Road to the Olympic Games 2024

Introduction

• Host: Kia Simmons
• Location: Paris
• Duration: 30 minutes

Eiffel Tower

• Signature landmark in Paris
• Illuminates Paris at night
• Built 130 years ago by Gustaf Eiffel
• Requires repainting every 7 years
• 100 trips daily by hydraulic elevators
• Historic association with the 1924 Paris Olympics

Madame Eiffel's Insight

• Eiffel Tower was initially controversial
• Paris would not be the same without it
• Historic office of Gustaf Eiffel can still be visited

River Seine

• Separates the left and right banks of Paris
• Major cleanup operation began 7 years ago
• $1 billion project
• Concerns for Olympians competing in marathon swimming and triathlon

Historical Context

• Swimming in the Seine banned in 1923
• Paris aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050

Environmental Goals

• Tony Estanguet: President of Paris 2024, three-time gold medalist
• Local farms providing 80% of meals during the games
• Efforts to use wind and solar energy
• Focus on cutting emissions by 50%
• Temporary facilities and existing arenas repurposed
• Use of recycled materials in new venues

Palace of Versailles

• Hosting equestrian and modern pentathlon events
• Built by Louis XIV
• Features the Hall of Mirrors with 357 mirrors
• Historical significance: symbol of French monarchy

Notable Figures

• Marie Antoinette: famous for her private rooms and disdain for protocol

Paris Infrastructure Changes

• Increase in bike lanes
• Planting 300,000 new trees
• Efforts to repurpose existing venues e.g., Stade de France
• Purpose-built Aquatic Center

Introduction of Green Initiatives

• AI app for turn-by-turn directions for Olympians

Notre Dame Cathedral

• Survived the 2019 fire
• Ongoing restoration ahead of December reopening
• Features crafted by medieval and modern Carpenters

Catacombs and Cemeteries

• Paris Catacombs: opened in 1809, 65 ft underground
• Numerous famous graves: Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison

Look Ahead to 2028 Olympics

• Location: Los Angeles
• Existing and renovated venues
• Plans for Santa Monica beach and surf events

Closing

• Encouragement to follow Olympic action on NBC and Peacock
• Host: Kia Simmons