by sportswriter Xiao Yazhuo
PARIS, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — The yr 2024 marks a milestone for the Olympic Movement, because the Summer Olympics return to Paris after a century. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) superior important reforms, starting from the combination of synthetic intelligence (AI) to the way forward for esports and diversified occasion codecs. These adjustments are designed to draw broader audiences, significantly youthful generations, and underscore the Olympic spirit of inclusivity and progress.
With IOC President Thomas Bach ending his time period subsequent yr, 2024 can be a pivotal yr of management transition. The election of a brand new president not solely symbolizes a switch of energy but in addition units the stage for a brand new chapter within the Olympic Movement’s journey.
PARIS 2024: A HISTORIC RETURN, A MODERN RETURN
The 2024 Summer Olympics opened on July 26 with a stunning ceremony alongside the Seine River, marking the primary time in fashionable Olympic historical past that the opening ceremony was held outdoors a stadium. Athletes from 205 delegations traveled six kilometers by boat, from Pont d’Austerlitz to the Eiffel Tower, fascinating the worldwide viewers with a seamless mix of city surroundings, historical past and Olympic beliefs.
Paris, internet hosting the Olympics for the third time, efficiently integrating sports activities into the town. Iconic landmarks just like the Eiffel Tower hosted seaside volleyball, the Grand Palais held taekwondo, and breakdancing premiered at Place de la Concorde, creating new cultural dimensions for the Games.
“We wanted to bring sports closer to the heart of the city and showcase Paris’ vibrancy and inclusivity,” stated Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet.
The Paris Olympics achieved a historic milestone in gender equality, changing into the primary Games to characteristic an equal variety of female and male athletes, every representing 50 p.c of the members. The occasion additionally launched extra mixed-gender occasions, demonstrating the IOC’s dedication to fairness.
“Gender equality lies at the core of Olympism. Through the Paris Olympics, we aim to send a clear message that sports belong to everyone,” stated Bach.
Sustainability was one other defining theme of Paris 2024. As a mannequin for the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the occasion diminished carbon emissions by 50 p.c in comparison with the earlier Summer Games, prioritizing present venues. Only three new amenities have been constructed: the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, the Le Bourget Climbing Center and the Olympic Aquatic Center close to Stade de France, and all will proceed to serve native communities after the Games.
The Olympic Village, that includes modular designs and eco-friendly applied sciences is transformed into 3,000 residential models, creating lasting advantages for the group.
“Paris 2024 is more than a sporting event, it’s a legacy for future generations,” stated IOC Corporate and Sustainable Development Director Marie Sallois.
OLYMPIC REFORM: NEW HORIZONS, BOLD DECISIONS
In 2024, the IOC demonstrated foresight in advancing the Olympic Movement. In April, it launched the Olympic AI Agenda, outlining the potential of AI in sports activities.
AI was deployed extensively at Paris 2024, from OBS’s “Cloud Venue” for dwell broadcasting to AI-enhanced refereeing and customized athlete coaching applications. It even performed a task in selling a optimistic digital atmosphere by combating on-line hate speech on social media.
“AI enhances fairness, and efficiency, and delivers an immersive experience for global audiences,” Bach famous.
To maintain Olympic pleasure past the Games interval, the IOC launched the Olympic Qualifier Series, with two legs in Shanghai and Budapest that includes skateboarding, sport climbing, breakdancing and BMX freestyle. These modern qualifiers drew prime athletes competing for Paris 2024 berths and attracted youthful audiences with music, cultural performances and interactive experiences.
“The Qualifier Series is more than an experiment; it’s a new way to express Olympism,” stated Pierre Fratter-Bardy, Olympic Games Strategy & Development Associate Director.
Esports additionally gained momentum as a spotlight of IOC reforms. Following the formation of the Esports Committee, the IOC introduced plans for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025 in Saudi Arabia. While esports presents huge alternatives to interact youthful audiences, its alignment with Olympic values stays a key problem.
“Esports is a global language for youth, but we must ensure its values align with the Olympic spirit,” stated David Lappartient, Chair of the IOC’s Esports and Gaming Liaison Group.
Flexibility in occasion codecs was one other spotlight of this yr’s reforms. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics will introduce interactive cultural showcases whereas decreasing occasion disciplines to 151, easing organizational burdens. The occasion may even obtain full gender parity and see Wushu debut as an official sport, celebrating the variety of Olympic tradition.
These reforms, mixing know-how, youth engagement and cultural inclusion, have strengthened the Olympic Movement’s relevance and enchantment. The achievements of 2024 set a strong basis for future Games.
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: NEW CHAPTER TO KICK OFF
As Bach’s 12-year tenure nears its finish, the IOC is making ready for a management transition. Over his time period, Bach led reforms just like the Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, advancing sustainability, innovation and gender equality.
This summer season in Paris, the 70-year-old German introduced he would step down in 2025, marking the beginning of a brand new chapter for the IOC.
Seven candidates have entered the race to succeed Bach, together with IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, International Cycling Union President David Lappartient, Zimbabwean Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry, International Ski Federation President Johan Eliasch, International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe, and Prince Faisal Al Hussein of Jordan.
The election vote will happen in March 2025 in historical Olympia. Candidates will current their visions in January earlier than members solid their votes in a closed-door poll.
Meanwhile, the IOC’s industrial framework has seen important adjustments. Three Japanese companies – Panasonic, Toyota and Bridgestone – will exit The Olympic Partner (TOP) program after 2024, elevating questions on future partnerships. Despite these departures, the IOC stays assured in TOP’s international enchantment.
“TOP remains one of the most successful marketing platforms, and we are actively engaging new partners,” stated an IOC advertising government.
Chinese manufacturers have emerged as sturdy contenders, with companies like Hisense, Vivo and BYD having already gained worldwide publicity by way of main sports activities sponsorships. As the Olympic Movement adapts to a shifting international panorama, new alternatives for partnership and progress are anticipated.
Looking forward, the Olympic Movement continues to embrace improvements. The Los Angeles 2028 Games promise to redefine AI-driven spectator experiences, leveraging cutting-edge know-how for unprecedented engagement. Meanwhile, the 2030 Winter Olympics in France will totally implement inexperienced initiatives, setting a benchmark for sustainability in main sporting occasions.
With evolving management, technological integration and cultural inclusivity, the Olympics stand poised for a brand new period of world unity and progress.