Since its inception, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have captured the attention of the world with its unique appeal.
From iconic sites serving as backdrops for the games to gender equality for the first time in Olympic history, there are a number of aspects that make the Paris Games stand out from previous Olympics.
Take the design of the medals, for example. At the center of each medal is a hexagonal piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower with the Olympic emblem. The other side of the medal depicts the story of the revival of the Olympic Games, with Athena, the goddess of victory, as the main symbol. For every athlete who wins a medal, in addition to Olympic honor, they will also be able to “bring home” the Eiffel Tower, which is “exciting” to think about.
In addition to the design of the medals, this year's Olympic Games also has a lot of original ideas and concepts.
A tour of iconic venues for the 2024 Paris Olympics
From the beach volleyball court next to the Eiffel Tower, to the surfing resort of Teahupoo, famous for its huge waves, to the equestrian stadium at the Palace of Versailles, iconic attractions of global renown will be the venues of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, offering an unrivaled event experience.
As athletes sweat it out on the field, step up to the podium and make history for their country and region, they will also showcase France's deep history and cultural heritage, as landmark sites representing French culture will be present throughout the Games.
For example, the Grand Palais in Paris, a magnificent building “built for the glory of French art,” will host fencing and taekwondo competitions during the Games, and the Palace of Versailles, the 17th-century home of the French royal family, will be transformed into an equestrian venue. The marathon course has been designed to pass through many iconic sites with breathtaking views.
Groundbreaking Olympic Opening Ceremony
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games were unique in their historical significance: for the first time, the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games was moved outside the stadium and presented on an unprecedented scale.
The groundbreaking Opening Ceremony took place on July 26th on the River Seine, where 10,500 athletes representing their National and Regional Olympic Committees kicked off the Games with a boat parade.
The parade route is 6 kilometers long, with the final destination being the Place du Trocadéro, across the river from the Eiffel Tower and home to the Palais de Chaillot. Spectators can witness the athletes along the banks of the river. In addition, 80 giant screens and sound equipment have been installed in downtown Paris, so that spectators can feel the warm atmosphere of the Olympic Games in every corner of the city.
Phryges: Paris 2024 Olympic Games Mascot
Phryges, the mascot of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is already a favorite.
The bright red Phryges cap is a symbol of French freedom and also represents the French Revolution and the French Republic. And now, Phryges will work to promote a revolution in sports.
The Phryges cap has witnessed all the important historical events in French history, including the construction of Notre Dame de Paris in 1163, the French Revolution in 1789, the introduction of the Eiffel Tower, and even the 1924 Paris Olympics, which took place exactly one hundred years ago.
Today, the Phryges will serve as an important symbol of the 2024 Paris Olympics, enriching the historical context and meaning of the Games.
Paris 2024: Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
Gender equality and sustainable development are two of the core concepts of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and they are what will differentiate this year's Games from the previous ones.
For the first time, the Paris Games will have a 1:1 ratio of male to female athletes, and the long marathon struggle of female athletes for equal opportunity to compete will change this year.
The Paris Games are committed to creating a better experience for all, with sustainability at the forefront. The Organizing Committee is committed to delivering an Olympic Games that is more responsible, more sustainable, more united and more inclusive than ever before.
This year's Games promise to halve carbon emissions by adopting innovative energy models to reduce carbon emissions and minimizing the negative impact of the materials used, from spectator seating to tents, chairs, beds, and even every tennis ball, among others. Most notably, the water quality of the Seine River was restored to swimmable condition for the first time in over 100 years, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo verified the water quality by taking the first dip in the Seine.
Emerging sports debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Just one cycle apart, the Olympic Games are welcoming new sports. After surfing, skateboarding, freestyle scooter and sport climbing made their debuts at Tokyo 2020, breakdancing is back in the Olympics in Paris and is the only brand new sport at the event.
The breakdancing debut will take place at the Place de la Concorde, which will also host skateboarding, triple basketball and freestyle scooter competitions.
Plaza de la Concorde will create a competition venue with a very urban sports atmosphere, combining music, art and competitive sports. Spectators will be able to see top athletes up close while enjoying music and a variety of activities. Breakdancing competitions will take place throughout almost the entire Olympics, starting on the first competition day after the Opening Ceremony (July 27th) and continuing until the day before the Closing Ceremony (August 10th).