As the ‘City of Lights’ prepares to host the biggest sporting event in the world, the moon is pictured with the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris
Exactly a century after Paris last hosted the Olympic Games, the flame will once again be lit in the French capital on Friday.
The build-up to the 2024 Olympics has been littered with nostalgia and romanticism, but anticipation and excitement has now reached unprecedented levels as the “City of Lights” prepares to host the biggest sporting event in the world.
Although a record-breaking crowd of 69000 fans have already come through the turnstiles at the Stade de France in support of the rugby sevens, and many more have attended the football preliminary rounds at the Parc des Princes stadium, the stage is now set for arguably the most unique opening ceremony in history.
Instead of being showcased inside the athletics stadium, as it has been done over the years, the ceremony will happen throughout the city, with almost 100 boats taking the 10500 athletes down the River Seine, where close to 320000 spectators will gather along the riverbanks to watch the spectacle.
Part of the extravaganza will see international superstars Celine Dion and Lady Gaga perform a musical duet.
The athletes will disembark in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower and proceed toward the Trocadéro.
Team South Africa will be part of that contingent coming down the River Seine, with sprinter Akani Simbine and gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz the flag bearers. Swimming golden girl Tatjana Smith (née Schoenmaker) is the leading medal contender in the squad. Smith won the gold medal in the 200m breaststroke at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, in addition to claiming a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke.
She was the first South African woman to win an individual gold medal since the legendary Penny Heyns back in 1996.
Smith is now bidding to become the first South African Olympic champion to retain her top spot on the podium in Paris.
The 27-year-old admits that carrying the hopes of the nation is immense, but that she is taking it all in her stride.
“It’s not easy,” Smith said in a video released by Team SA from the Athletes Village.
“It’s a daily thing that you have to tell yourself ... you’re not swimming for others’ expectations.
Sometimes my expectations are higher than those.
“It’s really just coming back to it, and for me just trusting in God and knowing his plan will work out ... that I can just prepare as well as I can.
“It’s about how we react to it and how we see it, and how positive we stay in those situations that counts.
I know it’s going to go well, and I’m preparing well.”
Smith stated that her recent marriage to Joel Smith – who is the brother-in-law of Springbok Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi – has also helped her cope with the expectation weighing on her shoulders.
“I love it (being married),” she said. “I’m embracing it, and I love that part of life. I’m still getting used to seeing a short surname on my caps.
“It makes you realise swimming is just a season, and there are different seasons. I’m already enjoying another season with my swimming.”
Smith begins her 2024 Olympic campaign in the Paris La Defense Arena on Sunday morning with the 100m breaststroke heats.
Cape Times
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