As Paris prepares for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024, the city also celebrates the centennial of the 1924 Games — a landmark event that shaped the future of the Olympics and left a lasting impact on Paris.
Held 24 years after the city hosted the Games of the II Olympiad in 1900, the 1924 Olympics were the final Games presided over by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Movement. This historic event introduced several Olympic traditions and innovations that continue to this day.
The First Olympic Village
One of the most notable innovations of the 1924 Games was the creation of the first Olympic Village. Located near the Stade Olympique in Colombes, northwest of Paris, the village consisted of temporary wooden cabins with three beds each. It featured amenities such as a currency exchange bureau, a dry cleaner, a hairdresser, a newsagent, and a post office.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Village aims to set a new standard for athlete accommodation. Situated at the intersection of three northern Paris suburbs, this state-of-the-art facility will serve athletes during the Games and transform into a residential district post-Games. The village will offer 2,800 apartments for around 6,000 people, with 25% allocated to social housing. It will also provide employment for 6,000 people and include leisure, commercial, community, and educational facilities. Built with sustainable materials and methods, the Paris 2024 Olympic Village will reduce the carbon footprint by 30% per square meter compared to typical construction sites in France.
The Olympic Flag Protocol
The 1924 Games introduced the flag protocol during the Closing Ceremony, which involves the ceremonial lowering of the Olympic flag. This tradition symbolizes the end of the Games and the transfer of the Olympic spirit to the next host city, reinforcing the unity and continuity of the Olympic Movement.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
As Paris prepares for the 2024 Games, the city honors its rich Olympic heritage while addressing contemporary challenges. The Games will fully embrace the International Olympic Committee’s strategic roadmap, Olympic Agenda 2020, adapting to the needs of the host city, reducing their environmental footprint, and maximizing positive impacts for future generations.
