The Olympics are known for the good sportsmanship and hospitality between different nations, but 2024 may change that forever. In 2024, several wars and political ideologies caused tensions between countries participating in the games. Athletes were at risk for their safety because of unstable living conditions and improper nutrition. Paris banned Russia and Belarus from the 2024 Olympics because of the war with Ukraine which will spark tension in future games. The 2024 Olympics gives us a preview of how the games will change forever.
The Olympic games have always allowed countries to represent their culture and talent to the world, but 2024 changed that forever. Paris was forced to ban Russia and Belarus because of the Ukraine war. Even though Russia was banned from participating in the games, they were allowed to compete as neutral athletes. Putin responded to this by saying, “Everything that international officials do in relation to Russian sports is a complete contradiction and distortion of the ideas of Pierre de Coubertin”. Some countries have stated that the Olympics is a dying tradition because of its decision to ban other countries for political differences. Additionally, Israel wanted Palestine to be permanently banned from participating in the Olympics and vice versa.
Inflation and budget cuts put the athletes in unsafe conditions, impacting their overall performance during the 2024 Olympics. Paris wants to spend the least amount of money possible because every country that hosted the games went above their spending limit. 9.7 billion dollars was invested to make the 2024 Olympics happen which is more than any other country was willing to spend throughout history. Plastic was reused to make a more eco-friendly environment, but this only created safety and health hazards for the athletes.
Athletes who participated in the 2024 Olympics had no air conditioner in their rooms, even though Paris was experiencing hot temperatures as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The athletes had difficulties sleeping and didn’t get the right nutrition to perform at their peaks during the Olympics. A reporter named Ava Galban said in a report, “For many athletes, especially those with specific dietary requirements or those coming from cultures with distinct culinary traditions, the food options were disappointing. Some have reported that the meals were heavy on carbohydrates but lacked sufficient protein and fiber, which are essential for muscle repair and energy replenishment”.
The rules and regulations at the 2024 Olympics didn’t benefit everyone. Paris made a rule against athletes wearing religious headwear like hijabs and headbands which prevented Muslim women from expressing themselves at the games. Medals were also redistributed in a dishonorable fashion which made various nations question the authenticity of the sport. Russia was forced to compete under strict neutrality rules which means that Russia’s medals were redistributed to different teams, even though they won several events.
The Olympic games will represent something completely different in the near future. Paris banning Russia from participating in the 2024 games created tension between different countries that will cause more conflict moving forward. We also have to consider that France is a part of the NATO alliance which considers Russia a threat to democracy. We will see more countries refuse to participate in the Olympics altogether because Paris broke the Olympic truth. Unsafe conditions might be another major concern because several countries are trying to become more eco-friendly at the expense of the resident’s health and safety. Conflict between nations is also showing up in the games and it’s going to stay for a while. Starting next year, we will see a new generation of Olympic games and the end of traditional sportsmanship.
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