Tahiti and Place de la Concorde approved by IOC as proposed venues for Paris 2024
The surfing and urban sport venues must be officially confirmed in December 2020.
Tahiti and Place de la Concorde have both been approved by the International Olympic Committee's executive board as venues for the Paris 2024 Olympic events.
Teahupo’o in Tahiti has been endorsed as the location of surfing, while Place de la Concorde has been given approval to host urban sport events.
''The choice of Tahiti to host the surfing events is in line with Paris 2024’s commitment to offering optimum conditions for competitors, with Teahupo’o considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful waves. Both selective and spectacular, it will ensure a level of sports competition in line with the standards required for the Olympic Games, the world’s greatest competition.''
The two iconic sites still have a final hurdle to overcome.
Both venues must be officially confirmed in December 2020.
Surfing, which will make its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 later this year, was added to the Paris 2024 programme in June along with breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing.
Surf's up in Tahiti
French Polynesia is one of the historic birthplaces of surfing.
If final confirmation is given for surfing's second Olympic appearance to be held in Tahiti, the Paris Games will include one of the world's most iconic waves.
Tahiti also gives Paris 2024 the chance to connect with French overseas territories.
“The (board members) were convinced by the enthusiasm of the Paris 2024 presentation,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. “They assured us, and went through sustainability and, importantly too, the popularity among athletes.”
The Paris 2024 Executive Board chose the island in French Polynesia as the preferred venue in December 2019.
The world renowned Teahupo’o surf break is offshore, and the strategy is designed to have limited impact on the coast.
Over the next four years, Paris 2024 will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to maintain economic and environmental care.
Place de la Concorde - the heart of Paris
Place de la Concorde is an iconic square in the centre of France's capital.
The venue is set to be a temporary multi-sport venue, combining urban sport with cultural celebrations.
Exactly which sports and disciplines will be contested at the site won't be revealed until December.
The square is set to highlight the city's heritage, connecting the Champs-Elysées to the Tuileries Gardens.
Paris 2024 is eager to offer optimum conditions for competitors and believe this unique square offers exactly that.
''We are delighted that the IOC Executive Board has approved the Teahupo’o site in Tahiti for the organization of the surfing competitions and Place de la Concorde for the urban sports events. This marks another milestone with our ambition to deliver spectacular and sustainable Games that will offer a unique experience for athletes.'' Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet.