Paris Olympics 2024

The Olympic Games has now begun, and will run from 26 July to 11 August 2024, where we will have the joy of seeing all of our favourite countries doing our favourite sports and competing for gold. The games are a popular and diverse festival where people come together to support their country and cheer on those who have worked tirelessly over the last four years for the chance to make everyone, and themselves, proud.

The Olympics started with its opening ceremony, which broke tradition by having it outside, along the River Seine, instead of in a stadium. A parade of over 10000 athletes from 200 different countries flowed down the river, waving their flags, bright smiles on their faces, all looking overjoyed to be there and ready to spend the next 16 days showcasing their talents. We also witnessed the traditional lighting of the Olympic cauldron, this year suspended beneath an enormous balloon, which “has been a symbol of peace and friendship among nations since antiquity”.

So far we’ve seen a range of sports, from basketball to artistic gymnastics, and South Africa has won multiple medals. It was incredible to see the amazing talents of the rugby team, who won bronze for our country. Alan Hatherly also won bronze, for his incredible mountain biking, and Tatjana Smith did a fantastic job in her 100m breaststroke, taking gold!

I’m sure everyone is excited for what’s to come in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and for South Africa, or whatever country you support, to take home many medals, making everyone proud.

– Ella