The anticipation leading up to the Summer Olympics in Paris was met with a sense of ennui among the locals. Many Parisians were preparing to leave the city, either by putting their apartments on Airbnb or taking to social media to express their discontent and urge tourists not to come. However, despite their reservations, a record-breaking 9.7 million tickets were sold for the Games, and Parisians who stayed embraced the Olympic spirit wholeheartedly.
The city of Paris, with its iconic landmarks serving as backdrops for various events, added a touch of magic to the Games. From beach volleyball beneath the Eiffel Tower to equestrian events at Versailles, the setting was truly spectacular. The enthusiasm of the Parisians, combined with the impressive performances of Team France athletes, helped to create a memorable and exciting atmosphere throughout the event.
The Paris Olympics showcased the best of international sport, with standout moments such as Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowing to gold-medal winner Rebeca Andrade in the first all-Black winners podium in gymnastics. American athlete Cole Hocker’s come-from-behind victory in the 1500-meter race and 14-year-old Arisa Trew’s gold medal in skateboarding were also highlights of the Games. The presence of celebrities like Snoop Dogg added to the excitement, drawing in a large audience of viewers.
In contrast to the success of the Paris Olympics, recent major international sporting events have faced challenges. The 2021 Tokyo Games were heavily disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in viewership due to restrictions on spectators. The 2022 Winter Games in Beijing raised concerns over the choice of host country, with autocratic regimes like China and Kazakhstan being the final contenders.
The rising costs of hosting major sporting events have also become a significant issue, with democratic countries hesitant to bid due to the financial burden. This trend has favored autocratic nations like Qatar and China, which are willing to invest heavily in hosting such events despite controversies surrounding human rights and political issues.
As the future of international sport seems to lean towards autocratic governments with deep pockets, the Paris Olympics stand out as a beacon of vibrant sporting culture and architectural beauty. It serves as a reminder of the joy and excitement that can be experienced when international sport takes place in the right city, free from major political controversies.
In conclusion, the Paris Olympics provided a glimpse of the potential for international sporting events to inspire and unite people from around the world. Despite the challenges faced by recent Games, the spirit of competition and camaraderie prevailed in Paris, making it a memorable and successful event for athletes and spectators alike.