Less than a couple of weeks away from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, KHAMSA rounds up everything you need to know.
A month after Haute Couture Week, Paris is getting ready to host another event that will have the world focused on the city of lights. The 2024 Olympic Games will host more than 10,000 athletes from all over the world, that will compete in 32 different sports across more than 300 events. After the 2021 Tokyo Olympics that happened in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games come as a breath of fresh air.
After years of meticulous planning, organizing, and prepping the capital of France for this major sports event, the Olympic Games are finally around the corner, so count on KHAMSA to round up the must-knows to get you rooting for your favourite team.
١. What to expect from the Paris Olympics?
At the centre of the 2024 Olympic Games, Paris chose to value accessibility, to allow as many spectators and visitors to be part of this event. The opening ceremony, which combines performances of all kinds, is usually held inside a stadium. This year, the city of Paris, and specifically the river of the Seine, zigzagging through the capital, will be the stage to the opening ceremony, which will be held on July 26.
The various competitions, ranging from fencing, surfing, and gymnastics, will be held all over the city, scattered in different venues across the arrondissements, encouraging spectators to visit the city at the same time. Allowing people to watch the ceremony, but also attend a champions park where the ceremony will take place.
٢. Who are the Arab athletes participating?
Every four years, countries from all over the world have the chance to showcase the best athletes from their land. And the Arab region has no shortage of incredible competitors. Safiya Al Sayegh will be the first Emirati woman to represent the UAE at the Olympics in the cyclist category. Another noticeable Arab woman returning to the Olympics is Lebanese Trap Shooter, Ray Bassil. Qatari athlete Mutaz Barshim will compete again for the High Jump, a few years after famously sharing his gold medal with the Italian Gianmarco Tamberi, as both of them hit the 2.37 meters mark. The infamous swimming category, often drawing the most spectators and viewers, will see Bahreini swimmer Amani Al-Obaidli compete for the Women’s 100 meters backstroke.
٣. What is the fashion to be on the lookout for?
With the Olympics being held Paris, fashion will automatically take an important seat at the table. It’s the opportunity for fashion brands and designers to toy with traditions, cuts, fabrics, and most importantly sports.
Starting in the belly of the beast, Berluti from the French luxury group LVMH, will dress the French team, blending a classic design, with deep colours echoing the French flag. Omega, the official timekeeper of the Olympics, released special edition models to celebrate the Paris Olympics, that will only be sold in Paris. Morrocan designer Ali Drissi will dress the Moroccan team with a design that echoes the country’s symbols, colours, and various regions. American brands such as Ralph Lauren and Skims partnered with the country’s various teams, for a complete “Born in the USA” look.
After years of training for the athletes, endless months of organization for the Olympic Committee, and spectators patiently counting down the days, the Paris Olympic are finally about to begin. May the best players win!
