“These Games truly left a mark on all of us”
While spectators will long remember the Parisian architecture and landmarks in Olympic mode, they are far from the only ones.
The Olympic athletes remember it too.
“I’m lucky enough to live in Paris, so at least once a week I cross a bridge and think back to the opening ceremony. I pass by the Louvre and remember carrying the Olympic flame. I go past the Grand Palais and relive the emotions of competition”, says French fencer Enzo Lefort.
After making history for French sport with an all-French final against Manon Apithy-Brunet, Sara Balzer has only fond memories of the Grand Palais, which hosted the fencing and taekwondo competitions during the 2024 Olympics.
“Honestly, the Grand Palais holds a lot of memories. Even today, someone showed me some photos. It still brings out strong emotions. I think that will always be the case. I truly believe these Games left a mark on all of us athletes,” shared Sara Balzer during the Soirée des Champions last June.
The Esplanade des Invalides is a must-see for any visitor to the City of Light. During the Games, France’s archery team thrilled home fans there — and they still vividly recall the atmosphere inside that temporary “arena.”
“My best memory is definitely the moment we entered the arena for that final. We were up against [the athletes from the Republic of Korea], and there were huge stands with 4,000 spectators on each side, with 90% of French, cheering us on. The noise was so loud and uplifting that even today, we can still feel it a bit”, said Jean Charles Valladont to Olympics.com.
Silver medallist Baptiste Addis echoed the sentiment, with a hint of nostalgia:
“I think the arena was something truly magical. You walk in, the curtains open, and suddenly it’s our turn, it’s our moment. I just let myself be carried by it.”
A year later, the memory of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games still burns bright for both athletes and Parisians. This summer, Parisians can once again look up and see the Olympic cauldron shining above the Tuileries Garden.
Just one of many lasting reminders that Paris 2024 left behind in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.