Paris will rely on the world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, give full play to the imagination of the French national treasure, and integrate the Olympic Games into the magnificence of the romantic capital of Paris. This is what Tony Estage, chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said in a recent written interview with Xinhua News Agency.
Tony Estangai, President of the Organizing Committee of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The following is a transcript of the interview:
The reporter asked (hereinafter referred to as "Q"): What do you think is the key to successfully hosting the Olympic Games during the COVID-19 epidemic?
Estangaida ( " A " ) : In my entire career as an athlete before I retired ( Note : Estangay won the 2000, 2004, and 2012 Olympic kayaking gold medals ) , I had to constantly adapt to different environments to improve myself and win medals.
Adaptability is equally important to the Organising Committee, especially in the extraordinary times when the world is facing challenges posed by the pandemic. I think the Beijing Winter Olympic Organizing Committee has so far shown that they can host an Olympic Games during the pandemic.
Despite the threat of the epidemic, it is more important for the 2024 Paris Olympics to maintain the grand plan we had when we decided to bid for this Olympic Games, to host a new model of the Olympic Games, to host a spectacular Olympic Games in the heart of the historic city of Paris, a socially responsible and meaningful Olympic Games, and an Olympic Games open to the public. Paris will host the first marathon in Olympic history for mass athletes – on the same day as the Olympic marathon for professional athletes. We will also host the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on the Seine. We're doing this to make the Olympics open to more people.
The picture shows the renderings of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
Q: What surprises can the 2024 Paris Olympics bring to Chinese sports fans?
A: We are fortunate to have one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so from the very beginning we planned to integrate the Olympic Games into the city of Paris as much as possible. Paris is our stage and we will perform on this stage as much as we can. Those watching the Olympics on television at home will feast their eyes on the backdrop of Paris's iconic architecture. Many competitions will be held in the historical and cultural landscape of Paris and France – the Grand Palais de Paris will host fencing and taekwondo competitions, the Place de la Concorde will host three-person basketball, breakdancing, skateboarding and other events; the Eiffel Tower will host beach volleyball and triathlon competitions; and near the Palace of Versailles on the outskirts of the city, there will be equestrian and modern pentathlon competitions. We are particularly proud that we will host the first Summer Paralympic Games in the history of France.
In addition, Chinese audiences will also see a responsible Olympic Games and an Olympic Games that fit the spirit of the new era, which will be responsible for the environment and reduce carbon emissions by half.
Q: There are many marathon enthusiasts in China, how can they have the opportunity to participate in the marathon of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?
A: In order to participate in this event called "Volkswagen Run", fans can join "Club Paris 2024" (Paris 2024 Club) and compete to win the entry number. "Club Paris 2024" will provide members with a unique experience during the year by bringing athletes and amateurs closer together. There are plenty of other chances to win entry numbers, all of which will be announced at this club soon. The "Paris 2024 Club" app is also a true partner and sports coach, offering novices and veteran runners a personalized training programme and challenging goals at all levels.
Q: How did you come up with the idea of holding an opening ceremony on the Seine?
A: The idea of holding an opening ceremony in the city of Paris, on the Seine, stemmed from the idea that we wanted to create an opening ceremony that was grand, understandable, and open to as many people as possible. This will create a turning point in Olympic history.
The IOC welcomes our bold vision. President Bach encouraged the Paris 2024 Organising Committee to work towards this goal. Subsequently, after months of investigation and work, our ideas became clearer and more fulfilling. The feasibility studies conducted in recent months are also encouraging.
We are making an unprecedented plan for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games: outside the stadium, in the heart of the host city, on the Seine, the monuments in Paris, the bridges over the Seine, all of which will be the backdrop for a sports and artistic performance.
Q: When can Chinese audiences buy tickets for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?
A: Tickets will be available to the world at the same time. In early 2023, Chinese will be able to buy tickets on the ticketing website of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. They can also purchase a package that includes hospitality and transportation through our partner "On Location".
Q: Why did the Paris Organising Committee send relevant personnel to the Beijing Winter Olympics to observe?
A: After the Beijing Winter Olympics, the torch of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be lit in France. It is important that we, as hosts of the next Olympic Games, try to listen, observe and learn as much as possible about the key operational patterns behind the scenes of each Olympic Games, such as transportation, security, technology, landscape and athletes' villages.
We hope to increase our knowledge of hosting the Olympics and deliver on our promise to bring extraordinary experiences to everyone who participates in the 2024 Paris Olympics, from tourists to athletes and their coaches, without exception.
Q: If the COVID-19 pandemic is still not over when Paris hosts the Olympics in Paris in 2024...
A: Right now, the focus of our work is on achieving our grand plan. We must always be mindful of this plan. Of course, we have to plan for what could happen in 2024. We are encouraged by the fact that some sporting events around the world and in France are now crowded. Covid-19 will not have a substantial impact on our success in hosting the 2024 Olympic Games. We remain optimistic about this.
Q: Some of the key positions in the Paris Organising Committee are now held by retired athletes. What active roles did they play in the preparations for the Olympic Games?
A: As athletes, we know what it's like to compete in the world's most important competitions. We all know how important it is to make athletes feel comfortable and happy so they can focus on what matters most – how they play in the game. That's why we included some former Olympians and Paralympics in our philosophy, planning and decision-making from the start.
Pictured is the emblem of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games
Our goal is to host a tournament designed by athletes and in the service of athletes. So we set up an athletes' committee of 18 people to give them a say. They can be involved in key aspects of the preparations for the Olympic Games, such as the design of The Olympic and Paralympic Villages, to ensure that they meet the daily lives and needs of the participating delegations.
Another example is their involvement in the design of the opening ceremony concept. As a retired athlete, when I compete, I often don't have the opportunity to explore the city where the competition is held. Thanks to our groundbreaking opening ceremony, athletes who participate in the 2024 Olympic Games can take a boat ride up the River Seine for 6 kilometers up the river and take in some of the most magnificent historical sights of Paris along the coast.