Excitement grows as 50 days to go for Paris 2024 Olympics

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - With only 50 days left to the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the excitement is building as the Olympic Torch Relay makes its way through western France, the Pays de la Loire region. The country is hosting the multi-sport event for the sixth time.

Despite interruptions during World War I and II, the Olympic spirit endures, and the 33rd Summer Olympics is set to have its grand opening ceremony on the Seine River.

The tournament from July 26 to Aug. 11 will feature 29 traditional sports along with new additions such as breakdancing, sport climbing, and surfing.

Paris will bring together over 10,500 athletes from 206 countries to compete in 329 events.

- A piece of Eiffel Tower

Athletes who win will take with them a fragment of the Eiffel Tower, as the medals feature fragments of iron sourced from the iconic structure.

The metal comes from parts of the monument’s structure removed during renovation works during the 20th century.

“In honor of the return of the Games to France, each Olympic and Paralympic medal will include a piece of the Eiffel Tower, creating a profound connection between this object, the ultimate goal of many athletes, and the iconic monument of Paris and France,” a press release said.

- Athletes from Russia, Belarus to compete as neutrals

Athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete as neutrals, and will not take part in the opening ceremony, according to the International Olympic Committee.

The flags, emblems, and anthems of Russia and Belarus will also not be used, and Russian and Belarusian athletes participating neutrally will be required to comply with all anti-doping rules applicable to other athletes.

No officials from the governments of either country will be invited, or accredited as part of the games.

The closing ceremony will take place at Stade de France national stadium on Sunday, Aug. 11.​​​​​​​