The Olympic Spirit exalts and unites in a balanced whole the 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 historic event, which takes place every four years and on this occasion will be held in Paris, France, offers us an opportunity to appreciate and admire the outstanding skills and determination of the world’s greatest athletic talents, who have taken their discipline to the highest level. But beyond that, the Olympics is an opportunity for the world to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation, celebrating the achievements of athletes from diverse backgrounds and fostering international camaraderie.
In this guide, we delve into the origins of the Olympic games and look ahead to what’s in store for the Paris 2024 games. Join us as we count down to this legendary event and celebrate the power of sport in uniting the world!
History of the Ancient Olympic Games
Have you ever wondered how the Greeks came up with the idea of creating a great sporting competition? Well, the reason goes far beyond the superficial. For the Greeks, it was an expression of their devotion to the gods, particularly Zeus, the god of strength, fairness and justice. The primary goal of the games was to showcase physical perfection and the pinnacle of human ability in honour of their creators. In fact, it was for this reason that the athletes competed completely naked.1 ?
The Olympic Games stood as one of the most revered festivals of ancient times. Athletes from all over Greece came together to compete in the traditional athletic disciplines: running, discus, javelin, throwing, wrestling and pentathlon.
The Olympic Games began in 776 BC in the Valley of Olympia. It was one of the most respected festivals. Athletes from all over Greece travelled there to excel in some of the most traditional disciplines of athletics: running, discus and javelin throwing, wrestling and pentathlon.
But simply travelling to the games was a challenge in itself, given the spread of armed conflict at the time. Despite the dangers, the sacredness of the event was undeniable. Its significance was such that any conflict was put on the backburner and 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 unity, peace and understanding without borders.
In addition to competitions and olive wreaths, the games were a time to bring out the best of humanity, not only physically but also in spirit. Loyal competition was paramount: 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 were a reminder that sport can be a means of achieving harmony and unity among human beings, principles which remain at the heart of 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 were losing power, the Romans were gaining 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 classified 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
They 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 should 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 Path to Modernisation
As society changes, so do the Olympic Games. If we look back and compare the modern Games from their beginnings to the present day, two particularly notable changes stand out: the inclusion of new disciplines and the increasing participation of women.
At the moment, more than 30 sports are included. However, we now that this was not always the case. Since the beginning of the modern games, new disciplines have gradually been added, reflecting the evolution of sporting trends and global interest in them. Some examples are:
Inclusion of new disciplines
? Basketball since Berlin 1936.
? BMX from Beijing 2008 onwards.
?♀️ Surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing and karate from Tokyo 2020.
??♂️ This year breakdancing will be added to Paris 2024.
Women's participation in the Olympics
Women first participated in the Olympic Games 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 all athletes that year being women.5 The IOC has also implemented policies to promote gender equality in national Olympic committees and international sports federations.
These changes reflect efforts to adapt the Games to an increasingly open, inclusive and diverse audience. Hence the importance of adapting and evolving to make the event relevant to all and to continue to promote the values that define the Olympic movement, such as excellence and respect.
Fun 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.
Check out these interesting facts about the Olympic games of the past:
- ?There are always opening and closing ceremonies: the first is an artistic spectacle in the host country where Olympic athletes take part in a parade. At this point, 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 the Olympic flame is extinguished, closing with a cultural show.
- ? Banned Participants: Today, thousands of participants from more than 200 countries are taking part. However, this year, Russia and Belarus have been banned from participating in the 2024 Olympics because of their responsibility in the armed conflict with Ukraine. Guatemala has also been excluded for political interference in the re-election process of its National Olympic Committee president. A historical example of such a case was South Africa, which was excluded from the 1964-1988 games because of its apartheid policies.
- ? First-time participants: In general, new countries are participating for the first time in each edition. For example, in Rio 2016, Kosovo and South Sudan competed for the first time. This year, details on new countries could be announced closer to the event.
- ❌ Boycotts: Yes, boycotts have been attempted in past games. One of the most historic was in 1980, when the United States along with 65 other countries refused to participate 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 athletes receive not only accommodation but also medical services and recreation areas.
