitive international field, including Serbia’s Nikola Jokic and Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The U.S. women’s team, featuring legends Diana Taurasi and A’ja Wilson, remains a strong favorite.
The list of athletes to watch is extensive, from tennis star Coco Gauff to cycling track racer Jennifer Valente and returning gold medal gymnast Suni Lee. International sensations like middle-distance runner Jakob Ingebrigsten, sprinter Shericka Jackson, and pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis (competing for Sweden) add to the global excitement.
The Element of Surprise
One of the Olympic Games’ greatest charms is the unexpected heroes that emerge. Every event, from fencing and table tennis to canoeing and steeplechase, has the potential to produce unforgettable moments and new stars.
Immersive Coverage
NBC will once again provide comprehensive coverage of the Games, from prime time packages to nonstop live coverage via its Peacock streaming service. Fans can even follow the events with a personalized rundown from an AI-powered Al Michaels.
Paris: The Ultimate Host
Paris itself will be a star of these Games, with events staged in iconic locations like the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, and Versailles. Roland-Garros will host Olympic tennis, featuring Rafael Nadal in what might be his final Olympic appearance, potentially alongside his heir apparent, Carlos Alcaraz.
The Olympic Spirit Lives On
Despite the complexities and controversies, the Olympics retain a unique allure. They are a testament to human perseverance, competition, and the pursuit of excellence. Every day of the Games offers the chance to witness the best day of someone’s life, making all the challenges worthwhile.
So, let the Games begin, and let’s all take a break to enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of the Paris 2024 Olympics.