Commentary: The Olympics are back, baby! How the Paris Games recaptured the zeitgeist

As a lifelong sports enthusiast and a passionate advocate for gender equality, I must say that this year’s Paris Olympics have been a breath of fresh air. The incredible performances by women athletes from all over the world, coupled with the heartwarming stories of resilience and determination, have struck a chord with millions of viewers worldwide.

It appears that just yesterday, a robotic disco horse danced its way along the Seine, while a troupe of headless Marie Antoinettes initiated the Paris Games in a surreal, wet spectacle during the opening ceremony. However, as the Olympics are nearing their conclusion, this event which began under rainy conditions has transformed into an impressive triumph.

Viewership-wise, the Paris 2024 Olympics have been quite prosperous. The number of U.S. viewers has significantly increased compared to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The Tokyo Olympics were affected by COVID-19 delays, vast time differences, and a noticeable absence of spectators at most events. Over the initial nine days of the Paris Olympics, an average of 32.6 million people have been tuning into coverage on NBC Universal platforms, marking a 77% rise from the last Summer Games.

As a lifelong sports enthusiast who has spent countless hours glued to the television during major sporting events, I must say that this year’s Olympics have been nothing short of captivating. With my own experiences as an amateur athlete in mind, I can truly appreciate the sheer determination and grit it takes to compete at such a high level.

So far, the preparations for Paris 2024 have been marred by some disagreements related to cultural differences, worries over pollution in the Seine river, debates about doping incidents, spying on soccer matches, and athletes competing while infected with COVID-19. However, none of these issues compare to the scandals and political corruption that have plagued many recent sporting events.

As the Olympics come to an end, let’s take a moment to assess our excitement for the Paris 2024 Games. Journalists Tracy Brown and Meredith Blake ponder over this issue: At what point did we shift from concern to admiration for the Olympic Games once more?

Meredith Blake: Throughout most of my life, I’ve rarely watched professional or college sports. However, every four years during the Summer Olympics, my interest spikes significantly. This fascination can be attributed to growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, at the end of the Cold War era. Supporting Shannon Miller over Svetlana Boginskaya provided a safe, non-violent avenue for my burgeoning patriotism. Additionally, witnessing teenage girls, who were only a few years older than me, at the heart of such global politics was captivating. I found myself deeply moved and always felt a twinge of sorrow when the Games concluded and Bob Costas was no longer on my television screen every night.

Throughout my adult years, I’ve consistently tuned in, particularly during the Summer Games, as a sports enthusiast with a soft spot for swimming, diving, gymnastics, and track and field events. Memorable moments include Michael Phelps claiming his eighth gold medal in 2008 and Gabby Douglas becoming the first African American woman to win the gymnastics all-around title in 2012. However, controversies such as doping scandals, human rights issues in hosting countries, and the mistreatment and exploitation of athletes took a toll on my enthusiasm for the Games. It all started feeling… off. The Tokyo Games might have rekindled my interest, but due to various pandemic-related concerns, it just felt like a letdown.

Reminiscing the 1996 Olympics, I found myself drawn back to the vibrant atmosphere of the Games, this time around Paris. However, unlike before, Béla Károlyi is absent, and the competition feels more like camaraderie among these athletes. The moments here have been truly unforgettable, but none as poignant as the sight of Simone Biles and her teammate Jordan Chiles humbly acknowledging Rebeca Andrade during the floor exercise medal ceremony. It wasn’t just a testament to sportsmanship; it was a heartwarming celebration, marking a significant first—three Black women securing the top three spots in Olympic gymnastics.

Could it be that the global conflicts and domestic political divisions make these games seem unusually unifying compared to many recent cultural events? After last year’s empty spectator Games, it’s wonderful to hear the crowd noise and see parents cheering in the stands (even though COVID is still a concern, as demonstrated by Lyles running the 200 meters while infected and needing medical attention afterward). The Paris 2024 theme song is stuck in my head, and I must admit it’s catchy – sorry for any uncontrollable kitchen wolf dancing! Tracy, am I going crazy? Have I become overly influenced by NBC coverage? Or do the Games just feel enjoyable again?

Tracy Brown: These Olympics have been incredibly enjoyable. It seems many of us have been captivated by the Olympic spirit this time, making watching these Games feel like a shared event that I hadn’t expected we would return to after the Tokyo Games in 2021. Just like you, I grew up with the Summer Olympics being a staple of must-watch TV, finding myself unexpectedly interested in sports I rarely think about outside of these four-year intervals every few years. (No hard feelings, athletes: It’s not you, it’s me.) It’s one of the rare times when patriotism feels straightforward and we can cheer on people pursuing their dreams.

It seems that the lenient time difference may be contributing to a growing interest in these Games, as more individuals are tuning in and engaging in conversations about them. My social media timelines are overflowing with heartfelt admiration for moments such as Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles’ iconic podium bow to Andrade, Katie Ledecky’s remarkable medal run, and the viral popularity of new favorites like South Korean shooter Kim Ye-ji, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, and Stephen Nedoroscik from America on pommel horse. People are also actively debating their preferred commentators. Additionally, athletes themselves are sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, such as Suni Lee making fun of her beam fall in the finals, swimmer Henrik Christiansen expressing his love for a specific pastry, and virtually every post from Ilona Maher, the queen of rugby sevens content. It’s thrilling to feel connected to the athletes we’re supporting outside of NBC-produced segments or interviews, and then witness them excel with their medals.

