The Olympic Games - A Global Celebration of Excellence and Unity

Prepared by Olabode Ilesanmi  

Paris 2024: A Stunning Fusion of Heritage, Progress, and Complex Legacy

When Paris welcomed the 2024 Summer Olympics, it offered far more than elite competition. Against a backdrop of storied architecture and scenic riverbanks, the city wove a tale of sustainability, innovation, and cultural ambition—while also revealing difficult questions about inclusion and equity.

A Ceremony Unlike Any Other

For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony was held not in a stadium but along the River Seine. Athletes from more than 200 countries drifted by boat past iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, while heavy rain added an unexpected dramatic flair. It was a bold statement, blending spectacle with a message of environmental renewal and public access.

Gender Equality Takes Center Stage

Paris made history by achieving perfect gender parity among its athletes—a first in modern Olympic Games. Alongside a balanced representation in the roster, the organisers also restructured the schedule to spotlight women's events, culminating in the women’s marathon serving as the closing athletic event. While still significant gaps remain in coaching roles and leadership positions, the Games marked undeniable progress.

New Sports, New Audiences

To modernize its appeal, the Olympic program featured sports such as breaking (dance), skateboarding, climbing, and surfing. These additions reflected a clear intent: connect with younger viewers and energize the event with new forms of athletic expression.

Technology Enhances Experience

AI-driven performance tracking and augmented reality features created more engaging athlete visuals and immersive viewing experiences. Cloud-based broadcasting platforms delivered ultra-high-definition coverage and enhanced analytics, raising the bar for event production.

Impact Beyond the Podium

Paris targeted a major infusion of economic activity tied to the Games, significantly bolstering tourism and hospitality sectors. The Olympic Village itself was designed for long-term benefit, slated for conversion into affordable housing, office space, and community amenities—a blueprint for major events with legacy in mind.

Uncomfortable Questions Emerging

Despite these achievements, the Paris Games also spotlighted lingering issues. Cost overruns surpassed budget expectations and environmental critics pointed out that the carbon footprint of travel and construction remained elevated. Reports emerged of residents displaced from informal settlements along the Seine prior to the event—raising concerns about the human cost behind the scenes.

Looking Forward with Caution

Paris 2024 succeeded in marrying symbols of tradition and innovation. It showed that major global events can prioritize sustainability and inclusivity while embracing technological progress. Yet the less visible impacts—economic strain, displacement, and unresolved inequality—remind us that transformation comes with real consequences.

As attention turns toward upcoming Olympic hosts, the Paris edition stands both as a milestone and a warning: what is celebrated in triumph can also leave lingering questions. How today’s hosts balance grand ambition with genuine social equity may shape not just the Games, but the communities they touch and the legacies they leave.