As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach their July 26 opening, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the city’s readiness, with Director of Sports Kit McConnell praising the quality of venues and the Olympic Village. The Games have generated significant public interest, with a record-breaking 8.8 million tickets sold.The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacular and unprecedented event, featuring 6,000-7,000 athletes in a boat parade along the Seine River. This unique setup will allow spectators to watch for free from the upper decks, while those on the lower decks will need to pay. To ensure safety, French authorities have deployed an extensive security force of 45,000 police and gendarmes, along with 10,000 soldiers.However, controversies and challenges persist. The French government has banned 4,340 individuals, including journalists, from participating in the Olympics due to security concerns. Notably, many Russian journalists have been denied accreditation, with French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin citing concerns about potential ‘Russian spies’. Additionally, Olympic officials fear that Russia may attempt to disrupt the games.The participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes remains a contentious issue. Only 15 Russians and 16 Belarusians have been accredited to compete as neutral athletes. This decision has led to criticism and boycotts, including from the Russian Judo Federation.The Games will feature new sports such as breakdancing, while some traditional events face potential changes. Due to water quality concerns, organizers are considering moving the marathon swimming event from the Seine River and potentially converting the triathlon into a duathlon.As Paris transforms for the Olympics, some residents have expressed frustration with the extensive security measures and disruptions to daily life. Despite these challenges, the IOC remains optimistic, increasing the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship Fund by 10% to $650 million for 2025 to support athletes from developing countries.
Key points
- The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to open on July 26 with a unique boat parade along the Seine River.
- Extensive security measures are in place, with 45,000 police and 10,000 soldiers deployed.
- Controversies persist, including the ban on Russian journalists and limited participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
- New sports like breakdancing will debut, while some events may change due to environmental concerns.
Contradictions👾While the IOC praises Paris’s readiness and the quality of venues, some reports highlight residents’ frustrations with disruptions and security measures.
👾The IOC claims high public interest with record ticket sales, but some local businesses report closures due to lack of customers.
