A sporting event that connects countries and people through a shared passion—bringing allies and enemies together—the Olympics force tension and hate between enemies to subside while another form of conflict takes its place. Respectful competition created during the games provides a temporary respite from global austerity, and this year, the Olympic Games will be held in Paris, France. The last time Paris hosted was the 1924 Summer Olympics.
Paris, France is known for its famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower, as well as its five-star cuisines like The Benoit or La Table Cachée. On July 26, 2024, however, Paris will become a setting besieged by the best athletes in the world. The 2024 Summer Olympics will host 32 sports including basketball, swimming, surfing, tennis, triathlon, badminton, and skateboarding, among others. According to Olympics.com, Paris expects the initial investment to be steep, and their budget is nearly $8 billion. History has shown Olympic budgets are often exceeded, however. The surge of fans and athletes into the city fuels local businesses, creates jobs, and spurs growth in the region, making the investment well worth it.
The future forecasts an electrifying experience in Paris, but the past connects North Atlanta to the 1984 Los Angeles, California Olympics. The connection most NA students are not aware of is through a man named Sam Graddy. Graduating in 1982, Graddy was right out of high school when he qualified for the 1984 LA Olympics. He won gold in the 4x100m relay and earned a silver medal in the 100m. The dominant North Atlanta athlete went on to play for the Raiders and the Denver Broncos in the NFL, after being drafted in 1987.
Our school has another connection to the Olympics, as Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympics. A stain on the 1996 Olympic legacy was the grim Centennial Olympic Park Bombing, which killed one person and injured 111 others. This horrific event was a reminder of the privilege of safety we now experience. On a lighter note, Atlanta’s budget was $1.7 billion, and the profit recorded in cash was a meager $19 million. However, the benefits of hosting the games included fruitful long-term rewards. Atlanta has become a business center in the Southeast, advanced infrastructure was built, powerful corporations moved into the Atlanta area, and international attention was brought to us.
Back in the present day, Paris expects to rack in a promising profit and will experience further growth in areas like tourism, infrastructure, job opportunities, and diplomatic relations. This year’s Olympics will bring excitement and economic opportunity, who will win?
