The Olympic Spirit exalts and unites in a balanced whole that qualities of body, mind and will.
Baron Pierre de Coubertain (1863 - 1937). Father of the modern Olympic Games.
Are you ready to witness new world records in the historic city of Paris? The Olympic Games season is upon us!
This great event, which takes place every four years and on this occasion will be held in France, offers us an opportunity to appreciate and admire the effort, determination and talent of ordinary people who have taken their discipline to the highest existing level. But not only that: the Olympic Games are also a demonstration that it is possible to come together in a celebration of friendship and mutual respect despite our differences.
Join us as we review the origins and everything you need to know to follow this millennial event, which continues to demonstrate the power of sport to inspire and unite the world. And if you want to test your knowledge about this event, test yourself with our quiz. ?
History of the ancient Olympic Games
Have you ever stopped to think why the Greeks came up with the idea of a great sporting competition? Well, the reason goes far beyond the superficial and is that this was an act of devotion to the gods, particularly Zeus, where the main idea was to demonstrate physical perfection and the best of human ability in honor of their creators. In fact, for the same reason, the athletes competed naked.1 ?
The Olympic Games originated in 776 BC in the Valley of Olympia.
It was one of the most respected festivals. Thus, athletes from all over Greece traveled to this point to excel in some of the most traditional disciplines of athletics: running, discus and javelin throwing, wrestling and pentathlon.
But traveling just like that was not easy because, as you can imagine, there were many armed conflicts at the time. However, the sacredness of the event was stronger. Its importance was such that for this celebration any conflict was put on the back burner. Indeed, Olympic peace was declared so that athletes and spectators could travel safely across territories.2 Hence the tradition of seeing the Olympic Games as a time of union, peace and understanding without borders.
In addition to competitions and olive wreaths, the games were a time for giving the best of the human essence, not only physically but also in spirit. Loyal competition was something fundamental: this event was an opportunity to remember the potential we have to be better. The sky is the limit in its most literal sense! ?
The ancient Olympic Games are a reminder that sport can be a means to achieve divine harmony and unity among human beings, principles that remain central to the modern Olympic Games.
History of the Modern Olympic Games
We all know that nothing is permanent in history because time is not static and events shape reality to the point of changing customs, religions, traditions and even millenary events such as the Olympic competition.
While the Greeks lost power, the Romans gained it. Nevertheless, the games continued under Roman rule until the barbarian invasions around the year 300, which marked the transition from Late Antiquity to the High Middle Ages.
At that time the Olympic Games were labeled as pagan events and were officially banned by the Christian emperor Theodosius I in 393 in order to consolidate Christianity as the religion of the empire.3
Celebrating the Olympic Games means evoking history.
Baron Pierre de Coubertin
These were not held again until 1500 years later, when the French nobleman Pierre de Coubertin proposed to revive the Olympic Games. Thus, in 1894 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded and two years later the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in Athens in 1896.4
What we must keep in mind is that de Coubertin not only sought to revive the spirit of competition and excellence but also to promote peace through sport.
The road to modernization
As society changes, so do the Olympic Games. And if we look back and compare the modern games from their beginnings to the present day, there are two particularly notable changes we can highlight: the inclusion of new disciplines and the increasing participation of women.
Inclusion of new disciplines
At the moment, more than 30 sports are included. However, we know that this was not always the case. Since the beginning of the modern games, new disciplines have been added little by little, reflecting the evolution of sports trends and the worldwide interest in them. Some examples are:
? Basketball since Berlin 1936.
? BMX since Beijing 2008.
?ââïž Surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing and karate since Tokyo 2020.
??ââïž Breakdancing will be added this year in Paris 2024.
Women's participation
The first time women participated in the Olympic Games was only in Paris 1900, where only 22 women competed (less than 1% of the athletes). However, this picture has changed significantly over time.
Tokyo 2020 marked a turning point in women's participation, with almost 49% of the total number of athletes that year being women.5 In addition, the IOC has also implemented policies to promote gender equality in national Olympic committees and international sports federations.
These changes reflect the efforts being made to adapt the Games to an increasingly open, inclusive and diverse audience. Hence the importance of adapting and evolving to make this event relevant to all and to continue to promote the values that define the Olympic movement, such as excellence and respect.