- ✒️ Governance and organisation: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is in charge of the organisation of this event. This body is also responsible for setting safety, health and sustainability standards to minimise environmental impact and ensure the well-being of participants and spectators.
- ? Microstates and small nations: regardless of limited resources and a fairly small population, some microstates 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 is some key information about each. ?
| Aspect | Summer Olympic Games ☀️ | Olympic Winter Games ❄️ |
|---|---|---|
| Home 🏃🏻 | 1896, Athens | 1924, Chamonix |
| Frequency ⏰ | Every 4 years | Every 4 years (displaced by 2 years with the Summer ones) |
| Month of the year 📅 | They typically take place between July and August. | They are usually held between February and March. |
| Location📍 | Held in a wide variety of global locations without climatic restrictions. Allows for great geographical diversity. | They require cold climates and usually access to mountains, limiting venues to certain regions suitable for winter. |
| Sports number 🥇 | More than 30 | Between 15 and 20 |
| Number of events 🎫 | About 400 | More than 100 |
| Athlete participation 🌎 | More than 11,000 athletes from around 200 countries | Around 3,000 athletes from 91 countries and regions |
| Recent sports 🆕 | Skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, karate, break dancing | Snowboarding, freestyle skiing |
Planning Your Trip to the Paris Olympics
Are you considering whether to buy a ticket to see the games live? Our recommendation: take the plunge! Experiencing the Olympic Games in person is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only will you be part of history, but you'll be in the thick of it, supporting elite athletes while discovering French culture.
But for everything to go as smoothly as possible, you’ll need to plan your trip carefully. Here are some tips for each stage of this exciting organisation. ?
Purchasing Tickets to the Games
First things first: your tickets to the games. At this point in the year, you are probably past this stage, but if you have 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 calendar of events. For the more adventurous, there is also the option of checking the resales directly at the venue. It is sometimes possible to find more affordable tickets, but be careful not to fall for scams. Do not buy from official sites, as this can lead to scams.
Tips for buying tickets
Advance purchase
The sooner the better. Tickets for the most popular events sell out quickly.
Prioritise events
Decide which events are a must for you and focus your efforts on getting those tickets first.
Flexibility
If the desired events are sold out, consider lesser-known competitions. This is an excellent opportunity to discover new sports.
Getting to Paris from the UK
The best time to book your tickets is usually several months in advance, but if you're reading this section we're guessing that wasn't the case for you. Don't worry, we're here to help ?.
Eurostar ?
The most convenient option for getting to Paris is via the Eurostar, which will take you from central London to the centre of Paris in under 3 hours.
Departing from London St Pancras, you’ll arrive in Paris Gare du Nord. In just a few hours, you'll be in the historic centre of Paris!
The only caveat is that ticket prices tend to be very expensive, especially during periods of high demand. Although return tickets from Paris to London start at £80, during the Olympic season and school holidays, one-way tickets can be as high as £200 for standard class. Standard tickets also risk selling out completely, with standard and premier tickets reaching as high as £300-400 one-way.
The Eurostar is a great option if you don’t have a limited budget and if you’re based in central London and looking for the most convenient way to get to Paris.
Car ?
To travel from the UK to Paris by car, you'll first need to cross the English Channel, which can be done via the Eurotunnel or by taking a ferry from ports such as Dover to Calais. Note that you'll need to purchase Eurotunnel tickets in advance, which cost around £114 per vehicle.
Once in France, you'll continue on the well-marked motorway network towards Paris. The journey typically takes around 6-7 hours, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions.
Of course, you should make sure that your accommodation has parking. During your stay, we do not recommend you to move around in your car. ??♂️
Plane ✈️
Another decent option, particularly for those who are living across the UK is to fly directly to Paris. As flight prices tend to vary quite a lot, we recommend you check some websites such as Kayak, Skyscanner or Google Flights to receive price alerts and compare the options available to you.
