The main attraction of this Olympic event is the competition. Alongside the excitement of the matches and their outcomes, viewers are treated to viral moments that have caught the global audience’s attention. These moments range from an archer resembling Eminem, to a selfie uniting North and South Korea, to a female fencer who is seven months pregnant, and a swimmer with a passion for muffins. Notably, there is also the story of ‘Kim Ye-ji‘, the young mother and marksman affectionately known as the world’s sweetheart, and ‘Yusuf Dikesh‘ (Yusuf Dikec), the Turkish national team’s celebrated sharpshooter, nicknamed ‘The Coolest‘. Competing casually without any supportive equipment, she still managed to secure a silver medal.
However, alongside these entertaining viral moments, there have been controversial topics emerging, particularly regarding ‘Iman Khlif‘ (Iman Khelif), an Algerian female boxer who has faced significant criticism over her gender testing by the IOC, raising questions about fairness for fellow competitors and sparking extensive commentary.
The Olympics are not a new occurrence that should surprise anyone. Viral issues, memes, quotes, images, and videos appear almost daily, if not more frequently, yet the Olympics vividly showcase how our world is interconnected and often moves at unprecedented speed, with information circulated almost instantaneously.
Because of this, as the Olympics progress from the opening day to the closing ceremony, many longtime viewers may feel as though they are watching a ‘season’ where they can reflect on key moments throughout, from the spectacular opening to vibrant competitions filled with unique identities that resonate like characters from a series. These competitions come with their share of disputes and problems while also offering impressive interactions between people.
This might be described as one of the most comprehensive and dynamic sports festivals ever.
A Sports Festival of Peace, Where Russia’s Presence Was Lacking
Sports and politics should not be intertwined.
These are words many have likely heard.
However, this principle is challenging to uphold on a global stage, especially as the IOC declared a boycott against Russia in 2022 due to violations of the Olympic Truce. This ancient agreement is intended to halt hostilities seven days before and after the Olympics and Paralympics. It was resurrected in 1993 under the belief that sport could someday serve as a bridge toward peace.
As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, the IOC felt compelled to take decisive action to prevent other countries from following suit. This ban extended beyond Russia to involve its ally, Belarus.
It is not that the IOC fails to recognize the efforts of athletes from Russia and Belarus; they are ‘allowed‘ to participate, but doing so means that Russian athletes must compete asAthletes without affiliation (AIN – Individual Neutral Athletes). This status prohibits them from donning any attire featuring the Russian flag, limiting their representation to a neutral status devoid of any indication of nationality, even omitting the presentation of the national anthem during medal ceremonies.
Furthermore, participating athletes must fulfill several conditions:
- Do not engage in any military activity.
- Avoid posting supportive messages regarding the war on social media.
- Team sports are banned while individual competitions are permitted.
“I believe the Olympics relate to ‘sport‘, but that’s not entirely true. They encompass politics, religion, and more. It’s regrettable to witness these scenarios as the original essence of the Olympics was to promote peace.”
‘Maria Butina‘ (Mariya Butina), a Russian MP, voiced her concerns softly as the hopes of watching her athletes claim medals faded.
She was asked the question once again: “But Russia invaded Ukraine. That cannot symbolize peace, can it?”
“Russia protects its people”, she insisted firmly, denying any personal motives for Kremlin military actions, framing them instead as a stern warning to Europe against further encroachment toward its borders.
Russia sent athletes under the auspices of the Russian Olympic Committee, or ROC (Russian Olympic Committee). Out of the 335 athletes in the Tokyo Olympics, only 15 participated as ‘neutral athletes’ in sports like swimming, canoeing, and more.
The IOC extended invitations to 36 athletes from Russia and 24 from Belarus. While most athletes initially accepted, the Russian government later criticized the IOC’s actions as discriminatory. Consequently, many athletes opted to decline the invitation.
This situation is not unprecedented. Russia faced its first international sporting ban from December 2019 to 2023, stemming from the discovery of doping among its athletes.
How do Russian citizens feel about this situation? The Russian newspaper, Prada, indicated that many Russians have long felt indifferent toward the Olympics and that this ban has had no noticeable impact on their lives, as they continue their daily existence.
