The 2024 Summer Olympics have kicked off in Paris, bringing a wave of energy to the city and a global audience. Athletes from around the world have converged to compete for Olympic glory, with the Games showcasing elite performance, teamwork, and memorable moments that define this year’s Olympic narrative.
In the early days of the competition, the spotlight fell on men’s rugby sevens and football, with fans marveling at the speed, skill, and strategy on display. Ongoing matchups feature the Olympic squads from Uzbekistan and Spain, followed by clashes between Argentina and Morocco, illustrating the diverse lineup of contenders and the global reach of the event. The schedule promises a steady flow of exciting fixtures across multiple venues and time zones, inviting fans from Canada and the United States to tune in and cheer for their favorites.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, July 26, signaling the formal start of the Olympics, while the entire event will run through August 11. Throughout these weeks, the world will witness a blend of tradition, spectacle, and high-level sport, as nations celebrate athletic achievement and cultural exchange on a single, celebrated stage.
Back in February 2022, the International Olympic Committee urged international sports federations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing. The IOC later determined that Russians and Belarusians could participate at the Paris Games under a neutral designation, a status contingent on meeting specific criteria and earning qualification through approved pathways. The evolving policy reflected ongoing global discussions about eligibility, fairness, and the integrity of competition on the Olympic stage.
On July 18, the IOC published a comprehensive report detailing the final list of Russian participants for the 2024 Games. A total of 15 athletes were approved to compete, underscoring the careful balancing act between inclusive participation and the enforcement of rigorous anti-doping and conduct standards that governs the Olympic movement.
Meanwhile, the broader governance and anti-doping landscape saw renewed pressure and debate. Leadership within anti-doping authorities and responses from major nations created an atmosphere of heightened scrutiny and accountability, underscoring the ongoing challenge of maintaining trust in international sport during a period of deep scrutiny and reform.