The Olympic Village in Paris has officially opened its doors, welcoming athletes from around the world for the 2024 Summer Olympics set to begin on July 26. Located in the north of Paris, the village can accommodate up to 14,500 people, including 9,000 athletes. Delegations from countries such as Colombia, Thailand, Australia, and Mexico are among the first to arrive.As athletes settle in, French authorities have implemented unprecedented security measures across Paris. The Seine River, which will host the opening ceremony, has been sealed off with a 4-mile long anti-terrorism barrier. A special QR code system has been put in place to control access to certain areas, causing some confusion and frustration among locals and tourists. The French military has taken control of the river area, deploying a special unit equipped with advanced anti-drone systems.Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that only 15 Russian athletes will participate in the games under a neutral status. This decision reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The athletes, mostly tennis players, will compete as ‘individual neutral athletes’ without displaying any Russian symbols.Despite these challenges, the Olympic spirit remains high. Tatiana, a 26-year-old Moldovan swimmer, expressed her excitement: “I’m just too excited to be here”. The games will feature both classic and new sports, including the debut of breakdancing, and will achieve complete gender equality for the first time in Olympic history.
Key points
- The Olympic Village in Paris has opened, welcoming athletes from around the world for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
- French authorities have implemented strict security measures, including sealing off parts of the Seine River and using a QR code system for access.
- Only 15 Russian athletes will participate under a neutral status, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions.
