The 2024 Summer Olympics took place in Paris, France at the Stade de France for the third time in history. The Olympics lasted from July 26 to August 11, and 206 countries were represented by 10,500 competing athletes.
The Opening Ceremony was original and unique this year: For the first time ever, the ceremony was held outside the stadium. The different teams were introduced in boats traveling down the Seine River through the center of Paris.
Amanda Longan, an Olympian from the U.S. women’s water polo team said, “The opening ceremony was a truly unique experience. It was fun to mingle and take photos with all the other athletes on the boat. And it was cool to be geared up in the same Ralph Lauren fits. And the boat ride was a really great way to immerse us in the city and with the people of Paris and fans from all over the world that were lining the river as we cruised by.”
One of the many highlights from the Olympics were 17 world records broken. Some of these records were in swimming, track, archery, weightlifting, and surfing, and set by countries including the United States, Brazil, South Korea, Sweden, and Canada. These new world records will surely push the 2028 Olympians to break them once again and encourage a highly competitive atmosphere.
A highlight of the Paris Olympics was previously unheard of volleyball location: The beach volleyball matches at the Paris Olympics took place underneath the Eiffel Tower. The location was an amazing opportunity to not only the players, but the fans as well.
“This year’s Olympics were very special. First of all, it was in Paris, meaning history was incorporated into the games,” said sophomore Annabel Krikorian, who went to the games. “Also, the staff there were amazing, flying in from all over the world to help navigate people to the sporting events.”
Not only was the opening ceremony incredibly special, but so was the closing ceremony. The 2024 Paris Olympics closed out with performances and appearances from many stars from the United States: Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dog, and H.E.R. Tom Cruise made a grand entrance to the Stade de France and the flag was passed from Paris to the United States, a nod to where the 2028 Olympics will take place: Los Angeles.
“The Closing Ceremony was really fun to watch because multiple celebrities that a lot of people love, came to perform!” said sophomore Mackenzie Weber. “It was such a big event with a lot going on, making it more entertaining.”
With the 2028 summer Olympics taking place in Los Angeles, part of the closing ceremony took place in the city, giving viewers a hint of the flavor of the 2028 Olympics.
“The Olympics in Paris were amazing, and I’m sure the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles will be just as great,” said Krikorian. “The 2024 Olympics definitely got myself and others excited for the 2028 Olympics.”
Leave a Reply