As someone who has been following the Olympics for decades, I must say that the 2024 Paris Games were a breath of fresh air. After the subdued and COVID-restrained Tokyo games, it was refreshing to witness an event that exuded possibility, vibrancy, and cultural richness.
As a dedicated film enthusiast, I can attest that the 2024 Olympics unequivocally demonstrated this truth: We’re truly back in the game. To use a cinematic metaphor, we’ve made a triumphant return to center stage.
The quadrennial Olympic Games play multiple roles — they are a platform for sports celebration, a stage for the host city to shine on a global scale, and an opportunity to assess the current state of broadcasting technology. Furthermore, it offers a momentary pause for self-reflection on various aspects. After Tokyo’s COVID-postponed and -restricted Games, where top athletes competed in empty arenas while one of the world’s iconic cities remained secluded, Paris 2024 promises an Olympic experience that fans have been eagerly anticipating — a sense of possibility.
As a lifelong sports enthusiast and proud American, I must say that this year’s Olympic Games have been nothing short of inspiring for me. Having grown up watching athletes like Michael Phelps and Gabby Douglas represent our country on the world stage, it was truly heartening to see the incredible achievements of Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, the men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the women’s soccer team.
During their participation in NBC’s broadcast, Swift and Beyoncé served as emblematic examples of the cultural immersion embodied by the Games. Similar to how the Super Bowl has increasingly relied on music to attract even those unfamiliar with football terminology like “tackle” or “tight end,” the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics exuded an aura of modern, stylish, and lively appeal. The spectacular performances not only highlighted French culture but also sparked discussions that transcended the boundaries of the Games themselves. Just as the Games’ presentation, with the iconic Eiffel Tower often appearing in outdoor competitions, enhanced the visual experience, so too did the showmanship contribute to a broader discourse.
NBC’s coverage occasionally relied too heavily on celebrity culture at times, creating a somewhat awkward integration of figures like Snoop Dogg and Jimmy Fallon. However, they excelled in delivering a customizable Olympics experience via Peacock. Spontaneous meme-worthy moments, such as French pole-vaulter Anthony Ammirati’s seemingly self-disqualification or Australian breakdancer “Raygun” introducing the sport at the Games with enthusiasm but less skill, were presented with a sense of humor. Even controversial incidents like the misinformation about female boxer Imane Khelif and the perceived insult to “The Last Supper” in the opening ceremony didn’t overshadow the general good-natured atmosphere. Ultimately, it was Celine Dion’s triumphant entrance to open the Games that left a more lasting impression than the controversial tableaus.
Following a lull, the IOC seems incredibly eager as they look forward: the 2028 Games being in Los Angeles increases the possibility that cultural influences can seamlessly blend into the event, potentially even more so than in Paris. Those who were engrossed in athletic competition, European sophistication, and an overall positive atmosphere for two weeks are undoubtedly disheartened by one aspect: those Los Angeles games are still four years away.
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2024-08-12 19:46