Meanwhile, various newspaper headlines directly challenged the tournament organizers in France, with some labeling the event as the ‘Olympus of Hell‘. They criticized the treatment of athletes and claimed that the provided food was subpar. Many athletes reportedly fell ill after consuming contaminated food, and the conditions forced them to swim in the Seine River, which was not deemed suitable for competition.
Despite the absence of Russian athletes in team competitions, some remarked that synchronized swimming lacked the usual excitement without Russia’s participation. Although there were vibrant showings from other sports, this year’s Olympics prominently reflect the pressures and challenges of global politics.
The Modern Olympics Integrating French History in Sports
The Paris 2024 Olympics has been strategically using France’s iconic landmarks and attractions as part of its sporting venues from the outset.
For instance, the beach volleyball matches are staged in front of the Eiffel Tower, while fencing and taekwondo events are held at the Grand Palace. The archery competition takes place on the front lawn of a former military cemetery and museum.
The marathon course is designed for athletes to traverse through the heart of Paris, passing notable sites like the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Versailles, with the route inspired by the marches of the French Revolution.
Another key aspect garnering attention is the opening ceremony.
This year marks the first instance of an opening ceremony occurring outside a stadium, involving athletes from each country navigating a 6-kilometer-long route via boat along the Seine River, fromDosterlitz Bridge (Pont d’Austerlitz) toD A N A Bridge (Pont d’Iéna), which links the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro (Jardins du Trocadéro).
Additionally, the event recognizes the rich history and struggles of the French people in their quest for democracy.
One of the most talked-about performances featured the decapitated head of Marie Antoinette, who was executed for treason and for the plundering of national treasures. Her demise signified the closure of an era; interpretations of her legacy vary between viewing her as a martyr or as a symbol of the failures of the old monarchy.
The theatrical performance labeled ‘Liberty’ employs imagery from Liberty Leading the People, symbolizing the voices, independence, and unity of the populace from past generations through to the present.
Also noteworthy is the mascot named ‘Olympic Phryge‘, inspired by thePhrygian Cap, a symbol of liberty depicted in the painting Liberty Leading the People, representing key figures from French history.
Moreover, athletes winning medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics will receive medals containing a piece of the iconic Eiffel Tower, further bridging the Games with Paris’s quintessential symbol.
The medal trays have been uniquely crafted by the luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton, created from their signature Monogram canvas and lined with matte black leather, featuring embossed Olympic and Paralympic logos. Each tray can accommodate two to six medals.
Additionally, Louis Vuitton has designed unisex uniforms for the medal bearers, comprising polo shirts, trousers, and short-brimmed gavroche hats, reestablishing the visual identity of the Games.
The top three athletes will also receive an official poster for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, illustrated byUgo Gattoni, who employed vibrant colors to depict Paris as a large sports city reflecting openness and athleticism throughout.
The closing ceremony will showcase a performance representing the evolution from the traditional Olympics to contemporary times, featuring the significant figure Pierre Frédéric Baron de Coubertin, a French baron, founder of the International Olympic Committee, and the second president of the IOC, credited with ushering in the modern Olympic era.
Statues of theWinged Victory of Samothrace, a Hellenistic marble sculpture, will be placed on a stage resembling a map of France, symbolizing victory.
All these elements break from convention, intertwining narratives of the French populace’s struggle and perseverance, marking the Olympic Games’ return after 600 years since the 1924 event.
‘Chocolate Muffins’: The 2024 Olympics’ Star Snack
“Food should be healthy and sustainable for the planet simultaneously.”
This idea positioned the Paris 2024 Olympics as more favorable for vegetarians and environmentalists than any previous iteration, with an intention to double plant-based ingredients used and halve greenhouse gas emissions relative to earlier Olympics.
During the 10-day event, France has established a dining area in the Athletes’ Village that seats 3,500 and operates 24 hours, serving around 40,000 meals daily from diverse global cuisines, along with six Grab & Go zones offering snacks, pastries, salads, fruits, Michelin-star chef menus, and even junk food.
However, reports surfaced about athletes facing challenges with inadequate food options and limited supply. Additionally, concerns arose regarding parasites found in some fish (though organizers confirmed no official complaints) along with the scarcity of protein-rich choices. Long wait times for food, sometimes extending to 30 minutes due to the absence of an organized queue system, led some athletes to order from local restaurants, which sparked widespread criticism.
