Time to dig into the history of one of the the greatest quadrennial sporting events.
Ahead of the opening ceremony for 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, I wanted to share some links that I found to get you all in the mood.
- The French Historian Who Invented the Olympics (JSTOR Daily) —
Pierre de Coubertin harnessed an enduring fascination with ancient Greece to create a new institution that blended national pride with global unity.
- Building the Olympic Games (JSTOR Daily) —
A close connection between architecture, athletics, and the urban fabric is central to the idea of the modern Olympic Games.
- How to Host the Olympic Games on a Shoestring Budget (Messy Nessy) —
As the countdown for the Paris Summer Olympics has begun and the excitement for the international extravaganza of athletic prowess mounts, few will now remember a past games that had a rather more frugal approach to the sporting proceedings.
- How America’s Fastest Swimmers Use Math to Win Gold (Quanta Magazine) —
Number theorist Ken Ono is teaching Olympians to swim more efficiently.
- Art competitions at the Summer Olympics (Wikipedia) —
Art competitions formed part of the modern Olympic Games during its early years, from 1912 to 1948. The competitions were part of the original intention of the Olympic Movement’s founder, Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin. Medals were awarded for works of art inspired by sport, divided into five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture
. - Olympic Athletes Go High-Tech to Beat Extreme Heat (Bloomberg, archived link) —
From wearable heat sensors to inflatable ice pools, Olympic athletes are adjusting their training and performance routines for extreme heat.
- Paul Rogers’s “Monsieur Hulot’s Olympics” cover art (New Yorker, archived link) —
A French twist on the opening ceremony’s torch relay.
- Olympic Sports Explained (Reuters) — Paris 2024 Olympic schedule, medals, and event explainers
- #PARIS2024: Kit Couture (Glorious) —
Get ready for more than just breathtaking performances at the Summer Games. We take a look at the national kits that are turning heads (and a few that might leave you scratching yours!).
- #PARIS2024: City Guide (Glorious) —
From beloved bistros to charming cafe’s, our guide highlights the best places to eat, drink, stay, and explore near each Olympic venue, ensuring a Parisian adventure free from frantic Googling!
- From Sleek Swimsuits to Specialized Running Shoes, These Five Innovations Transformed the Olympics (The Smithsonian) —
Technology has advanced sports including fencing and pole vaulting