With 100 days until Paris 2024, can France deliver a smooth Olympic Games?

As the flame was ceremoniously ignited at the historic birthplace of the Olympics in Ancient Olympia, Greece, the long-awaited moment arrived for the culmination of seven years of meticulous preparations since Paris secured the honor of hosting the 2024 Olympics. With just 100 days left until the start of this monumental sporting event, the final preparations are now in motion.  

While the French government grapples with the weighty concern of ensuring security, leading to a reassessment of plans for the grand opening ceremony on July 26, the prevailing emotion among those involved in bringing the Games to fruition remains one of unwavering optimism.

"All of our energy and all of the means at our disposal are being employed to make this very beautiful ceremony a success," said Paris 2024's chief organizer Tony Estanguet during a press briefing. "We all know that before this kind of big event, there are always many questions, many concerns... It's a fantastic opportunity for our country to host this event, to welcome the world and also showcase what this country is about to do and deliver."

Anxieties over security risks

Amid the organizers' promise to turn the Paris Olympics into a "great national party"  for France, the challenge of ensuring security looms large. Recognizing the potential risks, the French government has made the difficult decision to scale back their ambitions. Initially, there were plans for a remarkable 600,000 members of the public to line the picturesque River Seine for the opening ceremony. However, due to concerns over the threat of attacks, this plan has been shelved.  

Additionally, the government has revised its earlier commitment to offer hundreds of thousands of free tickets to anyone interested. Instead, the number of spectators in attendance will be limited to approximately 300,000, comprising both paying ticket-holders and specially invited guests.

Adding to the prevailing uncertainty, French President Emmanuel Macron has further stirred the discussion in an interview on Monday. Acknowledging the potential security risks, Macron raised the possibility of relocating the ceremony from the Seine if deemed necessary. With a hint of contingency planning, he stated, "There are Plan Bs and Plan Cs. We are preparing them in parallel, and we will assess the situation in real time."  

This unexpected statement caught Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo off guard. Hidalgo asserted that the only plan she was aware of was "Plan A," emphasizing her message that Paris is "fully prepared" and eager to "welcome the world."

In an effort to assuage public apprehensions, security services have undertaken rigorous screening measures for approximately one million individuals associated with the Games. This extensive screening encompasses athletes, residents residing in proximity to the Olympic venues, medical personnel and volunteers.  

Demonstrating their commitment to safety, the French government has deployed a substantial security force, consisting of around 20,000 soldiers and over 40,000 police officers, to ensure the highest level of security during the event.

High ambitions for green Olympics

In a deliberate departure from previous Olympics, the Paris Games organizers have adopted a cost-effective approach by constructing only two new permanent sports venues. This shift aims to minimize expenses. One such venue, an 8,000-seat arena designed for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics, was inaugurated in northern Paris in February.  

The majority of sports events will be held in existing venues that have been either renovated or modernized specifically for the Games. Temporary infrastructure will also be utilized to ensure a legacy for the various areas and their communities. This emphasis on repurposing and revitalizing existing facilities underscores the commitment to leave a lasting impact beyond the duration of the Games.

Picture this: beach volleyball players engaging in thrilling matches right in front of the magnificent Eiffel Tower, while archery enthusiasts take aim at the historic Invalides monument. The vibrant atmosphere at Place de la Concorde becomes the backdrop for thrilling skateboarding competitions, and the Chateau de Versailles transforms into a grand stage for the equestrian events.

These temporary venues have been carefully chosen to bring the excitement of the Games to iconic locations and to engage a wider audience. Not only do these choices minimize the environmental impact compared to constructing new facilities, but they also adhere to eco-design principles. The venues will be outfitted using reused or low-carbon materials, incorporating thoughtful landscaping, and embracing natural ventilation, all in an effort to create sustainable and environmentally friendly spaces.

Mounting public skepticism

Sport possesses the remarkable ability to ignite hope and capture global attention like few other events can. However, as the anticipation builds for the Paris Olympics, a sense of discontent lingers amid local grumblings about ticket prices and disruptions to everyday life.  

Certain venues in the heart of the city will be restricted to the public, with extensive traffic restrictions in place. This means that access to these areas will be limited, and a number of underground and railway stations will either be closed partially or entirely throughout the duration of the Games.  

The suggestion for Parisians to work from home in order to alleviate congestion on public transportation has been met with disappointment by many. Privacy concerns have also arisen with the unveiling of proposed security measures, and there have been reports indicating that certain parts of the city may experience lockdowns. 

Moreover, controversy erupted over the environmental impact of a judges' tower at the surfing venue in French Polynesia. Adding to the mix, the unveiling of a glitzy new Olympic Village coincided with a housing crisis gripping the country. These issues have cast a shadow over the otherwise hopeful atmosphere leading up to this sporting extravaganza.

For all the gloom and apprehension, it's important to recognize that performance anxiety is a common sentiment for any host city of the Olympics. Paris is no exception as it strives to showcase its finest attributes to the rest of the world. Leading the charge, Estanguet, the head of the Paris organizing committee, radiates confidence, firmly believing that once the Games commence, people will enthusiastically rally behind the event. "We're ready for this final straight," he beamed.