In 2024, the Summer Olympics were hosted in Paris, France. It was watched around the world, and many significant events that made history occurred.
Details of the Olympics
The 2024 Olympics took place from July 26 to August 11. 206 nations took part in the Olympics. Around five billion people tuned in to the 2024 Olympics. $9.1 billion United States dollars were said to be spent on making this event happen. However, the games were said to generate $12 billion United States dollars.
Countries banned from the 2024 Olympics
For the 2024 Olympics, Russia and Belarus were excluded from being able to participate. Russia has been banned since 2017, but this was Belarus first year that they were unable to participate. Instead, some athletes chose to compete as independent from both Russia and Belarus. In the past, Russia was banned for various incidents, such as taking illegal performance-enhancing drugs. However, they were banned from this Olympics for their invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is also banned for the involvement with the war on Ukraine.
The Seine River
The Seine River was planned to be used for certain swimming events such as the triathlon and marathon. Issues arose however when testing the bacteria levels in the water. The bacteria was abundant enough to cause illnesses such as E. coli. The city spent about $1.4 billion U.S. dollars to clean the river. Mayor Anne Hidalgo salso swam in the river to prove that to the city that it was safe on July 17. Some Paris residents have protested by defecating in the water. Events were canceled and pushed off, but ultimately it was utilized during the games.
Opening Ceremony
The countries were introduced on boats that traveled on the Seine River. The french artists that performed at the opening ceremony were Gojira, Aya Nakamura, Philippe Katerine, and Juliette Armanet. The international artists were Lady Gaga and Céline Dion.
Outstanding athletes
In the swimming sport, Leon March, who was representing France, received four gold medals. At 22 years old, this was an unbelievable moment for both him and his country cheering him on.
In the men’s basketball finals, Stephen Curry scored 24 points and eight 3-pointers, as well as 4 in the last couple minutes. This allowed the United States to receive gold, winning his fifth time getting a gold medal in basketball.
Suni Lee from the American Gymnastics team was the first U.S. women to win two medals in the uneven bars. Beshoy Wahapa from Colonia High School says that “She is very talented, shes very well presented, and shes very humble while still being one of the most talented people in the Olympics that I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Medals
The United States received first place with 40 gold medals, 44 silver medals, and 42 bronze medals, which led to 126 in total. China had 91 medals and ended in second place with 40 gold medals, 27 silver medals, and 24 bronze medals. With 45 medals total, third place went to Japan, with 20 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 13 bronze medals.
Future Olympics
The upcoming winter Olympics is set to take place in 2026 from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The next summer Olympics however is in 2028, and it will take place from July 14 to July 30 in Los Angeles, USA. Emily Schmidt from Colonia High School stated that “I’m so excited for the 2028 Olympics to be in Los Angeles. Maybe I can go watch and I feel like it’ll be a massive thing.”
