Imagine Celine Dion performing halfway up the Eiffel Tower, serenading the crowd with the beloved French classic Hymne à l'amour. Unbelievable, right? But that was just the beginning. The 16 days of the Paris 2024 Olympics offered more than just unforgettable performances; they encapsulated the essence of human drama, set against the backdrop of Paris's iconic and historic venues. The blend of sports and celebrity appearances we didn’t know we needed, accompanied by a soundtrack that united fans and athletes alike, made these Games truly remarkable. The Paris 2024 Olympics had it all—and then some.
So, where should we start? Perhaps with the subtle, rhythmic tap of les trois coups.
A Theatrical Start to the Games
In French classical theatre, les trois coups refer to three taps made on the stage floor before a performance begins, signalling to the audience that the curtain is about to rise. This dramatic tradition was creatively woven into the opening of various Olympic events across Paris, with sports legends as the tappers. Tony Hawk graced La Concorde for men’s skateboarding, former NBA star Carmelo Anthony introduced men’s basketball, Billie Jean King opened the proceedings at Roland Garros, and, in a unique twist, Snoop Dogg made a grand entrance for breaking’s Olympic debut.
And that’s where the Olympic “dog father” comes into play, but more on that later. With the audience’s attention firmly captured, the stage was set for a feast of sporting drama.
Leon Marchand: The Star of Paris 2024
French swimmer Leon Marchand faced enormous pressure, not only as the favourite in his events but also as the face of his home country's Olympics. Competing in six events at La Defense Arena, the 22-year-old handled it all with remarkable composure. Marchand went on to claim four gold medals and one bronze, becoming such a sensation that spectators across Paris paused other Olympic events to watch him compete on their phones. This phenomenon was something unique to Paris 2024.
The host nation’s first gold medal was secured on the very first day, thanks to rugby legend Antoine Dupont leading the rugby sevens team to a historic victory at Stade de France. The crowd’s impassioned rendition of La Marseillaise added to the electrifying atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Simone Biles made a triumphant return to artistic gymnastics, dazzling the audience at Bercy Arena, which included stars like Tom Cruise, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade also made history with her performances.
Caribbean Triumphs: Alfred and LaFond’s Golden Moments
Paris 2024 was a platform for athletes from smaller nations to shine. Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia captured gold in the women’s 100m, while Thea LaFond of Dominica clinched victory in the triple jump. The men’s 100m final was so close that a photo finish was required to determine the winner, with Noah Lyles of the United States emerging victorious by just five-thousandths of a second over Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. Lyles’ compatriot Fred Kerley took bronze, making it a thrilling finish.
Lyles, who aimed to match his World Championship triple of 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay golds, ended up third in the 200m before it was revealed he had contracted COVID-19. Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis fulfilled a childhood dream by winning Olympic gold in pole vaulting, even setting a new world record in the process. Each victorious athlete celebrated by ringing a trackside bell, their energy levels reflected in the enthusiasm of their rings.
The host nation also had its share of historic moments, particularly in men’s BMX racing, where Joris Daudet, Sylvain André, and Romain Mahieu swept the podium, sending the crowd at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines BMX Stadium into a frenzy. Australia’s Saya Sakakibara took gold in the women’s event, celebrating alongside her boyfriend Mahieu in a heartwarming moment.
Paris, the City of Love, lived up to its reputation with countless proposals throughout the Games. French skiff sailors Sarah Steyaert and Charline Picon were both proposed to by their partners, and badminton player Liu Yuchen got down on one knee after his partner Huang Ya Qiong’s gold medal win, adding to the romantic atmosphere that pervaded the city.
Paris 2024: The City of Love Shines Bright
The venues for the Paris 2024 Olympics were nothing short of breathtaking. The Palace of Versailles hosted equestrian and modern pentathlon events, while the Eiffel Tower served as a stunning backdrop for beach volleyball. Cyclists, triathletes, and marathon swimmers were awarded their medals in front of the Iron Lady, creating unforgettable scenes. Nature added its magic when a whale breached behind surfers Tatiana Weston-Webb and Brisa Hennessy during their semi-final match in Tahiti, and the natural light streaming through the glass roof of the Grand Palais illuminated the taekwondo and fencing competitions.
The spirit of celebration extended beyond the venues to places like Champions Park, where medalists walked down a catwalk to the cheers of fans, once again with the Eiffel Tower in view. Athletes celebrated their victories with loved ones, friends, and fans at Olympic Houses and official fan zones scattered throughout the capital. France House was particularly lively, with medalists dancing under confetti into the early hours of the morning.
And then there was the unexpected but delightful sight of Snoop Dogg and Simone Biles enjoying athletics together. The rapper, who had become an unexpected Olympic superfan after his commentary on the “crip walking” horse at Tokyo 2020, attended multiple events in Paris, further blurring the lines between sports and celebrity.
As the Games came to a close, the Olympic cauldron, lit by three-time gold medalist Marie-Jose Perec and now five-time gold medalist Teddy Riner, marked the handover to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
From the City of Love to the City of Angels, the journey continues. Farewell, Olympic fans, until we meet again.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a breathtaking fusion of sport, culture, and celebrity, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities. From historic victories and record-breaking performances to heartwarming displays of love and unity, these Games captured the spirit of Paris like never before. As we bid farewell to the City of Love and look forward to Los Angeles 2028, the memories of these extraordinary 16 days will continue to inspire athletes and fans around the globe. Until next time, Paris, thank you for the magic.
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