A few weeks before the start of the Olympic Games, at the beginning of the summer, the media were talking about nothing else... and many of them were rather defeatist about the implementation of this "demagogic project for Paris" (comments heard before the event), it was unthinkable that I would miss that!
Some even bet on being "ridiculous in the eyes of the world..." It was quite the opposite! OK, we could have had doubts about swimming in the Seine... and yet they did it!
In June, it was time to learn about the festivities that were already planned, the arrival of the athletes, the ceremonies concocted, the Olympic villages and sites in mainland France and Tahiti... everything was ready before the start date of these games! The ceremony of July 26th made an impression, it created such a buzz on the networks, picked up by the international press for its beauty, its madness, its originality and... Celine Dion!
The scenes were remarkably executed, and despite the pouring rain, in unison it was a real success and will now be a reference for future host cities. For my part, I was able to experience these games at the heart of the event since I was assigned to the TV production sets. As part of the image production teams, broadcast in 27 countries to follow this international event, Eurosport had enormous pressure on its shoulders. Located in the heart of Paris, on a rooftop of a large Parisian hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, the 7 studios and the necessary logistics were a confidential and privileged place throughout the fortnight. This experience is memorable…
We welcomed consultants and journalists to each TV studio for Live broadcasts or specific programs concocted for the fortnight, such as "Bonjour Paris" or "Bonsoir Paris," depending on the broadcast schedule. Athletes and medalists were scheduled according to the format to be broadcast to be interviewed about their competitions, their successes, or their views on the Olympics. Everyone was able to appreciate the welcome in the studios, the professionalism of the teams, and this incredible view to take the most beautiful souvenir photos of their time in Paris, with or without gold charms around their necks.
The organization of PARIS2024 is above all the establishment of teams, dispersed across the different sites, to anticipate competitions, receptions, flow of supporters, stewardship for the athletes, security, etc. Without the help of the 48 volunteers, this project would have been doomed to failure, and fortunately many wanted to participate and experience it. Having met them, some were commissioned by their company, such as ORANGE, one of the official partners, others took leave and for a large number were retired or students. What an experience for all these volunteers who worked on the international event.
At the Paralympics, I was able to work closely with the organisation for the transport of athletes, their mobility specific to their disability, and the management of flows with the different delegations, a varied and very different experience... but necessary for the smooth running of their stay in France.
What I remember from this experience of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is the fervor of the public, the enthusiasm of even the most skeptical supporters! The organization of an event of this size with the reception of foreigners, the media, the athletes on the different competition sites, the protocols to be put in place, the shuttles, bringing together partners, integrating the police force on the territory… everything was framed!
It must be remembered that on the day of the opening ceremony, there was an attack on the SNCF railway station in an attempt to compromise the success of the Games in France.
However, everything happened so quickly that the media quickly switched to the success of the ceremony rather than amplifying the information and causing fear for future visitors... Shame on those who wanted to sabotage PARIS2024!
The first days of the games, the arrival of the first French medals were the driving force to spread joy in the country... it was a wonder to see the fervor of the French who followed, even during their summer vacations, on their smartphones in the metro or at work for some... The fever of the supporters was growing from the Olympic Games to the Paralympics...
The beauty of the sites played a major role; Paris, the City of Light, was dazzling and beautifully showcased. How could anyone not be blown away by the Versailles site, a beauty for all the riders who were able to appreciate it on the various courses set up. All the sites that hosted events were highlighted several times by the media, like a Tour de France that exports the country's beauties internationally. And what a joy to see so many supporters proudly wearing PARIS2024 T-shirts or running around taking selfies with the Phryge, which in just a few weeks became the French people's favorite mascot! It's safe to say that the event was a unifying event in the region.
I met provincials and Brazilians in Paris, who had bought tickets to follow the events, and as soon as they could, they went to the Terrace of the Games of the Paris City Hall or to the heart of the Fan Zone of the Club France at La Villette. Everyone wanted to get together, in the middle of the crowd to watch the different events and experience the event with frenzy. I myself experienced it, and it was incredible, we came out of it speechless, exhausted, so intense and super exciting it was to follow the journeys of these athletes, yesterday unknown and today in our hearts forever.
At the urban park of Concorde, a huge official store was set up, I have never seen such a dense crowd just to go to a store, to the point of repeatedly doing the "OLA" to pass the time, or singing the "Marseillaise"... almost become the anthem of the summer!
For the following ceremonies, what a pleasure to see great artists come specially to Paris to experience the event, whether it be Tom Cruise, Christine & the Queen, Jean-Michel Jarre, Martin Solveig and all the others... it's just magical to think that they too were part of the PARIS2024 adventure.
With everyone I met during this period, I was able to interview some of them and ask them to summarize their experience, and the phrase that came up most often: "It was pure joy to experience this event, it was simply magical!"
The parade of athletes that will take place on Saturday, September 14th on the Champs Élysées will definitively close this part of our lives, which will have made us so proud to be French.
May this “Good Vibes” interlude continue, Long live sport!
Stephanie GRASTEAU
