It’s a beautiful weekend, and the streets usually seen with bikes driven by both kids and adults, walkers getting that daily exercise,often with the help of a dog or two on its leash,or baby buggies being pushed by mom, dad and/or grandma or grandad, were mostly unoccupied. How unusual! It was that fabulous show that happens every four years known as the Summer Olympics!
This one seemed different, though: it was in Paris, where the name alone almost guarantees fun and good times! It was also following the one that occurred at the time there were so many unknowns about Covid and its effects. We were ready to try to put political and social differences aside and enjoy the physical and mental achievements that so many athletes had worked so hard for so long to accomplish.
We certainly were not disappointed! Many of them showed us skills never before seen at
times faster than thought possible! The thought of how much effort it took for each and every one of those participants gave us a renewed sense of what can happen when it counts!
Yes, the medals were certainly important, but the feeling of unity and friendship we all felt was right there too! Oh, if we could keep the spirit of the 2024 Olympics alive!
The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, were held in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024. This marked the third time Paris hosted the Summer Olympics, with previous games held in 1900 and 1924.
The 2024 Games featured several new sports, including breakdancing (known as "breaking") making its Olympic debut, alongside the return of popular events like surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing, which were first introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In terms of results, the United States continued to dominate the medal tally, securing the highest number of overall medals. China was also among the top-performing nations. French athletes excelled in several events, with standout performances in judo, fencing, and team sports like handball.
The Paris Olympics were notable for their emphasis on sustainability, with many events held in existing or temporary venues to reduce the environmental impact. The iconic Seine River was used as a backdrop for several competitions, and the games were hailed as a success for blending the city's historic charm with modern innovation.
The 2028 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, are set to be held in Los Angeles, marking the city's third time hosting the event after previous games in 1932 and 1984. Scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028, the games will feature over 10,000 athletes from around the world, competing in 33 sports, including new additions like surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing. The event is expected to significantly boost the local economy, with an estimated $7 billion in economic impact and a strong focus on sustainability, featuring eco-friendly venues and infrastructure designed to minimize the carbon footprint of the games.