As the Paris 2024 Olympics are set to begin on July 26, nations are finalizing their preparations and setting ambitious goals for the Games. Mexico, led by Ana Gabriela Guevara, director of the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport, aims to break its historic record of nine Olympic medals set during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Guevara expressed optimism about Mexico’s chances, citing strong performances in disciplines such as diving, taekwondo, archery, and modern pentathlon.Meanwhile, Brazil has named its flagbearers for the opening ceremony. Isaquias Queiroz, a decorated canoeist with four Olympic medals, and Raquel Kochhann, a rugby player who recently recovered from breast cancer, will lead the Brazilian delegation. The Brazilian Olympic Committee hopes to surpass the 21 medals won in Tokyo 2020.The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has declared Paris ready to host the Games, with Sports Director Kit McConnell stating that the city and the Olympic organization have ‘fulfilled their promise’. The Games will feature several innovative elements, including a unique opening ceremony along the Seine River, where 206 countries will be presented on boats instead of the traditional stadium parade.Security measures have been heightened, with Paris deploying 35,000 police and gendarmes. The IOC has also increased its cybersecurity measures, recognizing that ‘you can never be too prepared’.As the final countdown begins, the Chinese Olympic delegation, comprising 405 athletes competing in 236 events across 30 sports, arrived in Paris last night. With 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries expected to participate, the Paris 2024 Olympics are poised to be a monumental event, balancing spectacle with a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
Key points
- Mexico aims to break its Olympic medal record set in 1968.
- Brazil names canoeist Isaquias Queiroz and rugby player Raquel Kochhann as flagbearers.
- The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature an innovative opening ceremony along the Seine River.
- IOC declares Paris ready to host the Games with enhanced security measures.
