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Paris Set to Host First Olympics in 100 Years

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Paris Set to Host First Olympics in 100 Years

The much-anticipated Paris Olympics will officially commence on Friday, marking the first time in a century that the French capital hosts the Summer Games. This year’s event promises to be unique, with the majority of competitions set against the backdrop of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The opening ceremony will be a grand spectacle, featuring boats carrying athletes and dignitaries along a 6km stretch of the River Seine, accommodating up to 300,000 spectators. While specifics remain under wraps, speculation abounds regarding performances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, aims to showcase France’s rich diversity.

For the first time, the Olympics Games will achieve gender parity among athletes, with equal representation of 5,250 male and 5,250 female competitors. As millions prepare to attend, Paris is finalizing preparations to deliver a truly unparalleled experience.

Paris Prepares Amid Water Quality and Security Concerns

French President Emmanuel Macron assured the country is fully prepared for the event. However, Parisians have voiced concerns on social media about potential issues like overcrowding, price inflation, and transportation challenges.

A massive security operation is in place, with up to 5,000 police, soldiers, and guards on patrol. The Seine has been fenced off for the ceremony, requiring residents to use QR codes for access, impacting local businesses. Authorities promise the barricades will be removed post-ceremony.

The 2024 Games come with a hefty price tag of approximately €9 billion but aim to be the greenest Olympics in history. Only two new venues have been constructed: an aquatics centre and an arena for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. Iconic sites like Stade de France, Roland Garros, the Grand Palais, and Place de la Concorde will host various events.

Concerns over the Seine’s water quality have been addressed, as the river will host the swimming segment of the triathlon and open-water events. Despite historical bans due to contamination, recent tests and a high-profile swim by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo suggest improved conditions. Regular water testing will ensure safety.

This year’s Olympics introduce breaking, a dance style from the Bronx, as the sole new event. Men are now eligible for artistic synchronized swimming, though none will compete this time.

The Games mark the final appearance of several British athletes, including tennis champion Andy Murray, gymnast Max Whitlock, and swimmer Adam Peaty. On the track, Katarina Johnson-Thompson aims for redemption following her Tokyo 2021 setback. Absent from the Games is dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin, following controversy.

Athletes send ‘resounding message of peace’

Globally, Simone Biles returns after her Tokyo struggles, and Stephen Curry joins the basketball roster. American sprinters Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles, along with Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, are set to shine.

Russia and Belarus are banned due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with a limited number of athletes competing as Individual Neutral Athletes (INA). Despite criticism, IOC President Thomas Bach supports the decision, emphasizing the athletes’ role as peace ambassadors.

The ambitious opening ceremony, the first to take place outside the main athletics stadium, will last just under four hours. It will feature President Macron officially opening the olympics Games and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. A threatened strike by dancers has been resolved, ensuring their participation.

The ceremony begins at 19:30 CET (18:30 BST) on Friday, 26 July, with extensive live coverage across BBC platforms. Notable flag bearers include rower Helen Glover, diver Tom Daley, tennis player Coco Gauff, basketball legend LeBron James, and athletes from the refugee team.

While the official opening is on Friday, some sports, including men’s rugby sevens and football, have already begun, with Morocco’s dramatic 2-1 football win over Argentina setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Olympic Games.

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