Paris 2024: Host Selection, Medal Highlights, and Controversies Unveiled

The 2024 Summer Olympics (major international multi-sport event) which was held from 26 July to 11 August 2024, with the opening ceremony on 26 July, in Paris, France and whereas events were took place in Paris and 16 other cities.

Let's talk about the Host selection and Host city election :

Paris previously hosted the Olympics in 1900 and 1924 and after several failed attempts in 1992, 2008, and 2012 they set there eyes for 2024.

It was a big moment since it would mark 100 years since their last Games.

Though cities like Hamburg, Boston, Budapest, and Rome joined the race, most withdrew due to political and financial issues.

[DID YOU KNOW! : the decision by IOC took place in 2017 and it was a bold move to award both 2024 & 2028 games to Paris and Los Angeles respectively.]

About Medals & Who Topped the Podium? Paris 2024 Medalists

These all Medals feature embedded pieces of the Eiffel Tower which was created by luxury jeweler Chaumet and minted in Paris , the reverse side showcases Greek goddess Nike in the historic Panathenaic Stadium.

[DID YOU KNOW! : Gold medals primarily made of 98.8 percent silver and 1.13 percent gold, while the bronze medals are made up with copper, zinc, and tin]

Controversy over political tensions and spirit and games

Despite of having an international event there was chaos in Paris the controversies are there which Rocking the 2024 Olympics. Through all the scandals, the Olympics continues to fight for fairness and equality among its athletes.

Opening Ceremony

• The inclusion of Israeli athletes sparked debate due to the Israel–Hamas war, while the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine also drew significant controversy.

Boxers Backlash

• Algerian boxer Imane Khelif sparked controversy after Khelif's rapid 46-second win over Carini reignited discussions about her eligibility as Khelif had been previously disqualified for high testosterone levels.

Sexist Remarks , Hijab Ban

• During a doubles tennis match, a French commentator sparked outrage with a sexist remark about Italian player Sara Errani, saying, "She does everything: the washing up, the cooking, the mopping up." Both unions quickly condemned the comment, stating sexism has no place in international competition.

• French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla was initially barred from the Paris Olympics opening ceremony due to her hijab though after public outcry, a compromise was found allowing Sylla to participate wearing a cap.

India’s star wrestler was disqualified at the Olympics

• India’s star Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat is out of the competition ahead of a gold medal match, after being disqualified for being over her class’s weight limit, She would have been the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in any Olympic event.

Her wins — and sudden disqualification (by just over 100 gm in 50kg weight category) — have put her recent crusade against sexual harassment in India’s national wrestling organization back in the spotlight.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics wrap up, the event was a blend of spectacular moments and significant controversies. While the city celebrated its centennial return, debates over political tensions, eligibility, and fairness took center stage.

The Games remind us that sports reflect broader societal issues, pushing us to rethink and strive for greater inclusivity and respect in athletics and beyond.