Paris Olympics: Mixed feelings for locals, tourists and athletes with Games about to begin

PARIS: Three years on from an Olympics where faces were masked, movement was restricted and stadiums were empty, the world’s largest sporting meet has returned in full force.

With the COVID-19 pandemic a distant memory, it is rather fitting that Ouvrons grand les Jeux, or “Games wide open,” is the slogan for the 2024 Olympics.

After the gloom of a global pandemic, this is a Games that wants to welcome the world. And what better place to do so than in the City of Light.

But under the shadow of world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, there are empty streets, metal barricades and lots of police officers. For the next few weeks, picture-perfect Paris will look rather different.

Welcome to the 2024 Olympics. 

It was an empty desk that greeted CNA at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on Thursday (Jul 25).

Amid the hustle and bustle, there weren’t many indications that the Olympics were set to open in a day apart from a smattering of pastel-coloured signs. Eventually, we were whisked to immigration, before being handed over to a desk of helpful staff who validated our accreditation passes. 

After settling into my hotel, I headed to the Le Palais des Congres de Paris, the main press centre for the Games. At a half-full bistro opposite the building, I spoke with Yacine. 

“Since Saturday, the number of customers have started to increase a little bit,” he said. “We are waiting for the opening ceremony for more people to come.”

When asked how he felt about the Olympics being in Paris, Yacine replied with the universal hand gesture of it being so-so.

“It has complicated traffic. It may be easier for you to get around but not for me,” he explained.

Yacine was not alone in feeling that way. According to a survey carried out earlier this