Curious facts about the Olympic Games
The games have not only been an occasion to compete for medals, but have also been the scene of unity, self-improvement and, in some cases, even the mirror of complex international conflicts. We invite you to read some curious facts and things you should know to better understand both this upcoming edition and previous ones.
- ? There are always opening and closing ceremonies: the first is an artistic show in the host country where Olympic athletes participate in a parade. At this time the Olympic flag is raised and the flame is lit. At the end of the games, the closing ceremony is held where the Olympic flag is handed over to the next host city and extinguishes the Olympic fire, closing with a cultural show.
- ? International participation vetoed: today there are thousands of participants from more than 200 countries. However, this year, Russia and Belarus have been banned from participating in the 2024 Olympics because of their responsibility for the armed conflict with Ukraine. Guatemala has also been excluded for political interference in the reelection process of its National Olympic Committee president. A historical example of this type of case was South Africa, which was excluded from the games from 1964 to 1988 because of its apartheid policies.
- ? Countries making their debut for the first time: in general, there are usually new countries participating in each edition. One example was for Rio 2016, where Kosovo and South Sudan competed for the first time. For this year, details on new countries could be announced closer to the event.
- â Boycotts: yes, there have been attempts to boycott the OG. One of the most historic was in 1980, when the United States along with 65 other countries denied their participation in the Moscow Olympics, protesting the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Likewise, the Soviet Union and allied countries did their part by boycotting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
- ? Olympic Villages: the Olympic Villages are the places where athletes are accommodated during this period. Here the athletes receive not only accommodation but also medical services and recreation areas.
- âïž Governance and organization: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is in charge of the organization of this event. This body is also in charge of establishing safety, health and sustainability standards to minimize environmental impact and ensure the well-being of participants and spectators.
- ? Microstates and small nations: independent of limited resources and having a fairly small population, there are microstates that have managed to participate in the games: Monaco (39k inhabitants), San Marino (34k inhabitants), and Andorra (77k inhabitants). In 2020, San Marino won its first Olympic medal, a super-achievement for one of the smallest countries on the globe.
On the other hand, you should also know that there are two types of Olympic Games: the Summer Games and the Winter Games. Here we leave you key information about each one. ?
| Appearance | Summer Olympic Games âïž | Olympic Winter Games âïž |
|---|---|---|
| Home đđ» | 1896, Athens | 1924, Chamonix |
| Frequency â° | Every 4 years | Every 4 years (displaced 2 years with Summer) |
| Month of the year đ | They are typically held in July and August. | They are generally held between February and March. |
| Locationđ | Held in a wide variety of global locations without climatic restrictions. Allows for great geographic diversity. | They require cold climates and, usually, access to mountains, limiting locations to certain regions suitable for winter. |
| Number of sports đ„ | Over 30 | Between 15 and 20 |
| Number of events đ« | Nearly 400 | More than 100 |
| Participation of athletes đ | More than 11,000 athletes from over 200 countries | Approximately 3,000 athletes from 91 countries and regions |
| Recent sports đ | Skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, karate, breakdancing, etc. | Snowboarding, freestyle skiing |
Guide to plan your trip to the Olympic Games
This year you got motivated and decided to buy your tickets to witness the Olympic Games in person? Let us tell you: you won't regret a thing! Experiencing the Olympic Games in person is a once in a lifetime experience. Not only will you be a part of history, but you'll be in the thick of it, supporting elite athletes while discovering French culture.
But for everything to be optimal, you must plan your trip carefully. Here are some tips for each stage of this exciting organization. ?
Purchase of tickets
First things first: your tickets to the events. At this point of the year, you've probably already passed this stage, but if you've decided to participate at the last minute, the best place to buy tickets is the official website of the Olympic Games.
This is where you will find up-to-date information on ticket availability, prices and the schedule of events. For the more daring, there is also the option of checking the resales directly on site. Sometimes it is possible to find more affordable prices, but be careful not to fall for scams. Do not buy on non-official sites or you may fall into scams.
Tips for buying tickets
Advance Purchase
- The earlier the better. Tickets for the most popular events sell out quickly.
Prioritize events
- Decide which events are a must for you and focus your efforts on getting those tickets first.
Flexibility
- If your desired events are sold out, consider lesser-known competitions. This is an excellent opportunity to discover new sports.
Accommodation for your stay
Ideally, it is best to look for accommodation that is close to public transportation or the Olympic venues. Here are some recommendations.
