Paris 2024: From iconic venues to gender parity, what makes these Olympic Games so special?
Paris 2024 is right around the corner and this edition of the Olympic Games is shaping up to be nothing short of magical.
From the iconic venues to the first ever Olympic Games that is set to have gender parity, there is so much that sets Paris 2024 apart from every Games that has come before.
And, as if winning an Olympic medal isn't exciting enough in itself, every athlete that makes it on an Olympic podium will be taking home a piece of the Eiffel Tower. A piece of original iron from the iconic landmark will sit in the center of each bronze, silver and gold medal in a hexagonal shape, branded with the logo of the Games. The reverse side of the medal depicts an adaptation of the rebirth of the Games, featuring the goddess of victory Athena Nike.
Beyond the medals, here are more of the ways in which Paris will be an incredibly special edition of the Olympic Games.
Paris 2024’s iconic venues
From beach volleyball being staged right beside the Eiffel Tower to surfing at the infamous wave called Teahupo’o and equestrian at the Chateau de Versailles, Paris 2024 will host this year’s Games at some of the most iconic venues in the world.
This means that the greatest athletes of this generation will not only be making history for their own nations as they compete and stand on top of podiums, but also for France, as culturally significant and iconic landmarks are incorporated throughout the Games.
Take the Grand Palais, for example, which was dedicated “by the French Republic to the glory of French art,” but will host fencing and taekwondo during the Olympics. Or, there’s Versailles, where the equestrian athletes will compete at what became the epicenter of French Royalty in the 17th century. The marathon runners might just have the best of everything, though, as the route takes them through a laundry list of these iconic sites.
Historic Opening Ceremony for Paris 2024
For the first time in the history of the summer Olympic Games, Paris 2024 will host the iconic Opening Ceremony outside of a stadium - and it will be bigger than any one to ever come before.
The revolutionary event will take place on the Seine River, where the 10,500 athletes will float down the river on boats with their National Olympic Committees on 26 July to kick off the Games.
The route is six kilometers long and will end in front of the Trocadéro - the site of the Palais de Chaillot, across the river from the Eiffel Tower. Spectators will be able to watch the entire parade from the sides of the river and it is the first time an Opening Ceremony will be open to as many people as possible with no cost of admission, apart from one area. 80 giant screens will also be strategically placed with speakers throughout the French capital, so the whole city will be able to enjoy the atmosphere.
A concept design of the parade of athletes on the Seine during the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony.
Phryge: Paris 2024’s Mascot
The world has already begun falling in love with the Phryges - Paris 2024’s mascots.
The bright red Phrygian caps are a historic symbol of freedom for the French and have been a part of history since ancient times. On top of freedom, they represent revolution and the French Republic and now, will aim to drive a revolution through sport.
The cap has been a part of all of the major events in French history, including being worn during the construction of Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral in 1163, during the Revolution of 1789, during the building of the Eiffel Tower and even the Olympic Games Paris 1924, exactly 100 years ago.
Now, they will be at the forefront of Paris 2024 to bring even more history into the iconic Games that are to come.
Gender parity and sustainability at Paris 2024
Gender parity and sustainability are major elements of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 that set these apart from all of those to come before.
For the first time ever, the ratio of athletes at an Olympic Games will be one woman to every man competing. It has been a marathon for women to get to this place, but this year, that all changes.
Another way that Paris 2024 is striving to create a better experience for all is through sustainability, where the organizing committee has set out to deliver an event that is better than ever, all which being more responsible, sustainable, more united and more inclusive.
The Games have committed to reducing the carbon footprint by a half compared to previous editions by reducing carbon emissions with innovative energy models, minimizing the impact of all materials from spectator seats to tents, chairs, beds, all the way down to each tennis ball, and more. One obvious example is the fact that the Seine River is swimmable for the first time in over 100 years, and it was none other than Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, that jumped in first to prove it.
New and growing sports at Paris 2024
As the only sport making its Olympic debut in Paris, breaking is joining the roster of action sports, one cycle after surfing, skateboarding, BMX freestyle and sport climbing made their debuts at Tokyo 2020.
Also known as breakdancing, the sport’s debut will be made all the more exciting by the venue - La Concorde - as the action will go down alongside skateboarding, 3x3 basketball and BMX freestyle.
The idea of this venue is to mimic an urban environment, and this one will do perfectly as the action sports will go down while spectators enjoy music and activities while surrounded by the best of the best in their sports. The action is set to span for almost the entirety of the Games, with events happening from the day after the Opening Ceremony on 27 July, to the day before the Closing Ceremony on 10 August.