The Paris Olympic Games, which constitute the largest multi-sport event in the world by 2024are now upon us: they will be inaugurated on July 26th (with closing on August 11th) and apparently, while the general budget is under control, global political controversies and new discussions for the “gigantism” and high ticket prices are presented as the biggest discussion.
The shadow of a boycott has loomed again since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Russia and its ally Belarus have been swept away from sporting competitions, although the IOC, under the fearful leadership by Thomas Bach, opened the doors of the participation of some athletes from those countries in “neutral” conditions.
The resolution of December 8 establishes that Russians and Belarusians who “they have no connection with the aggression against Ukraine” and those who pass the qualification processes could participate in Paris. A solution which, at this point and with those same processes already underway, appears very difficult and which the Russian Olympic officials themselves, faithful to Putin’s directives, have described as “discriminatory”.
Several international sports federations have accepted this decision but others, especially athletics (the “main sport” of the Games) reject the Russian presence in Paris. In the specific case of athletics, Russia was marginalized for several years before the invasion, due to doping scandals.
“Not meeting all of Ukraine’s demands does not mean supporting the war. On the contrary, we have stood in solidarity with Ukraine from the beginning. But Now let’s look for a balanced solution“Bach defended himself last week, in statements to the German media.
The Games will return to Paris after a century and the organization’s budget reaches its limits 8,000 million euros: Half corresponds to the specific cost of setting up and the rest to the construction or conditioning of the systems. He is a figure that remains well below the 14 billion invested by Tokyo (Games held in 2021) and which were “the most expensive in history”. But it is immediately clear that the French capital has cutting-edge sports infrastructure and did not need such high investments in this sense.
“We have the budget under control” said Tony Estanguet, head of the organizing committee. According to a study by the University of Limoges, the Games will generate approximately 10.7 billion euros in economic benefits and create 250 thousand jobs. They hope to raise 1.1 billion in sponsorships while ticket sales represent income 1,265 million.
The issue of ticket sales is now at the center of the debate. It is estimated that a third of the seats can be obtained for 50 euros or less, but the other two thirds have prices above 100 euros. For the opening ceremony – a real novelty, a parade along the Seine – Seats range from 90 to 2,700 euros, while closing tickets range from 45 to 600 euros.
Sebastian Coe, head of World Athletics (the International Athletics Federation) questioned this “They will be the most expensive Games in history.” Paradoxically, Coe was the president of the London 2012 organizing committee, also questioned at the time by the price of tickets, which started at 23 euros.
Estenguet, the master of Paris, attributed these prices “to inflation”. For Coe, the organizers “should ensure that the stadiums are full. We ask for a balance. There will always be premium tickets, but It is important that our stadiums are filled with people who love our sportnot just those who can afford to participate in the Olympic Games.
But the criticism was not only aimed at ticket prices but also at high cost of hotels and increase in various taxes for tourists. Recently, the French Consumer Association published data showing that hotel prices increased exponentially around the time of the Olympic Games.
The sports authorities said so “balance” of ticket prices to guarantee maximum attendance in the stadiums. At the same time, they urged the authorities in the French capital to strengthen controls and surveillance to prevent speculation.
Paris expects an influx of three million visitors during the Games and estimated ticket sales are 7 million.
The opening ceremony, for the first time outside a stadium, will consist of a parade along the river, which can be followed by 300 thousand spectators. Security will be maximum: 45 thousand agents distributed over 12 kilometres. The 160 boats with the athletes will cross from the Austerlitz Bridge to the Iena Bridge, culminating in the Trocadero, a few steps from the Eiffel Tower.
In addition to the organization’s tickets, some Premium sites have been established where “immersive experiences” can be offered: dinner, champagne and music to follow the parade to and fromthe Puente del Alma at 9,500 euros or from the Tokyo Palace, at 7,500.
Beyond these discussions, the truth is that for visitors these Games will be an opportunity to enjoy Paris in all its splendor from Many of the races will take place in major tourist attractions, including sites such as Les Invalides and the Champ de Mars. Or the Palace of Versailles, where the horse riding and modern pentathlon trials will be held.
The Grand Palais will host fencing and taekwondo, while at the Parc des Princes there will be football tennis in the international “temple” of clay courts, the Roland Garros stadium. Its historical monarch, the Spanish Rafael Nadal, could return to play in this stadium, if his return to the field – after countless physical ailments – takes place with good results in the next circuit.
The country’s most important sports venue, the Stade de France, will be the headquarters for sporting competitions, having witnessed the recent Rugby World Cup final or, in 1998, France’s coronation in the Football World Cup.
Athletics will receive the superstars these days such as the Swedish pole vaulter Armand DuPlantis, the Norwegians Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the middle distance and Karsten Warholm in the hurdles, the Americans Noah Lyles (aiming for four gold medals in the sprint) and Ryan Crouser (shot put) or the multiple record Kenyan -owner Faith Kipyegon.
But definitely the best exciting athletic duel outside that stadium there will be a fight between two other Kenyans: the best marathon runner in history Eliud Kichoge (looking for his third consecutive gold, something unprecedented at the Games) and Kelvin Kiptum, who has just beaten his compatriot’s record over that distance.
Only the surfing competition will be very far away: in French Polynesia, where almost 5 million euros have been invested in the works that allow the famous Teahopoo wave near coral reefs.
Source: Clarin
