The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach delivered a speech at a reception for international journalists accredited for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on July 22, 2024. Meanwhile, the IOC was faced with a Palestinian request to bar Israeli athletes from the Games due to the war in Gaza, just three days before the Opening Ceremony. The Palestine Olympic Committee sent a letter to President Thomas Bach, citing the bombings in Gaza as a breach of the Olympic truce and expressing concerns about the safety of Palestinian athletes.
The letter highlighted the difficulties faced by Palestinian athletes, particularly those in Gaza, who have been denied safe passage and have suffered significantly due to the ongoing conflict. The IOC is expected to reject the Palestinian request, but the situation underscores the impact of the war in Gaza on the Paris Games. The conflict in Gaza resulted in a significant number of casualties, both civilian and military, on both sides, with France’s foreign minister having to intervene to ensure that Israeli athletes are welcome at the Games despite political pressures.
As athletes from around the world settled into the Athletes’ Village in Paris, the focus shifted to the living conditions and preparations for the Games. National flags hung from many windows as competitors arrived at the Olympic Village, with some of the biggest names in sports, including gymnast Simone Biles and tennis players Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, spotted in the compound. Reviews of the accommodation and food at the village were largely positive, although there were some reported issues with transportation to and from sports venues.
Despite some transportation challenges, athletes and coaches praised the facilities at the village, with American gymnastics coach Sam Mikulak describing it as the best he had seen in his four Olympics. The cardboard beds, chosen for environmental reasons, were also well-received, with athletes finding them comfortable to sleep on. However, there were also some setbacks as Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin, a three-time Olympic champion in dressage, withdrew from the Games after a video showing her making an “error of judgement” during a coaching session emerged.
As preparations for the Olympics opening ceremony on the Seine river were underway, rumors circulated online about US pop star Lady Gaga potentially being among the performers. The ceremony, which marks the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside of the main stadium, is yet to have its full lineup announced. Despite the challenges and controversies leading up to the Games, athletes and organizers remain focused on showcasing their talents and celebrating the spirit of international competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
