Paris Olympics 2024 to Be Unforgettable

News Today: Paris Olympics 2024 Ready to Wow the World

Paris is ready to host the Olympics ‘like no other’ for the first time in 100 years. The French capital will see the majority of events taking place in or around its most iconic areas. The opening ceremony on Friday will feature boats carrying athletes and dignitaries down 6km of the River Seine, with space for 300,000 spectators. Speculations about performances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga abound, though few details are confirmed. Artistic director Thomas Jolly aims to “show France in all its diversity.”

The Paris Games will achieve gender parity among athletes, with 5,250 male and 5,250 female competitors. Final preparations are underway, with President Emmanuel Macron asserting the country is “ready and we will be ready throughout the Games.” However, some Parisians have warned of potential issues like overcrowding and price inflation.

A robust security operation, involving up to 5,000 police, soldiers, and hired guards, is in place. The Seine has been fenced off for the opening ceremony, requiring residents to use QR codes for access, which has drawn some criticism. The Games’ estimated cost is around 9bn euros, with a focus on being the greenest Olympics in history.

Most events will take place in existing venues, such as the Stade de France and Roland Garros, while only two new arenas have been built. Despite concerns about the water quality of the Seine, regular testing is planned to ensure safety.

This year’s Olympics will feature breaking, a dance style from the Bronx, as a new event. The Games will also mark the end of the careers of some renowned athletes, including Andy Murray and Max Whitlock.