We will see sweat, tears, heartbreak and joy in Paris over the coming fortnight. It is because the world’s best athletes compete at the Summer Olympic Games.
From boxing and badminton to javelin and judo, the Paris games will have something for everyone.
As the opening ceremony is tonight (26 July), here are five fun facts about the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad to mark the occasion.
History
Paris is no stranger to hosting the Olympics. The Games also took place in the French capital in 1900 and 1924. As a comparison, the only other city to host the Summer Olympics three times is London.
Different sports
The Paris Games will feature 32 sports, including athletics, archery, wrestling, water polo, rugby sevens and 3×3 basketball.
However, you will not see karate, softball or baseball. These sports were dropped. Nonetheless, you will be seeing breaking (breakdancing).
Breaking is new to the Olympics. It is expected to appeal to younger audiences. However, it may also prompt some sports fans to raise an eyebrow and ask, “Is that really a sport?”
Competitors
More than 10,000 athletes from 200 countries will compete this year, and, for the first time, there will be an equal ratio of male and female athletes.
A Refugee Team comprising 36 athletes who cannot train in their own country due to conflict or persecution will also participate.
Venues
Host cities always relish the chance to showcase themselves to the rest of the world, and Paris will be no exception.
In addition, the imposing Palace of Versailles will host equestrian events, while the iconic Eiffel Tower will serve as a backdrop to beach volleyball.
Unusually, one event will take place almost 10,000 miles away in Tahiti. The French Polynesian island will host the surfing.
Mascots
Olympic mascots are always rubbish (remember weird Wenlock from the London Games?), and it seems French organisers are continuing the tradition.
The Paris 2024 mascot is a red hat called Phryge. Why did the organisers choose an item of headwear for a mascot?
It’s because the Phrygian cap is synonymous with liberty in France. They used to be worn by revolutionaries.
Good luck to all the athletes. Go, Team GB!
What’s your favourite Olympic sport? Answer in the comments below.
