Similar to previous Olympics, the host nation and city are dealing with issues that go beyond the venues’ preparation. In the run-up to the July 26 start of the Paris Olympics 2024, France has been embroiled in its own issues.
We examine the top five topics of discussion regarding hosting of the Olympic Games 2024:
Pro-Palestine groups demand ban on Israel from Olympics
Palestinian advocacy organizations have urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to prohibit Israel from competing in the Olympic Games 2024 as the country’s war on Gaza enters its ninth month.
Proponents of the ban argue that Israel ought to answer for its deeds. But the likelihood of such an action is zero.
When questioned in March about any decision by teams and athletes from Israel to skip the Paris Olympic Games, IOC chief Thomas Bach responded, “No, there is no question about this.”
Death threats threatening a replay of the Munich Massacre during the 1972 Olympics have sparked concerns ahead of the Paris Olympics. Athletes from Israel will have round-the-clock security due to the threat from Islami radicals.
Hijab ban at Paris Olympics
Athletes from France are not permitted to wear the hijab while competing in the Olympic Games 2024. Amelie Oudea-Castera, the former French minister of sports, declared in September that athletes would not be permitted to wear the headscarf during the Paris Olympics in order to uphold secularism and provide “absolute neutrality in public services.”
The decision drew criticism and sparked demonstrations. The only nation in Europe that forbids athletes wearing headscarves from competing in the majority of domestic sporting events is France, even though it is home to one of the biggest Muslim minorities in Europe.
Athletes will be allowed to wear the hijab at the athletes’ village, the IOC has confirmed.
“The IOC regulations are applicable for the Olympic Village,” an IOC representative stated.
“Wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural garment is not restricted.”
Shops, eateries, pubs, and clubs in Paris are reporting a “unprecedented slump in business and footfall,” with some of the blame going to the “heavy security measures” put in place for the Paris Olympics.
A coalition of unions representing restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and nightclubs stated that “activity has been down since June, many professionals have seen their revenue fall by 30 percent compared with previous years.”
The Summer Games are not the only problems facing the businesses. Unfavorable weather, inflation, and a difficult political climate are further issues. Restaurants are allegedly “suffering access restrictions that have sent footfall plunging by 70 percent” at the Trocadero area, which is close to the Eiffel Tower.
In other places, otherwise charming streets have been marred by security barricades. They said, “Many small businesses risk shuttering for good,” and they demanded that the government establish compensation guidelines.
The unions declared, “We insist that just and prompt compensation is required to make up for the inconvenience and losses suffered because of the Olympic Games.”
Water quality of River Seine in Paris
The big concern months before the Paris Olympics was whether the Seine would be competitive. The Seine, where swimming has been prohibited for more than a century, is set to host triathlon and marathon swimming events.
It is noteworthy that since the modern Olympic Games were introduced in 1896, no host city has hosted swimming in an urban river. The river has tested cleaner on a few days, but dangerous in recent weeks despite the city’s best attempts to clean it up.
About a hundred officials, athletes, and residents joined Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo in taking a dip to demonstrate the area’s safety for the Olympic Games 2024. But between now and July 30, when the triathlon begins, a lot of rain could damage the otherwise well-made plans.
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Russia vs Ukraine
Russia and Belarusian athletes are not permitted to compete in the Olympics while flying their flags or singing their national anthems. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the two nations were placed under rigorous embargo until they could progressively re-enter the country under a neutral banner while being closely monitored.
Only 33 of the 58 athletes from Russia and Belarus that the IOC had expected to compete have accepted the invitations; this number could still fall after thorough background checks. By contrast, 104 athletes from Belarus and 330 from Russia had competed at the Tokyo Olympics. They won’t compete in team competitions or be included in the medal count. Additionally, the individual athletes will not participate in the opening ceremony parade.