Average prices for flights will vary depending on the city you're flying from, the time of year, and whether you're flying on a weekday or weekend. Given the high demand during the Olympics, you can expect ticket prices to be very high which is why it's best to book as far in advance as possible. Here are the average prices for one-way flights to Paris from major cities in the UK:
- London - £69
- Manchester - £34
- Birmingham - £118
- Edinburgh - £64
- Bristol - £64
Keep in mind that booking 2 to 3 months in advance is best to find the best value for money - there's still time! It is also advisable to be flexible with your dates as travelling on weekdays can reduce costs. Bear in mind that although plane tickets may be slightly cheaper than the Eurostar, you’ll still have to pay a little extra to get to central Paris (€50 by taxi or €10 by metro).
Coach ?
Travelling by coach is probably the cheapest alternative for those with a limited budget but more ample time for travel. Be aware that the journey can take between 8 to 9 hours from central London to central Paris. Taking the night bus can be a great option if you’re taking the bus as you’ll save on accommodation.
Average prices for tickets are around £73, but again, prices will increase during busy periods. We recommend buying your tickets in advance directly from the companies' websites, with FlixBus being the main company offering journeys from London to Paris.
Most travellers depart from London Victoria and arrive in Paris, Roissypôle bus station, but keep an eye out for other destinations which may be closer to where you find accommodation in Paris.
Accommodation in Paris
Ideally, it is best to look for accommodation that is close to public transport or the Olympic venues. Here are some recommendations.
Close to 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 is home to a number of sporting 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 cafés, boutiques and vibrant nightlife.
- Montmartre: for a romantic stay with unforgettable views of the city and reasonable access to the venues by public transport.
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 if you’re travelling as a group. On the other hand, there is also the alternative of Booking.com and Hotels.com, as well as Hostelworld, ideal for travellers 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 travellers are the best way to make sure that your choice meets your expectations.
Getting around in Paris
If you are visiting the French capital for the first time, you’ll be pleased to know that it has a very well-connected metro system.
The metro is the most efficient way to get around the city, and if you need to go beyond the centre for certain matches, you can rely on the RER, which will take you to the suburbs, including Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Alternatively, getting around by bike is another feasible option if you’re an experienced biker and are used to biking in major cities. Don't hesitate to check out Vélib' Métropole, a bicycle service with stations all over the city.
Olympic Games Venues for Paris 2024
Paris has more than 2,000 heritage monuments! And a fair share of them will be host to major Olympic venues. That alone explains why the Paris Olympics is so highly anticipated... Imagine the thrill of watching your favourite sport set against a backdrop of venues steeped in centuries of history. Pretty amazing!
The most emblematic venues6 of the 2024 Olympic Games are:
| Headquarters | Sports | Historical Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stade de France | Athletics 🏃♂️, Rugby 🏉 | A symbol of French sport with a rich history in athletics and rugby. |
| Roland-Garros | Tennis 🎾, Boxing 🥊 | Host of the famous tennis tournament with 95 years of history. |
| Parc des Princes | Football ⚽️ | Home of Paris Saint-Germain and venue for major sporting events. |
| Velodrome Stadium in Marseille | Football ⚽️ | Olympique de Marseille's home ground with a history of sporting events. |
| Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower | Beach volleyball 🏐, Judo 🥋, Fighting 🤼 | Iconic green areas of Paris with breathtaking views. |
| The Invalides | Archery 🏹 | Complex with military and historical significance. |
| Grand Palais | Fencing 🤺, Taekwondo 🥋 | Architectural jewel and venue for important cultural and artistic events. |
| Place de la Concorde | BMX Freestyle 🚲, Skateboarding 🛹 | In the heart of Paris, witness of the French Revolution. |
| Palace of Versailles | Horse riding 🏇 | Symbol of French baroque architecture and gardens. |
| Teahupo'o in Tahiti | Surf 🏄♂️ | Known for its challenging waves, it stands out in the surfing world. |
If you want to find more details about the different locations in the capital that will be used as venues, you can visit this official map.
Additional Tips
To make the most of this experience, it's important to take certain precautions to avoid any mishaps:
- ? Always keep an eye on your belongings: Paris is a generally safe city. However, mass events are perfect for pickpockets. Always keep your valuables well-guarded and out of sight.
