We all tuned in; whether you’re a die-hard fan who simply had to add Discovery+ to your extensive list of streaming services or just tuned in to watch everyone’s favourite: the 100m final. But what really went on behind the screens at the Paris Olympics 2024?

Given the manic state of St Pancras International Station, when trains to Paris were being routinely cancelled on the day of the Opening Ceremony, we thought that the world was swarming to the French capital. We booked restaurants months in advance and downloaded our Metro tickets long before arrival, to avoid any queues forming at stations. In actual fact, we were wrong. Many Parisians had fled from the Olympic city to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Games and, given that Paris is the gastronomic capital of the world, there were definitely enough eateries to feed everyone.

Parisians are known for being a bit, well… Parisian. Sartre novel in one hand, cigarette in the other, and paying more attention to their exceptional fashion choices than to any tourist who might look a bit lost. This summer though, the Parisians behaved a bit differently. Less brusqueness and impatience, more banter and generosity. It was a smiley side of Paris that I can’t say I have experienced before. Volunteers welcomed you with open arms, and restaurant owners didn’t even seem offended by the request of a vegan meal at their classic French bistro.

I barely knew the rules and, given that I’m 5’2, I was not going to be the next wild card for Team GB

When applying for tickets to the Games, the first thing I went for was beach volleyball. My parents looked a bit bewildered; I barely knew the rules and, given that I’m 5’2, I was not going to be the next wild card for Team GB. One thing they didn’t know was that Paris had cleverly incorporated their fabulous monuments into the games’ venues. BMX at Place de la Concorde, triathlon in La Seine and beach volleyball a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower. Not only that, but beach volleyball was basically a karaoke party, whilst watching a bit of ball… from Who Let the Dogs Out to Je Ne Regrette Rien, the Paris Olympics definitely knew how to make a sport entertaining for the casual viewers!

The Paris Olympics was a 2024 highlight, filled with unexpected joys. Next stop, LA ’28 for fewer croissants and more green juices, and less TGV and more traffic!

ELLE CRONEEN