Question 1

The opening ceremonies for the Olympics are usually held in packed stadiums. Paris 2024 is going to be different. What will be the “venue” of the opening ceremony? 

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Answer: 

The opening ceremony will be done on the river Seine which cuts across the centre of Paris (with a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower). The parade of nations will be conducted as a boat parade along the Seine. 

Question 2

Olympic mascots come in all shapes and sizes - but are most commonly anthropomorphic animals. From the official Olympics website:

“Olympic mascots have been a key part of the Games since 1968. They’re tasked with giving concrete form to the Olympic spirit, spreading the values highlighted at each edition of the Games; promoting the history and culture of the host city; and giving the event a festive atmosphere.”

The mascots for the Paris 2024 Olympics are the Phryges - a French symbol of freedom and liberty - famously depicted in Eugene Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. 

What is a Phryge?

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Answer: 

A phryge is a type of a cap - the Phrygian Cap. 

Question 3

Lithuania does not win too many medals at the Olympics. But Lithuanian Dominika Banevic - who will only be 17 when the Paris Olympics begin - is the frontrunner to win the gold in a new sport making its debut at the Olympics. Which sport? 

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Answer: 

There will be one new sport for the Paris 2024 edition of the Olympics: breaking (breakdance). Competition in the dance sport will comprise two events – one for men and one for women – where 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls will go face to face in solo battles.

Dominika Banevic won the 2023 world title, becoming the the youngest b-girl ever to win a world championship.

Question 4

Paul Gauguin - the French post-impressionist painter - is most famous for his works featuring the natives of Tahiti (in French Polynesia). He spent the last decade of his life in this part of the world and painted prolifically. Why is Tahiti going to be important for the 2024 Olympics? 

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Answer: 

For the first time ever, the 2024 Games will also take place in the French territory of Tahiti, where the surfing competition will be held on the Pacific island’s legendary Teahupoo wave, located about 15000 km from Paris.