In a few months' time, Paris will be vibrating to the rhythm of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A celebration of sport, an intense competition followed the world over, that unites us as much as it opposes us. While we wait to see our French athletes triumph ( or so we hope), here are a few anecdotes and fun facts to know about the Olympics.
In 2024, 206 nations are taking part in the Paris Games. More precisely, we're talking about National Olympic Committees, which can represent a country, but also principalities, like Andorra. In the history of the modern Games, only one nation has ever taken part in the event: the Vatican. This exception is about to come to an end... Or almost.
The Vatican is keen to forge links between sport and the Church: discussions are underway with the IOC to gradually build up a Vatican sports delegation. "There's still a lot of work to be done before the Vatican can take part in the Games," assures Monsignor Emmanuel Gobilliard, auxiliary bishop and vicar general of the Lyon diocese, interviewed by L'Equipe. However, the Vatican sports club has already taken part in several competitions, and is recognized by various international federations.
Paris 2024: history, practice, athletes, all about breaking at the Olympic Games
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are an opportunity for the general public to get a closer look at less traditional sports. Today, we discover the breaking, new sport of the Olympic Games: its history, where to practice it, our best athletes... [Read more]
In the meantime, sports fans can look forward to another first: breaking is making a sensational entry into the history of the Games. Unfortunately, this new discipline will not be repeated at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Breaking is not the only sport to have been dropped from the Olympic lists: many sporting activities have been abandoned over the years. Did you know, for example, that tug-of-war, croquet, pelote basque and lifesaving were all part of the 1900 Games? In the end, only four sports have ever been contested at the Olympic Games: fencing, gymnastics, swimming and athletics.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are highly codified events, where certain traditions and rules are respected. And do you know why this competition is only held every four years? The official IOC website explains that it's " to respect the ancient origins of the Games, which were held every four years in Olympia. Indeed, sporting competitions were organized there and took the name of the venue: the "Olympic Games". The four-year period separating the editions of these Ancient Games was called an "Olympiad" and served as a dating system at the time: time was not counted in years, but in Olympiads."
The motto of the Games is more recent, but is also rooted in ancient values. The official motto is: " Citius - Altius - Fortius ", or "Faster - Higher - Stronger" in Latin. Since the Tokyo Games of 2021, a fourth word has been added to this motto: "Communiter" - meaning together. A reminder of the fraternal and supportive nature of the Games.
Now you're ready for your next game of Trivial Pursuit!
Paris 2024: history, practice, athletes, all about breaking at the Olympic Games