Yet, what has gone viral on social media are ‘Chocolate Muffins‘, which gained notoriety thanks to ‘Henrik Christiansen‘, a Norwegian swimmer who dubbed them the ‘Muffin Man’ after he rated the dessert an 11 out of 10 on TikTok. His review quickly amassed millions of views, prompting him to produce over ten related videos.
Shortly thereafter, other Olympians started sampling the chocolate muffins, and most were so impressed with their flavor that they began sharing their opinions on social media, leading to the muffins becoming synonymous with the phrase ‘Chocolate Muffins‘ on the Olympic podium, furthering their reputation as ‘Good stuff‘.
Olympic Flavor: Viral Moments and Controversies of the Games
The excitement of the Olympics is not just in the athletic competition, but also in the unique and often viral moments that capture the attention of audiences worldwide. Among the thrilling events, we encounter memorable ‘freebies’ ranging from an archer who resembles Eminem, to heartfelt selfies between North and South Korean athletes and inspiring stories like that of Kim Ye-ji, a young mother and marksman who garnered global admiration.
Additionally, there’s the remarkable Yusuf Dikesh from Turkey, who competed without extensive gear and still managed to secure a silver medal. Such instances highlight the competitive spirit and the emotional stories behind athletes.
However, the Olympics also echoes with controversies, as seen with Iman Khlif, an Algerian female boxer facing scrutiny due to a gender test mandated by the IOC, raising questions about fairness in sports.
The Olympics: A Spectacle of Connection and Speed
The Olympics have historically been a platform where thrilling viral moments unfold alongside deeply rooted global issues. As information travels faster than ever, the Games echo our interconnected world, often reflecting contemporary challenges much like a riveting series spanning multiple episodes. From opening ceremonies to fierce competitions, viewers can reminisce about a plethora of unique stories and memorable events.
A Festival of Peace Amidst Conflict
Sports and politics should not be intertwined.
This phrase resonates powerfully in the context of the Olympic Games. The IOC’s decision to impose a ban on Russian athletes in 2022 over their actions violating the Olympic Truce has sparked heated debates. As Russia continues its military actions in Ukraine, the IOC opted to allow only neutral participation without any national identification, a decision cloaked in controversy but aimed at preserving the sanctity of the Games.
The measures taken include:
- No involvement in military activities.
- No supportive war messages on social media.
- Prohibition of team sports; individual competitions allowed.
This response is not merely punitive; it illustrates the IOC’s intent to safeguard competitive integrity, though it has also highlighted the fine line between sportsmanship and political engagement.
“The Olympics are about ‘sport‘, but they also intertwine with politics, religion, and social issues. The original idea was to create peace.”
Russian MP Maria Butina lamented the political overshadowing of sports, sparking further discourse on the implications of international politics on athletic endeavors.
Controversies Spark Discussion
The undercurrents of criticism have stemmed from various quarters, questioning the motivations and fairness towards athletes involved. As the landscape of global sports politics evolves, different opinions arise, illustrated vividly through various global media outlets and public discourse.
Paris 2024: A Historical Context
The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics is leveraging the rich historical tapestry of France to attract global attention. With many venues set against iconic landmarks, events like beach volleyball and marathon races promise to blend sports with a cultural experience. The opening ceremony will further break ground by taking place outside a traditional stadium, accentuating France’s heritage while increasing accessibility to an international audience.
Redefining Snack Culture at the Olympics
“Food must be healthy and good for the planet at the same time.”
The Paris Olympics will focus on sustainability and health, emphasizing plant-based foods. However, amidst the healthy selections, one item has gained unexpected fame: the Chocolate Muffins. Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen’s enthusiastic TikTok review turned these muffins into an overnight sensation, leading to a widespread wave of Olympians sharing their delectable experience.
This unexpected rise to stardom illustrates the cultural nuances of food in sports environments, where something as simple as a muffin can unify athletes from around the world.
Conclusion: The Intersection of Sports and Society
The Olympic Games have transcended their initial purpose, evolving into a multifaceted event where sports, viral cultural moments, and political undercurrents converge. As athletes compete for gold while navigating through the world’s complex narrative landscape, audiences can anticipate a rich tapestry of stories interwoven into the fabric of the Olympic tradition.
