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Some thoughts on the 2024 Paris Olympics

Broadcast United News Desk
Some thoughts on the 2024 Paris Olympics

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1. The opening and closing ceremonies are media extravaganzas whose central goal seems to be to dazzle the audience: the more they are talked about (for good or bad), the greater their success. This fact was confirmed when, during the transfer of the Olympic flag to its next headquarters in Los Angeles, the United States, instead of some world-famous athletes (of which there are many in the country), actors were chosen. Accompanied by a spectacular entrance typical of Hollywood films, the journey was significant.

2. Once again, it is confirmed that in global capitalism, the best athletes in every sport are not simple athletes when they compete in events of this magnitude. Above all, they are objects of the world market, as their victories and images are used to promote various products.

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3. Some stereotypes, especially those related to female athletes, still persist not only in the general public, but even among the athletes themselves and others involved. In this sense, relevant are the accusations and subsequent cyberbullying against the Algerian boxer, gold medalist in her profession, Imane Khelif (for which she has initiated legal proceedings in France). However, it is not only her, there are others who have been criticized for their physique, such as the Spaniard Paula Leitón, gold medalist in water polo. The fact is that the triumphs of women in high-level sports have shattered the prejudices that, until recently, claimed that women could never be equal to men.

To name a few facts: Thomas Burke won the 100-meter dash in 1896 with a time of 12. The current champion, Noah Lyles, has a time of 9.79. The women’s record, for its part, has been held since 1988 by Florence Griffith (10.49) and current gold medalist Julian Alfred (10.72) (both times were 0.93 seconds off the inaugural Olympic champion and current champion relative to the male time).

4. For today’s athletes, the pressure from the media not only around their performance and the expectations placed on them, but also in their private lives, constitutes an unbearable psychological burden. This pressure is exacerbated by comments on social media. The example of gymnast Simone Biles is an example of someone who prioritizes her mental health.

5. In most countries where athletes achieve better results, this is possible because, generally speaking, there is sustained institutional support from governments, sponsors and sports federations (of course, there are exceptions).

6. Many good things we hoped to achieve in our country, even if we spent years on them, disappeared in the blink of an eye. If we look at these events calmly, they are like a metaphor for the recklessness of a photographer who, in his attempt to do better, he crossed the track, thus harming the athletes and the country that supports them.

7. Despite the controversy that emerged at different times during the Paris 2024 Olympics, for Guatemalans this was the most important in its history. First, there was great joy when Jean Pierre Brol won the bronze medal. Then, with talent, hard work, dedication and passion to achieve her dreams, athlete Adriana Ruano Oliva won the gold medal. This created a real sense of pride and happiness in our hearts that brings us to tears every time we think of it. She also set a new Olympic record in her field of expertise. “After Adriana, everything is possible” is an inspiring phrase that has always been circulating among us.

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