Paris 2024: The Sustainability Mirage

Author: Ruth Jagannath

The Paris 2024 Olympics was billed as a beacon of environmental responsibility , a groundbreaking event that would set a new gold standard for sustainable sporting spectacles . Organizers promised a Games built on repurposed infrastructure, powered by renewable energy, and committed to minimal environmental impact.

On paper, it was a vision that captured the world’s imagination. Yet, as the Olympic torch was passed from hand to hand, a different narrative began to emerge – one of controversy, not sustainability.

While athletes battled it out on the field, a very different kind of competition unfolded in the public eye. The Seine , once a symbol of Parisian charm, became a focal point of concern as pollution levels rendered it unfit for triathlon training. This stark reality exposed a chasm between the idealized vision of an eco-friendly Games and the grim environmental realities on the ground.

The spotlight also fell on the controversial inclusion of Steven van de Velde in the Netherlands team, a stark reminder that the Olympics is not immune to the complexities of human nature. And the hijab ban imposed on French athletes, defied by the Egyptian Olympic volleyball duo, ignited a global debate on religious freedom and women’s rights.

These incidents, coupled with the intense scrutiny surrounding the boxing match between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini , transformed the Paris Olympics into something far removed from the harmonious sporting event it was intended to be.

Adding to the controversy was the incredibly tight finish in the men’s 100m final. Noah Lyles ‘ victory over Kishane Thompson by a mere 0.005 seconds was the closest finish in Olympic history. The drama surrounding the result, with viewers unsure of the winner until the official announcement, overshadowed the sporting achievement and added another layer of complexity to the Games.

Paris 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered for its sporting triumphs. But it will also be etched in our minds as a stark reminder that even the grandest stages can be marred by controversy. As the world turns its attention to future Olympic hosts, the question remains: can we truly deliver on the promise of sustainable and inclusive Games?