By Raima Saha, Co-Managing Editor
Fame. Glory. National pride. These are what are at stake at the Olympics, whether you are a player representing your country or a spectator watching the best athletes in the world compete in their events. Host countries are responsible for ensuring an unforgettable experience for the Olympians.
And unforgettable it was. From rooms with no air conditioning, limited protein options and uncooked meat to a dirty Seine River that sent some athletes to the hospital with stomach problems, the 2024 Paris Olympics were a flop. Thomas Ceccon, Italian gold medalist in the men’s 100-meter backstroke, was even found sleeping on the grass next to a park bench due to fatigue from hot rooms and noisy conditions.
The common denominator behind all these problems, surprisingly, is sustainability. In compliance with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Sustainability Strategy, Paris used existing venues, implemented a geothermal cooling system and doubled plant-based food options to reduce carbon footprints.
While this commitment to sustainability is commendable, it backfired. And it’s not entirely Paris’ fault. The Olympics have a history of wrecking host cities. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford in 2012 found that every Olympic Games since 1960 has gone over budget, leaving the host city to pay the debts. In the 1976 Olympics, Canada built the stadium Big O, which took 30 years to pay off and has cost Quebec $43 million in ongoing repairs. It would cost $135 million to demolish it, resigning many residents to live with it.
Additionally, many countries spend billions on “white elephant” infrastructure: impressive but unprofitable stadiums that receive little use after mega-events, such as the Olympics, are over. According to ESPN, only 15 of the 27 venues Brazil spent $13.6 billion on were used after hosting the 2016 Olympic Games, with the rest remaining abandoned.
Many residents have to leave their homes to make way for these new facilities. Marginalized communities such as homeless people and migrant workers are often pushed from sight to encourage tourism and economic growth. According to a report by the Center on Housing Rights and Evictions, the Olympics displaced more than two million people between the years 1988 and 2008, a figure that has only grown with time.
Even though the Olympics has a long list of problems, it’s impossible to ignore that Paris is the most successful Games yet. Many athletes found success in Paris, including Ilona Maher, who led the U.S. Women’s Rugby team to its first ever bronze medal. Power couple Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall won big, with Davis-Woodhall winning gold in the Olympic women’s long jump and Woodhall winning gold in the Paralympic men’s 400-meter T-62. Paris also hosted the most sustainable Olympics thus far. According to Olympics.com, 95% of Paris’ venues existed previously, limiting construction and fueled 100% by renewable energy sources.
However, an athlete’s wellbeing and ability to perform should not be compromised for sustainability. Paris interfered with athletes’ livelihoods and their primary goal to compete at the highest level.
The goal of sustainability should not be ignored looking forward. To safeguard sustainability and athletes’ interests, Dr. Sven D. Wolfe, an urban political geographer, recommends that a third independent organization with power should look into the activities of the host nation and IOC to ensure commitment to “social, economic, and ecological sustainability is maintained.”
Balance is crucial to protect host cities and athletes. Paris showed everyone the dangers of focusing only on environmental sustainability. Hopefully future Olympic host cities will heed these warnings so athletes can continue breaking boundaries.
Raima Saha can be reached at [email protected].
