By Ann Marie Leitao, Contributing Blogger
Bonjour! It's time to dust off our high school French and prepare for two weeks of "ooh-la-la" as the world comes together in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics! From July 26 to August 11, the “City of Light” will transform into the world's largest outdoor gym, and the Games promise to be unforgettable. Get ready for this long-awaited event, and let's dive into what makes this year's Olympics in Paris so special!
Third time's the charm, they say, and Paris is hoping to prove it! Having hosted the Games in 1900 and 1924, the city is preparing to showcase its ability to organize a modern, sustainable Olympics. With a century of progress since its last hosting duties, Paris aims to combine its rich history and cultural heritage with contemporary innovations in sport and urban planning. And, all of the venues are sure to make your Instagram feed weep.
To name a few: Marseille, the sun-drenched Mediterranean port city, will become the hub for aquatic competitions. The equestrian events will gallop through the historic grounds of Versailles, where kings and queens once strolled. Beach volleyball will be spiking it out at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. And for those who like their sports with a side of paradise, the surfing competition will take place in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, featuring some of the world's most challenging waves.
The 2024 Olympics are breaking new ground – quite literally. Breaking, aka breakdancing, will make its debut as a medal event, proving that those cardboard boxes on street corners were actually secret Olympic training grounds. Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing are back for round two, having graduated from being Olympic newbies in the 2021 Games. These additions reflect the Games' efforts to embrace contemporary sports and appeal to a younger audience – can we say hello TikTok content?
The organizers are going for gold in the sustainability department. The Olympic Village will be designed as a sustainable community, featuring green buildings that incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. This initiative also includes comprehensive waste management practices and innovative water conservation strategies. Paris is paving the way to create a legacy of environmental stewardship for future host cities to follow.
Brace yourselves for the return of the GOAT – Simone Biles, the gymnastics phenomenon, is back to defy gravity and our expectations once again. Get ready to witness her grand comeback with even more complex routines and awe-inspiring performances. With new moves named after her and an ever-expanding list of accolades, Biles is ready to inspire the world once more and push the boundaries of what’s possible in gymnastics. All while we watch from our couch.
In true French fashion, it's not just about sports (gasp!). The Games will be accompanied by a cultural smorgasbord that would make even the Mona Lisa smile. Art installations, music festivals, and theatrical performances will accompany the events. Paris is already known for its notorious traffic, and now throw millions of sports fans in the mix. The city promises enhanced public transportation, but let's be real – getting from your hotel to the velodrome might qualify as an Olympic event itself.
Hosting the Olympics is like throwing the world's most expensive soirée, and we want a front-row seat of it all. We can’t wait to watch this spectacular blend of athletic prowess, cultural richness, and that indefinable French je ne sais quoi! Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just in it for the croissants, Paris 2024 will offer something for everyone.
And remember, if all else fails, you can always console yourself with a glass of world-class French wine. After all, wine appreciation is a sport we can all get behind. 🏃♀️➡️🍷
