Paris is the place to be this summer with the Summer 2024 Olympics beginning in late July! Starting on July 26th and closing on August 11th, this summer’s competition is a must-watch as it includes many exciting teams and even a new sport. In addition, the games will take place in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world!
Since the Olympics’ start in 1894, there has always been an opening ceremony to honor the teams and countries competing. This year’s opening ceremony will be exciting and full of firsts. For the first time in Olympic history, the ceremony will take place outside of the stadium. Instead, teams will ride in boats 6 km down the Seine River, through the center of Paris. Around 10,500 athletes and 160 boats will cross the river and arrive at the Trocadéro, near the Eiffel Tower for the finale. The opening ceremony is free to all spectators and is estimated to have an additional 1 billion viewers online.
This summer’s Olympics will feature a new sport called Breaking. It will debut in Paris following its success in Buenos Aires at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2018. According to the Olympics website, breaking, also known as breakdancing is an urban dance style that began in the 1970s. “It is a form of dance sport that blends urban dance with remarkable athleticism.” In the Paris games this summer, there will be both men’s and women’s solo battles. Beginning on Aug 9 at La Concorde inside the Olympic village, athletes from around the world will improvise to the DJ’s selected song. Judges will vote on their favorite candidates and the first Breaking medals will be awarded on Aug 10.
Many fan-favorite athletes will be also returning to Team USA this summer including Simone Biles, Lebron James and Katie Ledecky. “Simone Biles is so fun to watch and I can’t wait to watch her perform in Paris!” said sophomore Anna Kate Shelton. In addition, new athletes will step into the spotlight. Top prospects include track star Sha’Carri Richardson, swimmer Hunter Armstrong, gymnast Shilese Jones and wrestler Zain Retherford.
Most events begin on Jul 27, including Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Soccer and many more. Others, such as Diving and Hockey begin later, in August. “I am most excited to watch the Beach Volleyball because it is so fast-paced and competitive,” said freshman Eli Bejar. I can’t wait to cheer for Team USA!” All events close before Aug 11 with the closing ceremony which will take place at Stade de France, the national stadium of France.
Team USA is predicted to win 37 gold medals, 129 overall medals, and win big at this year’s Olympics. Make sure to tune in and cheer for the USA!
