The Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris are on! From the 26th of July, we can watch and support more than 10 000 athletes that compete to get their hands on the medals. Check these interesting facts worth knowing about the Paris Olympics 2024.
Tahiti is the new Paris
While Paris remains the host city, 16 other cities across France host some sporting events. The most unique competition is considered to be surfing, which takes place in the French territory of Tahiti. This location is 15 000km away from Paris and is the furthest competition held outside the host city. However, the legendary Teahupo’o waves of the Pacific Ocean are worth the distance for all athletes.
Gender equality
This year’s Olympics are the first in history with an equal number of male and female athletes participating. Out of all 10 500 athletes, 5 250 are men and 5 250 are women.
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Inclusion of the Eiffel Tower
This iconic monument will have two main roles in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Firstly, beach volleyball will be held in a temporary outdoor arena outside the Eiffel Tower. Secondly, the medals will be decorated with original iron from the tower so that all medal winners can take a piece of Paris home with them.
100th anniversary
Paris hosted the Olympic Games for the very first time in 1900 and then later in 1924. This means that the 2024 Olympics mean a return to Paris after exactly 100 years. Additionally, Paris will become the second capital city to host the Olympics three times, right after London.
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New way of opening
This year’s Opening ceremony took place on the river Seine. It was for the first time in history that the opening of the Olympics was not held in a stadium. We could see athletes enter this sporting event in a colourful parade through the capital city of France.
Catching up with the stars
Champions Park, located in front of the Eiffel Tower, allows spectators to meet up with the Olympic athletes as well as enjoy various performances by artists. Entry is free in order to offer the best experience. Moreover, visitors can enjoy live broadcasting of major sporting events every night.
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Temporary venues
Paris set up 7 venues during the Olympic Games and 5 venues during the Paralympic Games. These venues are only temporary and will be dismantled after the Games. This allowed Paris to host some events in the heart of the city. The main effort was to protect trees and vegetated areas.
Coming together to help
The Paris 2024 Olympics are supported by 45 000 volunteers, who were able to apply through the official site. Thanks to their enthusiasm to help, an unforgettable experience and smooth organisation are ensured.
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Torch as a symbolic object
The torch has been a message of unity and peace since the very first Olympic Games. To be exact with the origin, the Olympic Flame crossed the Mediterranean Sea before officially arriving in France. After two weeks from the start of the Games, the Olympic Flame will be put out, but the torch will continue to be lit.
The Phryges
Phrygian caps are the mascots of Paris 2024. The Phrygian cap is a symbol of freedom and forms part of French history. Records show that this piece of clothing was worn during the construction of Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral, during the Revolution during construction of the Eiffel Tower, and during the Paris 1924 Olympic Games.
