Paris (365nyt.dk) — After two and a half weeks of intense sportsmanship that transformed the French capital into a vibrant celebration, the Paris 2024 Olympics have reached their conclusion. From the lively streets of Paris to the surfing venue in Tahiti, Olympic visitors said “au revoir” — or see you again — to an unforgettable championship.
Paris has now hosted the Olympic Games three times, and this edition was particularly marked by strong enthusiasm from French fans. It has been a week filled with impressive performances, with swimmer Léon Marchand proving to be a true sensation. His four gold medals ignited jubilation among spectators and highlighted the spirit of French sportsmanship.
In addition to Marchand, judo icon Teddy Riner and mountain biker Pauline Ferrand-Prévot also contributed to the domestic excitement. Initial negative impressions regarding security measures that complicated daily life for locals were quickly forgotten as cheers echoed with slogans like “Allez les bleus!” — “Go Blue!” — in response to the incoming flood of medals.
Not only French athletes captured the spotlight. Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis broke his own world record and etched his name into the history books with his gold medal. Simone Biles, who had taken a break from competition due to mental health challenges, made a comeback to win three golds and one silver medal in gymnastics.
The opening ceremony, which was drenched in rain, did not diminish the festive atmosphere. Fans and VIPs enjoyed a colorful representation of LGBTQ+ pride and French humor, though some, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, criticized certain performances.
Among the day’s highlights, American basketball star Steph Curry led his team to secure their fifth consecutive Olympic gold with a victory over France. Concurrently, the U.S. women’s soccer team claimed its fifth Olympic gold medal by defeating Brazil 1-0.
On the legal front, it was also determined that Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu would replace Jordan Chiles as the bronze medalist in the floor exercise after a judges’ ruling.
While the Paris Olympics were not without challenges — ranging from environmental concerns to significant security measures — the Games provided insights into how future events may be more sustainable. Innovations such as the electrified Olympic cauldron and the use of existing venues instead of costly new constructions are just a few contributions Paris has brought to the table.
The current mayor of Paris, who has invested billions in cleaning the Seine River, expressed optimism about the long-term legacy of the Games. “This renovation will improve the quality of life for our children,” he remarked, hoping that the revamped river will soon allow for swimming by local residents.
As normal life is set to resume, the echoes of the Games continue to resonate in Paris. A victory bell from the Olympic stadium will find a new home in the rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral, which is expected to open to the public in December. The bell will serve as a symbol of the joy the Games brought and a reminder of the “extraordinary atmosphere” the Olympics created among the French people. “This bell will be a landmark of how the Games have left their mark on France,” concluded the rector of Notre Dame with a smile.