Reflections on the Paris 2024 Olympics: A Wide-Angle Perspective

As I reflect on the Paris 2024 Olympics, I find myself navigating a spectrum of emotions. The Olympics, at their best, are a platform for global unity—a chance for the world to come together and celebrate the human spirit through sports. Viewing these games as a global citizen, an American, and a Muslim, I was struck by both the highs and the lows.

The Ceremonies: A Mixed Bag

The opening and closing ceremonies, while innovative in integrating French culture, left me yearning for more. Unlike the awe-inspiring spectacles of the Atlanta, Athens, Beijing, London, and Rio Olympics, Paris’s approach, with teams arriving on barges and a focus on high-tech elements, didn’t quite resonate with me. While the French government’s decisions regarding religious symbols and ban on hijab were not a focus during the ceremonies, it's a reminder of the broader issues of inclusivity that we face globally.

However, I have to give credit where it’s due—the effort to make the Paris Olympics as green and eco-friendly as possible was commendable. The integration of iconic French landmarks into the events was another highlight, showcasing the city’s charm.

Recognizing Athletic Excellence

When it comes to the events themselves, there were some truly memorable moments for me (and a disclaimer there is no way I can capture all of them, just a sampling).

The U.S. also had its share of standout performances. Gabby Thomas not only medaled but captivated audiences with her charisma and grace. Her presence on the track was electric, and her achievements were a highlight of the games. Steph Curry’s remarkable three-pointers led Team USA to victory, showcasing his legendary skill. In gymnastics, Stephen Nedoroscik won a bronze medal in the pommel horse—a moment that felt like a superhero transformation as this quiet, nerdy guy shone when it mattered most.

I also enjoyed seeing Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz play doubles. Although they lost earlier than expected, it was a joy to witness two generations of tennis greatness sharing the court together.

However, I couldn’t help but notice that some of these incredible performances didn’t always get the spotlight they deserved, particularly those from non-Western nations. Fairness is paramount in sports, and it’s essential that all athletes receive the recognition they’ve earned.

Pan Zhanle, the young Chinese swimmer, set an Olympic record in the 100-meter freestyle on his 20th birthday—a feat that deserved more recognition than it received. Similarly, Sifan Hassan’s (An Ethiopian-born Muslim woman wearing a Hijab and representing the Netherlands) victory in the marathon was nothing short of inspiring, a testament to her perseverance and determination.

These accomplishments, whether by Pan Zhanle, Sifan Hassan, Gabby Thomas, Stephen Nedoroscik, or other athletes like Curry, remind us that the Olympics are about celebrating the extraordinary talents and efforts of individuals from all over the world.

Sportsmanship and Rivalries

Sportsmanship is at the heart of the Olympic spirit, and I was heartened to see it in action. The camaraderie between India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem who won the Silver and Gold respectively in the men’s javelin throw was inspiring.

On the flip side, I was disappointed by the lack of sportsmanship in some events, such as the comments and cold handshake by the runner-up in the women’s tennis final. These moments remind us that the Olympics are not just about winning but about respect and mutual appreciation.

A Spotlight on Diversity

It was also fascinating to see the diversity in the sports where Muslim-majority countries excelled—wrestling, taekwondo, and weightlifting being prime examples. Uzbekistan’s success in wrestling, along with the achievements of Iran and Azerbaijan, underscores the broad range of athletic talent across the world. As in past years, there was a Refugee Olympic Team, which is heart-warming.

The inclusion of breakdancing as a new Olympic sport this year was intriguing, though it feels like a sport with more Western roots. It highlights an ongoing trend where certain sports are included based on their appeal to specific audiences, which raises questions about the true global nature of the Olympics.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

As much as I enjoy watching sports like basketball and football/soccer, their inclusion in the Olympics feels more like a commercial decision than one rooted in the Olympic spirit. With established tournaments like the World Cup and the NBA Finals, their presence at the Olympics seems to be driven by financial interests rather than the ideals of inclusivity and sportsmanship. I understand the stakes are high for organizations like the IOC, sponsors, and media companies, but I hope for a future where the Olympics focus more on providing a platform for all nations, regardless of GDP, and on celebrating sports as a bridge between cultures.

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges, there were moments in Paris that truly captured the Olympic spirit. From France's Benjamin Thomas’ tenacity in cycling where he fell and still won gold, to the Netherlands Femke Bol’s incredible comeback in the mixed-relay to win gold, these are the stories that make the Olympics special.

As I look forward to Los Angeles in 2028, I’m hopeful that we will continue to see progress. The decision to use existing facilities is a positive step both economically and environmentally. Paris also made strides in this direction, and though there’s always room for improvement, every effort counts.

These are my reflections on the Paris 2024 Olympics. Whether you agree or disagree with my thoughts, I hope we can continue the conversation about how to make the Olympics a true celebration of global unity and sportsmanship.

If anyone can get me tickets for Los Angeles 2028, hit me up.