Dr. Mahfoud Amara
The curtain fell on the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 11th, concluding two weeks of intense competition. Over 10,500 athletes from 205 delegations - including the refugee team and Russian and Belarusian athletes competing as “Individual Neutral Athletes” - competed for medals across various sports.
While Tokyo 2021 was marked by the global pandemic, Paris 2024 faced its own challenges, notably the geopolitical tensions surrounding the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Strict measures were applied against Russian and Belarusian athletes due to the Ukraine conflict, but this was not the case for Israeli athletes and their National Olympic Committee, despite a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. The ICJ stated that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory violates international law and ordered a cessation of settlement activities, along with steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. This discrepancy raised questions about the consistency of so called the international community in applying standards across different conflict zones worldwide. The ancient Olympic Truce, which aimed to halt hostilities during the Games, remains an unattainable ideal in modern times. The Olympics did not succeed in stopping the violence or the civilian casualties caused by ongoing conflicts.
Before diving into the controversies, let’s acknowledge the positives.
As a viewer, passionate about sport and the Olympics, I found Paris 2024 to be one of the most visually stunning Olympics, brilliantly integrating the iconic landmarks of Paris and other French territories. The Games created a seamless blend of sport, entertainment, and tourism, all within a family-friendly atmosphere. The level of competition was exceptionally high, with the top 10 nations dominating the medal table, though with slight variations in order. France and Australia achieved some of their best performances, while China maintained its dominance in sports like diving and table tennis, and South Korea in archery. Noteworthy performances from nations like Uzbekistan and Iran also improved their standings. These Games will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes worldwide, especially in France, to pursue their Olympic dreams.
However, the Olympics also sparked several controversies, as expected from one of the world’s largest sporting events that captures the attention of billions. The rise of social media has transformed the Olympic experience, not always for the better. Platforms have been hijacked to spread misinformation and hate. The abuse directed at female boxers from Algeria and Thailand is a case in point, highlighting the need for action from all stakeholders to protect athletes. Additionally, the inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympics did not generate, to my opinion, the expected excitement. Lastly, while the Opening Ceremony is undoubtedly a display of artistic expression, it should have placed greater emphasis on unity and the shared Olympic values that celebrate humanity’s diversity. Art often serves as a powerful tool for subversion, challenging dominant narratives and sparking critical reflection. However, in the context of the Olympics—an event that aspires to bring the world together—there is a unique opportunity to use art not merely as a vehicle for critique, but as a means of fostering inclusion and highlighting the common bonds that unite us all.
The Olympics have ended, but the flame will soon burn again for the Paralympics—a new opportunity to celebrate the spirit of sport and humanity.
Dr. Mahfoud Amara is an Associate Professor in Sport Social Sciences and Management at Qatar University.
Dr. Mahfoud Amara is an Associate Professor in Sport Social Sciences and Management at Qatar University.