- ? Find out about emergencies: identify emergency exits and have local emergency numbers at hand (?112 European emergency number ?15 Samu ?17 Police ? 18 Fire brigade). The location of the British embassy in Paris is: 35 Rue du Faubourg Saint-honoré, 75008 Paris.
- ?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.
- ?️ Plan ahead: Although you may be a more spontaneous traveller, organising your itinerary before you arrive, particularly during the busy OIympic period, can save you valuable time. Remember that some 15 million visitors7 are expected in Paris during the Olympics!
How to Watch the 2024 Olympic Games
If you can’t get tickets or would prefer to join in on the excitement of the games from home, you also have several options!
The BBC
The BBC is the official Olympic television broadcaster in the UK, so you can catch the games on either BBC Sport or BBC iPlayer. You’ll also be able to follow the games on the radio on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Eurosport & Other Streaming Services
Eurosport will also broadcast the games in the UK both online and on TV. If you’ve got a subscription to Eurosport, TNT Sports, Peacock and Discovery+, you’ll also be able to watch some of the events online.
The Olympics Site
The official Olympics website will also have highlights and replays throughout the games so you can stay updated on the latest matches.
Don't forget to follow your favourite athletes on Instagram and show your support for @TeamGB!
Famous Olympians: Top Athletes To Watch in 2024
The Olympic Games bring us many different stories, but if there's one thing they all have in common, it's a sense of outstanding achievement. Although we compile an infinite book brimming with remarkable stories of Olympic athletes, here's a non-exhaustive list of promising athletes whose performances are not to be missed ?
UK Olympic Athletes to watch out for
1. Charlotte Purdue - Marathon Running
Charlotte Purdue, poised for her Olympic debut in Paris, transitioned from ballet to become a standout in long-distance running. A former British junior record holder and a prominent figure in the British marathon scene, she secured her spot at the Olympics with an impressive time at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
2. Kimberley Woods - Kayak-cross
As the reigning world champion in the new Olympic discipline of kayak-cross, Woods has demonstrated dominance in this thrilling sport. Her consistent performance makes her a strong medal hopeful.
3. Keely Hodgkinson - Athletics
Known for her strong performances in the 800m, Hodgkinson is a standout track athlete. After securing silver in previous major competitions, she’s a top contender aiming for gold in Paris.
4. Rhys McClenaghan - Gymnastics
Representing Ireland in gymnastics, McClenaghan is a world champion on the pommel horse. After a disappointment in Tokyo, he's looking to make a strong comeback and challenge for the gold against top competitors.
Top International Olympic Athletes
Caeleb Dressel - Swimming
We can 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. That's how most people would define the young Biles who, at only 27 years old, has established herself as one of the historical favourites in her discipline.
Armand Duplantis - Pole Vaulting
Breaking world records? No problem for Duplantis. Although his career is just taking off, his participation in Paris 2024 promises to be a milestone in athletics history. Definitely one to watch!
Yuto Horigome - Skateboarding
After winning gold in his hometown of Tokyo, Horigome became the pride of Japan and an icon for skateboarders around the world. Known for his technically complex tricks and outstanding smoothness.
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 the Olympic tradition, which began in ancient Greece, has evolved to include values that, in the past, were not even considered. Inclusion, diversity and sustainability, for example, have been incorporated over the years.
The venues for the Olympic Games have already been defined until 2032, and these decisions reflect exactly what we are talking about.
For 2028, Los Angeles (USA) 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 use more than 80% of the existing venues.
As society continues to move forward, these kinds of events give us 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 Games planning and delivery.
What are your expectations for these Olympic Games? Is there a specific event you're keen to watch or an athlete you're rooting for? Feel free to share your previous experiences and your expectations for Paris 2024 in the comments! ?
Looking for more fun facts and trivia about the Olympics? If you want to test your knowledge about this historic event, test yourself with our Olympics quiz. Join in on the spirit of the 2024 Olympics with Superprof! ?
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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