Near Olympic events
7th and 15th arrondissements: close to the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, these areas offer a central location with easy access to the Olympic venues.
Bercy: this district hosts some sports venues and is known for its main arena. It offers a good combination of accommodation and entertainment.
Parisian experience
Le Marais: ideal for those looking for an authentic local experience, full of cafes, boutiques and vibrant nightlife.
Montmartre: for a romantic stay with unforgettable views of the city and reasonable access to the venues via public transportation.
However, we know that this task can be difficult as finding a good value for money place in Paris is always complex.
To make your search easier, you can always check Airbnb, which can be cheaper than hotels, especially for groups. On the other hand, there is also the alternative of Booking.com and Hotels.com, as well as Hostelworld, ideal for travelers on a tight budget. A final option is Coach Surfing for those looking to stay with locals during their visit.
The comments left by other travelers are the best way to make sure that your choice meets your expectations.
Getting around Paris
If this is your first time visiting the French capital, we are pleased to inform you that it has an excellent metro connection. This is the most efficient way to move around the city, and if you need to go beyond the center, you can count on the RER, which will take you to the suburbs, including Charles de Gaulle Airport.
On the other hand, connectivity by bicycle is also quite good and can be an option if you prefer active mobility. Don't hesitate to check out VĂ©lib' MĂ©tropole, a bicycle service with stations all around the city.
Information on Olympic Games venues
Paris has more than 2,000 heritage monuments! And no small part of them will host the Olympic Games. Now you can understand why these games are so special⊠Imagine the thrill of seeing your favourite sport reach new levels of excellence, all framed by venues with centuries of history. Great, isn't it?
The most emblematic venues6 of the 2024 Olympic Games are:
| Headquarters | Sport | Historical Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stade de France | Atletismo đââïž Rugby đ | Symbol of French sport with a rich history in athletics and rugby. |
| Roland-Garros | Tennis đŸ Boxing đ„ | Host of the famous tennis tournament with 95 years of history. |
| Park of the Princes | Soccer âœïž | Home of Paris Saint-Germain and venue for major sporting events. |
| Velodrome Stadium in Marseille | Soccer âœïž | Field of Olympique de Marseille with a history of sporting events. |
| Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower | Beach volleyball đ Judo đ„ Wrestling đ€Œ | Iconic green areas of Paris with breathtaking views. |
| The Invalides | Archery đč | Complex with military and historical significance. |
| Grand Palais | Fencing đ€ș Taekwondo đ„ | Architectural jewel and venue for important cultural and artistic events. |
| Place de la Concorde | BMX Freestyle đČ Skateboarding đč | In the heart of Paris, witness of the French Revolution. |
| Palace of Versailles | Horseback riding đ | Symbol of baroque architecture and French gardens. |
| Teahupo'o in Tahiti | Surf đââïž | Known for its challenging waves, it stands out in the surfing world. |
If you want to find more details about the different points of the capital that will serve as headquarters, you can visit this official map.
Final tips
To enjoy this experience to the fullest, it is necessary to take certain precautions and stay alert to avoid any mishaps:
- ? Always keep an eye on your belongings: Paris is a city, in general, safe. However, mass events are perfect for pickpockets. Always keep your valuables well guarded and out of sight.
- ? Be informed about emergencies: identify emergency exits and have local emergency numbers at hand (?112 European emergency number ?15 Samu ?17 Police ? 18 Firefighters). The location of the Canadian consulate in Paris is 130 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
- ?Mobile apps: use the RATP app available on Apple Store and Google Play, maps and tourist guides. They can be a great addition to your stay.
- ?ïž Plan ahead: while some people like to enjoy a less structured way, organizing your itinerary before you arrive can save you valuable time. Remember that some 15 million visitors7 are expected in Paris during these dates!
Follow the excitement from Canada: where to watch the Olympic Games 2024
The best option for watching all your favourite summer olympic games event is CBC Gem. It's CBC's streaming service that is offered for free. To watch the games you'll just have to create an account.
A variety of T.V channels will also carry the olympic games like TSN, Sportsnet, etc. But you'll need access to these channels in the first place.
Famous Olympians: the athletes to watch in 2024
The Olympic Games bring us many different stories, but if there is one thing they all have in common is the sense of self-improvement. We could make an infinite book with all the particular stories of the athletes! Here is a non-exhaustive list of promising athletes whose performances are not to be missed ?.