Without a doubt, not all parts were positive “matters.” There’s been controversy over the women’s floor final podium, where Chiles ended up with the bronze. This was due to her coach questioning the initial difficulty rating assigned by judges – something that happens frequently – which in turn boosted Chiles’ score slightly above those of Romanian gymnasts Ana Maria Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea. Romania has appealed this decision. Regrettably, some of the online comments and attacks directed at Chiles, instead of focusing on the process or the officials, have been racially motivated.

1. The backlash on social media towards boxer Imane Khelif became incredibly harsh, with misinformation sparking false claims about her gender. It’s not uncommon for female athletes to be questioned about their gender if they don’t conform to traditional femininity norms, but the level of hostility towards those perceived as transgender has grown significantly beyond sports in recent years. It seems that being caught up in the conservative cultural conflict against LGBTQ+ individuals may indicate that these Olympics are gaining more attention than usual. Meredith, what’s your take on why these Olympics have resonated so strongly?

Tracy, you’re correct. The situation isn’t flawless, as Khelif has been unfairly criticized. Some individuals who claim to support the honor of women’s sports have attacked Khelif, yet they remain silent on praising the achievements of American women in Paris. JD Vance, a Republican vice presidential candidate, who previously criticized Simone Biles for withdrawing from competition in Tokyo, added to the criticism by suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris was responsible for a man aggressively boxing a woman. Ironically, Vance has not spoken up about the performance of American women in Paris, despite his supposed advocacy for women in sports.

It’s quite possible due to their exceptional performance: For the fourth game in a row, American women are expected to surpass the men’s medal count at the Summer Olympics – a feat that’s causing discomfort among those who criticize strong, independent women, often referred to as cat ladies.

I’ve come across many individuals, myself included when reflecting, who don’t seem genuinely supportive of women competing in the Olympics. These very folks have historically voiced discontent over Title IX or found reasons to critique women for not meeting their arbitrary beauty standards, such as having untidy hair or possessing ‘too much’ muscle.

I believe one significant factor contributing to the triumph of these Games is the symbolic representation that some may criticize. To me, it’s an inspiring demonstration of growth to see a women’s gymnastics team comprised mainly of adult women in their twenties, hailing from various backdrops, who have battled extraordinary obstacles to achieve sporting greatness. One captivating narrative from these Games is Biles’ resurgence post-Tokyo. Unlike many athletes we’ve seen recently, particularly those in women’s gymnastics, which has historically shown a masochistic tendency, she prioritized her well-being and emerged victorious as a result. This shift towards prioritizing well-being is a trend we should all cheer for.

Experiencing myself, or let’s say a leaner, swifter, agile counterpart of mine, at the heart of popular culture during events like the Olympics is nothing short of inspiring. It seems Paris is captivating us because the Olympians and their tales mirror our country more truthfully – the one we live in or aspire to inhabit. Social media has bridged the gap, making these exceptional athletes feel more reachable and relatable. Admittedly, I may not match that Norwegian swimmer’s speed, but who doesn’t share his fondness for chocolate muffins?

A notable and somewhat bothersome indication that the Olympics have regained their essence is the influx of celebrities attending to join in the festivities and share in Team USA’s success. At times, it seems as though the Games are transforming into a prolonged awards ceremony akin to the Golden Globes, featuring stars like John Travolta and John Legend. As we previously discussed, NBC has seized this opportunity to promote these celebrity appearances – “Look, there’s Mariska Hargitay, renowned from ‘Law & Order SVU,’ the longest-running prime time drama in American television history. Now back to diving.” Yet, if I look at it from a more positive perspective, celebrities are not so different from us. They too are eager to witness Katie Ledecky’s victory in the 1,500-meter freestyle or Simone Biles perform the Yurchenko double pike vault.

Looking forward to 2028, when the Games arrive in Los Angeles, I’m curious about your expectations. Will the close location and absence of time differences make the atmosphere more vibrant and exciting?

John: It’s likely that NBC, the U.S. TV rights-holder, is banking on this scenario. If you felt the Hollywood star factor was excessive during these Olympics broadcasts, wait until you see what NBC has planned next. I won’t be shocked if they’re planning a reality competition to choose the next celebrity mascot for the Olympics, similar to Snoop Dogg in Paris.

I wasn’t around when Los Angeles last hosted the Olympics in 1984, but my parents tell me I went to some events as a toddler. However, I have concerns that the Games being held so nearby might interfere with my everyday life and potentially diminish its appeal on television for me, much like how covering the Oscars and Emmys has changed those award shows for me personally. Additionally, there are legitimate issues and criticisms regarding L.A. hosting the Games in the first place.

As a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, I can’t help but get excited about the prospect of how our city will be celebrated during the 2028 Olympics. The idea of a flash mob on the bustling 405 freeway, a parade of food trucks down Hollywood Boulevard, and dancing water fountains in Echo Park Lake sounds absolutely thrilling!

As the Olympics in L.A. are still some time away, I find myself curious about which athletes could emerge as sensations. Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles have undeniably made their mark at the Summer Games, but can these 27-year-olds continue their remarkable streaks? Could there be a new sport that captures my heart this time around? Remember when women’s rugby sevens stole my attention last year? What culinary delight might surprise athletes as an obsession? Tacos seem too predictable. Will we still be using TikTok and Instagram or will we have moved on to different platforms? We’ll just have to wait and see.

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2024-08-10 01:16