Paris Olympics: A century in the making

The Paris Olympics have returned after a 100-year hiatus, setting a high bar for the upcoming Los Angeles Games in 2028. The French capital has embraced the challenge with an outdoor opening ceremony along the Seine, despite heightened security and political tensions. The event has outshone even the most glamorous episodes of “Emily in Paris,” with competitions held at iconic landmarks.

A star-studded affair

While many Parisians left the city to avoid the disruptions, a constellation of stars descended upon the City of Light. The opening ceremony attracted the likes of Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, and Ariana Grande, with performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. Nicole Kidman was spotted at Place de la Concorde for skateboarding, while Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes attended the equestrian events at Versailles. Baz Luhrmann, Judd Apatow, Elizabeth Banks, and Leslie Mann enjoyed beach volleyball by the Eiffel Tower.

Iconic venues and record-breaking performances

Fencing at the Grand Palais has been a major draw, and cycling events saw around 500,000 spectators lining the streets from Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower. Indoor competitions at the Bercy stadium were equally thrilling, with Simone Biles becoming the most decorated American gymnast with three golds and one silver.

French athletes shine

French athletes are reveling in the festive atmosphere. With six days remaining, Team France has already broken its historic record with 44 medals, including 12 golds. This achievement places France third behind the U.S. and China. Notable athletes include swimming champion Leon Marchand and judoka Teddy Riner, who have secured four and two gold medals, respectively. However, the most viral moment came from 21-year-old pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati, whose accidental knockdown of the pole became an internet sensation.

Fan zones and public enthusiasm

The Olympics have sparked a frenzy at fan zones like Club France at La Villette, where thousands gather daily to watch competitions on a giant screen and cheer for French athletes. Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, expressed his delight at the unity and joy among the French people. He predicts that the French team could win up to 60 medals, with over 5 million visitors to competition sites and 3 million at fan zones across France.

Record-breaking viewership

The enthusiasm for the Olympics is also reflected in record ratings for the French broadcaster, which saw its largest audience ever for an event during the opening ceremony. Estanguet mentioned receiving positive feedback from TV executives worldwide, noting that they are breaking viewership records.

New sports and innovative traditions

The Paris Olympics have introduced new sports like kayak-cross, which combines kayak racing with strategic challenges, and breaking, a form of breakdancing. These additions aim to make the Olympics more gender-balanced, youthful, and urban. Another innovation is the three-strike ritual inspired by French theater, where a personality bangs the ground three times with a wooden stick called a brigadier before each competition.

Mixed reactions from local businesses

Despite the overall excitement, not everyone is thrilled. Some business owners in quieter areas feel disappointed and hope for government compensation. Jess Jeacle, who runs a bike touring company in Paris, reported a 50% drop in bookings before the Olympics, with only a slight improvement since the event began. The unpredictability of city blockages has been a challenge, although some guests enjoy being in the thick of the Olympic atmosphere.

Chloé Colin, manager of Bistrot Paul Bert, summed up the mood, saying, “We’re not really working, but the ambiance is great with the few people who come!”

Social media drama and the closing ceremony

The Olympics have also been rife with social media drama, starting with an opening ceremony that aimed to celebrate diversity and inclusion. The event featured drag performers in a tableau that some perceived as mocking “The Last Supper,” leading to online backlash and criticism from conservative groups. Despite the controversy, the organizers remain undeterred. The closing ceremony at Stade de France promises more Greek gods, world-famous singers, and Tom Cruise passing the flag to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.

For more information and to watch trailers of the events, visit Paris Olympics.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the Paris Olympics, blending personal reflections with in-depth analysis. Whether you’re a cinema, TV series, or music enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.