With just five days until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games begin, organizers and athletes are in the final stages of preparation for what promises to be a groundbreaking event. Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, has declared the city ‘ready’ for the Games, highlighting significant improvements in the Seine River’s water quality, which will host various aquatic events.The opening ceremony on July 26 will mark a historic departure from tradition, taking place outside a stadium for the first time. A boat parade featuring 6,000-7,000 athletes will sail down the Seine River, watched by an estimated 320,000 spectators. The ceremony, designed by 42-year-old theatre director Thomas Jolly, will showcase France’s cultural diversity with 3,000 performers.These Olympics will introduce several innovations, including the debut of breakdancing as an Olympic sport and the achievement of gender parity among athletes for the first time in the Games’ history. Additionally, surfing events will be held in Tahiti, French Polynesia, adding a touch of paradise to the competition.As excitement builds, some challenges persist. A group of artists has announced a strike for the opening ceremony, citing unequal treatment. Some Parisians have expressed concerns about movement restrictions and the impact on local businesses. However, the overall mood remains positive, with the Olympic flame receiving a warm welcome as it nears the Olympic Village.Athletes from around the world are arriving at the Olympic Village, which will host 14,250 people, including 9,000 athletes. Many, like Brazilian volleyball player André Stein, have praised the facilities and the welcoming atmosphere. As the pressure mounts, athletes like Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena are vowing to give their all despite physical challenges.With 10,500 athletes from 206 countries set to compete across 32 sports, the Paris 2024 Olympics are poised to be a monumental event, balancing spectacle with stringent security measures and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
Key points
- The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature a unique boat parade opening ceremony on the Seine River.
- For the first time, there will be gender parity among Olympic athletes.
- New sports like breakdancing will debut, while surfing events will be held in Tahiti.
- Despite some challenges, organizers and athletes express readiness and excitement for the Games.
