The Paris 2024 Olympics not only showcased extraordinary athletic feats but also reflected broader societal shifts. From inclusivity to sustainability, these Games highlighted critical issues that resonate far beyond the sports arena.

Here are 5 things I learned from the latest iteration of this millennial celebration.

1. Bodies are diverse, and that’s empowering

Picture an Olympian. When we picture an athlete, the same image often comes to mind: slender but strong, probably white, cis-gendered, etc. This comes from conscious and unconscious biases.

However, Paris 2024 brought hope of a more inclusive society. Not only did we have Barbara Butch, a French DJ and lesbian activist, in the opening ceremony, but also athletes like Paula Leitón, winner of the water polo gold medal for Spain, and USA’s rugby player, Ilona Maher, who showed that health and athletic prowess come in every size.

2. Sustainability is possible

As the Games broke barriers in representation, they also set new standards in environmental responsibility. Paris 2024 pledged to be the most sustainable Olympic Games ever. Their strategies are ones we can extrapolate to other events: planning ahead, using renewable energy sources, reusing existing venues, renting and reusing equipment, favoring local and plant-based ingredients, and making all venues accessible by public transport. Furthermore, the Olympic Village is planned to become a residential and business eco-neighbourhood.

3. Mental health makes a winner

We all remember the controversy that surrounded Simone Biles withdrawing from the Tokyo 2020 Games because of her mental health—specifically, a mental block known as the ‘twisties’—a condition where gymnasts lose spatial awareness during their routines. Biles took a mental health hiatus in which she resorted to therapy, among other self-care actions.

In Paris 2024, Biles returned stronger than ever, taking home three golds and one silver medal. This shows even the best of us need and can benefit from a mental health hiatus.

4. Gender doesn’t look a certain way

The Paris 2024 Olympics also challenged traditional notions of gender in sports, highlighting that athletic talent transcends societal expectations of gender norms. When Imane Khelif won the Olympic boxing gold, some controversy arose due to perceptions about her appearance and gender expression. While Khelif does not conform to some societal expectations of femininity, she was born female, is registered as female in her country, and identifies as such. This situation highlights the ongoing need to challenge and broaden our understanding of gender and athletic performance. While there have been allegations regarding her testosterone levels, it’s important to remember that physiological diversity exists across all athletes—much like how Michael Phelps’ unique physical traits contributed to his swimming success.

Khelif’s experience, echoed in her powerful statement, “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles, according to the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes because this thing has effects, massive effects. It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind. And it can divide people,” serves as a poignant reminder of the damaging effects of bullying and the resilience required to overcome it.

5. There’s no age limit for awesome

At 65 years old, Juan Antonio Jiménez represented Spain in the Equestrian category, and the skateboarder Zheng Haohao, at 11 years old, is the youngest ever Olympian. This demonstrates that age is no barrier to pursuing your dreams.

Paris 2024 has set a new standard for what the Olympics can represent—a celebration of diversity, sustainability, and resilience. What inspired you the most? Share your thoughts on how we can continue to push these boundaries in future Games.

References

Click the triangle on the left to see this article’s references.

Artistic Gymnastics World Championships: Full Q&A with Simone Biles as she seeks to make more history. Olympics.com. (2023, October 6). https://olympics.com/en/news/exclusive-simone-biles-history-marriage-life-priorities-olympics

Eldeeb, A. F. and R. (2024, August 6). Olympic boxer Imane Khelif’s uncle describes her tough upbringing. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5442g3vxlo

Five ways Paris 2024 is delivering more sustainable games. (2024, April 22). https://olympics.com/ioc/news/less-better-and-for-longer-five-ways-paris-2024-is-delivering-more-sustainable-games

From young prodigy to golden veteran: The youngest and oldest stars shining at the 2024 Paris olympics. Olympics.com. (2024, July 31). https://olympics.com/en/news/youngest-oldest-athletes-2024-paris-olympics

Maryam, S. (2024, August 15). Imane Khelif’s misleading gender controversy explained. WIRED Middle East. https://wired.me/culture/imane-khelifs-misleading-gender-controversy-explained/

Pick, T. (2024, July 30). Meet Barbara Butch, “fat, queer, Jewish” and Olympics opener icon. The Jewish Independent. https://thejewishindependent.com.au/meet-barbara-butch-fatqueer-jewish-and-olympics-opener-icon

Research: How Americans’ biases are changing (or not) over time. Harvard Business Review. (2021, September 17). https://hbr.org/2019/08/research-on-many-issues-americans-biases-are-decreasing

Why Michael Phelps has the perfect body for swimming. Biography.com. (2020, May 14). https://www.biography.com/athletes/michael-phelp-perfect-body-swimming

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