Canadian Olympic Athletes
?? Ellie Black - Gymnastics
Leading Canada to its first-ever women's team bronze in 2022, she secured their spot at the 2024 Olympics. Ellie has continued to succeed in her career. We're confident she'll continue to shine for Team Canada.
?? Damian Warner - Track
He won decathlon gold in 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He also became the 4th man to break the 9000-point mark which set an Olympic record. Damian is strong competitor for Team Canada with a number of medals. Let's see what he can do in Paris.
?? Andre De Grasse - Track
Paris 2024 Olympics will be Andre's 3rd appearance on the olympic stage. He has a been a talented sprinter with many medals won in his years. Andre will be the one to watch this summer.
International Athletes to follow
Caeleb Dressel ?? - Swimming
We easily lose count of the number of medals the American has won in recent years. Dressel is definitely the swimmer to beat in both freestyle and butterfly.
Simone Biles ?? - Artistic Gymnastics
Legendary. This is how they define the young Biles, who at only 27 years of age has established herself as one of the historical favourites in her discipline. Watching her perform is impressive. Power, effort and imagination are some words that could define her.
Armand Duplantis ?? - Pole Vault
Breaking world records? Hasn't been a problem for Duplantis. Since he was a child, he has demonstrated his innate talent for this discipline, inherited from a family rooted in athletics. Although his career is just beginning, his participation in Paris promises to be a milestone in the history of athletics.
Yuto Horigome ?? - Skateboarding
After winning gold in Tokyo, his hometown, Horigome became a source of pride for all of Japan and an icon for skateboarders around the world. He executes technically complex tricks with amazing smoothness - don't miss out!
The future of the Olympic Games
We know that socio-economic changes and environmental challenges have led us to question our own habits and the way we do things. The Olympic Games are no different from this reality.
We have seen how this tradition, which began in ancient Greece, has evolved to include values that, in the past, were not even considered. We talk about inclusion, diversity and sustainability, for example, which have been incorporated over the years.
The venues for the Olympic Games have already been defined until 2032, and these decisions reflect precisely what we are talking about.
For 2028, Los Angeles (United States) will be the venue due to the existence of previously built infrastructure, which is extremely important in environmental terms.
For 2032, Brisbane (Australia) has been chosen as the venue for that edition, where it is proposed to take advantage of more than 80% of the existing venues.
As society continues to move forward, these kinds of events provide an opportunity to bring a real message to people and have a positive impact on the world. Hence the importance of continuing to expand the reach of the Games beyond the traditional boundaries of sport and to put sustainability at the heart of the planning and execution of the Games.
What are your expectations for these Olympic Games - is there a specific event or athlete you are particularly looking forward to? We invite you to share your previous experiences and your expectations for Paris 2024 in the comments ?
Bibliography
- Cartwright, M. (2018). The ancient Olympic Games. Encyclopedia of World History. https://www.worldhistory.org/trans/es/1-440/los-antiguos-juegos-olimpicos/.
- Discover the shocking history and significance of the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. (2023, December 20). Seed; Ancient Greece: A journey through time. https://antiguagrecia.net/historia-general-de-la-antigua-grecia/origen-juegos-olimpicos-antigua-grecia/
- John, P. (2019, February 14). Why did the ancient Olympic games end? Quecuriosidades.com. https://quecuriosidades.com/terminaron-juegos-olimpicos-antiguos/.
- History of the Olympic Games (2022, October 14). Enciclopedia Iberoamericana. https://enciclopediadehistoria.com/historia-de-los-juegos-olimpicos/
- Khush (2021, March 4). Fighting for gender equality. Athlete365; International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/athlete365/es/integridad/luchando-por-la-igualdad-de-genero/.
- Imbo, W. (2023, March 8). Paris 2024 Olympic Games: 11 iconic venues. International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/es/noticias/descubre-sedes-iconicas-historia-deportes-juegos-paris-2024
- Masterson, V. (2024, March 27). Paris 2024 Olympics could be greenest ever. World Economic Forum. https://es.weforum.org/agenda/2024/03/paris-aspira-a-ser-sede-de-los-juegos-olimpicos-mas-sostenibles-de-la-historia-asi-se-prepara-la-ciudad/
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