Paris, France – With just 50 days left until the Summer Games, the organizers of the Paris Olympics have unveiled a stunning display of the Olympic rings mounted on the iconic Eiffel Tower. The 95-foot-long and 43-foot-high structure, made entirely of recycled French steel, now adorns the south side of the 135-year-old landmark, offering a picturesque view overlooking the Seine River in central Paris.
As the countdown to the highly anticipated event continues, thousands of athletes are preparing to parade through the heart of the French capital on boats along a 6-kilometer route during the opening ceremony on July 26. The Eiffel Tower, also known as La Dame de Fer (The Iron Lady), will play a prominent role in the games, serving as a backdrop for the competitions.
One of the highlights of the Paris Olympics will be the volleyball matches held at the foot of the 330-meter monument, with nearly 13,000 fans expected to gather at the temporary Eiffel Tower Stadium on the Champ de Mars to cheer on their favorite teams. The stadium, set amidst the greenery where locals and tourists gather for picnics and watch fireworks displays, will provide a unique and vibrant setting for the sporting events.
In a nod to the historical significance of the Eiffel Tower, the Olympic and Paralympic medals in Paris will be embedded with pieces from a chunk of iron taken from the iconic structure. The towering landmark has witnessed a surge in visitor numbers leading up to the 2024 Games, solidifying its status as a symbol of French culture and history.
To install the majestic display of the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, two massive cranes were used to lift the 30-ton structure and position it between the first and second floors of the tower. The rings will be illuminated every night with 100,000 LED bulbs throughout both the Olympics and Paralympics, creating a dazzling spectacle for spectators and athletes alike.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming events, the Paralympics will bring together 4,400 athletes from 180 countries to compete in 549 events across 22 sports. With many competitions scheduled to take place near other iconic landmarks such as Versailles and the Grand Palais, the 2024 Paralympics promise to be a celebration of diversity and determination on a global stage.