LE BOURGET, France – For many athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the celebrations began only after the conclusion of their competitions. In the second full week of the Games, many athletes faced challenges in returning home. With the pressure of competition lifted, it was time to become a fan, enjoy Paris, and watch other sports.
“I’m a huge fan of athletics,” said triathlete Morgan Pearson, who won a silver medal with the U.S. team in the mixed relay event. “I hope to catch some of the races. I’m generally a massive Olympic fan.”
American sport climber Zach Hammer, who finished his competitions on Tuesday, was headed to the athletics field. “I’m definitely excited to see the men’s 200 meters with Noah Lyles. He’s one of my favorite athletes,” he stated. “I’m really looking forward to getting the full Olympic experience, and I want to see everything there is to see. It will definitely be amazing to watch Americans compete on the biggest stage.”
U.S. rower Jacob Plihal, who remained in the city after the preliminary competitions, mentioned, “Hopefully, I can catch some handball if it’s still going on, maybe 3×3 basketball. I don’t know what the schedules are. I’ve been focused on the races, but I’m excited to stick around, see other sports, cheer on Team USA, and get to know some athletes in the Olympic village.”
Another American sport climber, Sam Watson, who set a world speed record during an elimination round on Tuesday, also enjoyed his time in the village. He challenged fellow athletes to chess and attempted to take selfies with members of each delegation among the participants. Several American female rowers who competed the previous week were also present at the women’s basketball game between the USA and Nigeria on Wednesday.
Molly Thompson-Smith, a British sport climber, was interested in watching some of the lesser-known sports that rarely receive much attention. “It’s been really cool to learn how they function and all the quirky things about them,” she remarked.
Today’s Olympic coverage included significant results from boxing, basketball, athletics, and artistic swimming. Taiwanese athlete Lin Yu-ting advanced to the final in boxing, while Americans A’ja Wilson and the women’s basketball team defeated Germany. Quincy Hall from the USA made an impressive comeback to win gold in the 400 meters. Additionally, the USA secured its first Olympic medal in artistic swimming in 20 years.
Thompson-Smith added that she “watched a bit of beach volleyball,” but emphasized that “everyone wants to see athletics to experience the atmosphere from the crowd.”
Rowing athlete Viktorija Senkute, who won Lithuania’s first medal at the Games the previous week, remained in Paris to watch her boyfriend, Simonas Maldonis, compete in canoe sprinting. Athletes can attend their own events with their accreditation but need tickets for other sports. Some obtained tickets through their national Olympic committees, while others received a free daily ticket from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
For the first time in Summer Olympic history, the organizers also provided athletes a space closer to their fans in Champions Park, where they could celebrate their medals. “I feel like they’ve really done a great job this year in giving us memories we will cherish forever,” said French rugby player Aaron Grandidier Nkanang after visiting Champions Park. “We are right in front of the Eiffel Tower, and there are thousands of people who have come to cheer for us.”