▲ 2024 Paris Olympics (Source: AP Yonhap News)

On August 12th, the 2024 Paris Olympics came to an end. This event, held under the titles of 'the first Olympics in Paris in 100 years' and 'a sustainable Olympics aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco- friendliness,' attracted global attention and took place over 17 days. However, despite the high expectations, the event was surrounded by lots of controversies from the planning stages until the closing ceremony, leaving a great deal of disappointment in its wake.

The first issue that arose was the Seine River water quality controversy, which had been mentioned even before the event. Despite efforts to improve the water quality of the Seine River, which cost an enormous amount of about $1.5 billion to hold the swimming competition, the effects did not meet expectations. On the day of the opening ceremony, rain caused sewage to flow into the river, leading to the postponement of triathlon events and training sessions. Some athletes, who later resumed competition in the Seine, reported health issues and withdrew from the competition.

The opening ceremony, held outdoors for the first time in Olympic history, captivated many with its vibrant and unique performances, set against iconic French landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre- Dame Cathedral. The appearance of numerous international artists and sports stars also mesmerized millions of viewers.

However, there was an unexpected controversy behind the spectacular opening ceremony. During the event, a shocking accident occurred in which the team of Republic of Korea was mistakenly introduced as “Democratic People's Republic of Korea” (the official name of North Korea) by the on- site announcer. This incident quickly spread worldwide, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made an official apology to South Korea, promising to prevent such errors in the future.

One of the performances during the opening ceremony also sparked an argument. The reason was that drag queens and transgender people appeared in scenes reminiscent of "The Last Supper," which represented Jesus and his apostles. As the religious community felt that it contained the disrespect and ridicule of a particular religion, the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee explained, "It was to commemorate the spirit of tolerance in our community," but added, "We did not mean to ignore or mock any religion."

The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee’s plans to create a ‘carbon- neutral’ Olympics faced significant challenges due to an unprecedented heatwave. Athletes struggled with high temperatures and pest issues in environments without air conditioning, leading several countries to install portable air conditioners as a makeshift solution. This highlighted disparities in resources between nations and sparked debate over the core Olympic value of equality.

Environmental groups criticized the organizing committee’s eco- friendly efforts as ‘greenwashing.’ Despite the committee’s goal of hosting a low- carbon, eco- friendly event, unforeseen circumstances related to climate change and event logistics, led to additional carbon emissions. The surfing competition held on Tahiti Island, in particular, raised concerns over ecological damage. The construction of facilities for the event reportedly damaged coral reefs, causing strong opposition from local residents and environmental activists. These environmental issues have raised further debate on the sustainability of large- scale sporting events.

Chromosome controversies also drew attention during these Olympics. Algerian boxer Iman Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yuting, athletes with higher than average levels of testosterone, competed in the women’s games, igniting debates over gender identity. Athletes who lost to them questioned the fairness of the competition, leading to a spread of aversion and criticism. Due to this, the gender identity problem in international sports is becoming more complex and specific solutions are required.

Even at the closing ceremony, safety problems arose as numerous players flocked to the stage, and as a result, the competition ended in a bit of a disarray. The series of incidents that occurred during the 2024 Paris Olympics exposed systemic issues in event organization and highlighted the societal controversies surrounding the Games. The 2024 Paris Olympics is expected to have a great influence on the operation and plans of the upcoming games. Beyond simple sporting events, it will remain an example of reflecting the complex issues facing modern society.

By Jeong Yu-jin, cub-reporter  jyj490825111@gmail.com

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