Key facts and figures of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
A celebration of records and spectacle
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ending on August 11, 2024, the event’s remarkable impact and record-breaking feats are being celebrated. The Games began on July 24 and showcased two weeks of thrilling athleticism and historic milestones.
Sports highlights
Events and records: The Games featured 760 sessions across 32 Olympic sports. Athletes competed fiercely, with 850 medals awarded to participants from 85 countries. A total of 42 records were shattered, including 10 world records and 32 Olympic records, further demonstrating the extraordinary level of competition.
Spectator experience
Ticket sales and attendance: Over 9.5 million tickets were sold for the Games, drawing spectators from over 190 countries. Of these, 62% were purchased by French residents, while international visitors bought 38%. The largest crowds were seen at events like beach volleyball near the Eiffel Tower, which attracted 450,000 spectators, and the men’s and women’s road cycling events, which drew about one million people to the streets of Paris.
Record attendances: New records were set with 66,000 spectators at a women’s rugby 7s match and 743,000 attendees on July 30 alone. The Games also saw 145,000 people in the French Supporter blocks at various venues.
Social media and broadcast reach
Digital and TV viewership: Paris 2024’s social media platforms amassed 2.4 billion views, reflecting widespread global engagement. The opening ceremony alone captivated 24.4 million viewers on France Télévisions, highlighting the broad interest and enthusiasm surrounding the Games.
Celebration and cultural impact
Visitor numbers: The Games’ celebrations extended beyond the competition venues. A staggering six million people visited celebration sites across Paris and France. The new Champions Park in the Trocadéro attracted 213,000 visitors, while one million people visited the Nations Park in La Villette. The Olympic Cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens saw 200,000 reservations.
Activities: The Carte des Jeux listed over 6,000 activities, offering a range of experiences for locals and tourists alike.
Olympic Village life
Athlete services: The Olympic Village buzzed with activity, accommodating 11,804 athletes at peak occupancy. Daily operations included 150 hairdresser and manicure appointments, 4,000 pastries, 600 baguettes, 3,000 muffins served, and a busy laundry service with 90 staff members.
Unique moments
Love and proposals: Among the many memorable moments, seven wedding proposals were made during the Games, including a double proposal in Marseille following the sailing events.
Noteworthy firsts
Historical milestones: Paris 2024 marked several significant firsts, including the first Paralympic Games hosted in France, the first Games to achieve gender parity, and the first Opening Ceremony held outside a stadium.
Operational insights
Budget and employment: The Games operated with a €4.4 billion budget, funded by private contributions. From 2017 to 2024, over 180,000 people worked directly on the Games, supported by more than 2,000 contracted companies.
Sustainability efforts
Environmental goals: Paris 2024 aimed to halve the Games’ carbon footprint compared to previous editions, reflecting a solid commitment to sustainability.
As Paris 2024 wrapped up, it left a legacy of unprecedented achievements, cultural milestones, and unforgettable experiences for athletes and spectators alike.
Featured image: 42 records were shattered at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Credit: Guduru Ajay Bhargay
