Paris 2024: games unlike any other

We’re into the first week of the Olympics, and you must have guessed that we’re in full-on Olympic mode! Tennis, swimming, and gymnastics are our house favorites.

As we dive into week two of this spectacular event, I can’t help but reflect on some of the unique aspects that have made these Games so special. From surprising venues (games by the Eiffel Tower, hello!) to new sports, Paris 2024 has certainly kept us on our toes.

1. Seine-sational Opening Ceremony

   

   Source: Getty Images

   Remember when the athletes paraded down the Seine instead of a stadium? I'm still not over how beautiful that was. Who would have thought of hosting an opening ceremony outside a stadium?

2. The Phrygian Cap

   

   Source: Paris 2024

   Paris decided to go quirky with their mascot choice, they picked the Phrygian cap, but gave it a face and personality. These red cone-shaped hats have a cool backstory - they were worn by freed slaves in ancient Rome and later became a symbol of liberty in France.

3. The Eiffel Tower Everywhere!

   

   Source: USA Today

   Not only are some events happening in front of the Iron Lady, but did you know the medals have a bit of the tower in them? Talk about a weighty win!

4. Surfing in a land far away

   

   Source: Associated Press

   While the City of Lights is hosting most of the action, 16 other French cities are getting in on the fun too. But the surfing competitions are being held in Tahiti, where surfers are catching waves at Teahupo'‘o’s legendary waves in the Pacific.

5. Breaking: The New Olympic Sport

   

   Source: Paris 2024

   The Paris Games are bringing some fresh energy to the Olympic lineup. Breaking, the dynamic dance style rooted in hip-hop culture is making its debut as an official Olympic sport. It's exciting to see this urban art form recognized on such a global stage.

   But that’s not all – the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also added skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing to the roster.

6. Full gender parity in Action

   

   Source: Paris 2024

   What impressed me the most was the historical gender parity! Paris 2024 will be the first Olympics in history to achieve this, with an equal number of female and male athletes participating in the largest sporting event in the world.

   Out of the 10,500 athletes participating in the Games, 5,250 will be men and 5,250 women.

7. A True Global Gathering

   

   203 countries are participating and each will have at least one athlete. Did you know Nauru (a small island located in the Pacific Ocean to the northeast of Australia) is the smallest nation (by population) to compete this year!

What's been your favorite moment so far? Any events you're looking forward to in the coming week? I'd love to hear your thoughts!