The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony celebrating French culture and history while welcoming athletes from countries all around the world to the city. Boats representing each participating country were paraded along the Seine River, which the French government actually spent around 1.5 billion to clean specifically for these Olympic games (TIME). The ceremony also featured music, dancing, and other artistic performances. After lighting the Olympic Cauldron developed by French designer Mathiew Lehanneur, fireworks blossomed over the Paris skyline over various notable landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Some standout uniforms featured in the opening ceremony include Mongolia’s vaguely traditional uniform with symbolic colors and embroidery, Canada’s bright red Lululemon team uniforms, and Haiti’s artistic skirts and jackets.
Considering that a record thirty million viewers watched the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics from its start on July 26 to its grand ending on August 11, it seemed as though the whole world was waiting with bated breath to see who would emerge as its victors. The competition was quite fierce, with 206 countries and an estimated 10,500 athletes (ESPN) competing in 32 available sports (Olympics), including the newly introduced event of breakdancing. Ultimately, the U.S. and China tied for gold medals, each taking home 40. However, the U.S. won more medals in general, with 125 compared to China’s 91. Behind the U.S. and China tie follows the countries Japan (20 gold), Australia (18 gold), France (16 gold), Netherlands (15 gold), Great Britain (14 gold), South Korea (13 gold), Italy (12 gold), and Germany (12 gold). Seventeen (17) new world records were set, including Pan Zhanle of China in the 100-meter freestyle, Katie Ledecky of the U.S. in the 1,500-meter freestyle, and Summer McIntosh of Canada in the 200-meter butterfly.
Many athletes also became social media sensations, like the Turkish sharp-shooter Yusuf Dikec who nonchalantly shot at the target with one hand in his pocket and no apparent special gear, then proceeded to win silver. When asked about his accomplishment, Dikec reportedly told Turkish media, “I did not need special equipment…I’m a natural, a natural shooter” (Euronews). Other notable athletes include Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn “Raygun” who was bashed online for her odd and what can only be described as original dance moves, Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen who seems to have an obsession with the chocolate muffins in the Olympic Village, and Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin who confusedly bit (or rather pretended to bite) her medal after observing both her fellow medalists biting into theirs.
It should be no surprise that romance was in the air during the 2024 Paris Olympics; with heartfelt gestures of love, poetic apologies for the loss of a wedding ring, and at least seven Olympic proposals, the ‘City of Love’ truly lived up to its name. These actions increased positive public perception of the Olympics and touched fans’ hearts across the world.
Overall, the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics was a great success. By skillfully balancing French patriotism and appreciation for each visiting country in the Games, viewers were able to admire every country’s beauty and culture. Although not all countries won medals or competed for the top spots, each athlete deserves commendation for their hard work and bravery in participating among the top athletes in the world. The memories created, the records set, and the moments of triumph will certainly continue to inspire future generations of both athletes and fans. Merci, Paris—you’ve set a high standard for future Games!
