Special Edition: Olympic Action!

FRANCE

The realism of this artist’s rendition makes you do a double take, Olympic Museum, Paris.

The thickness of the night sky was stunning and the air couldn’t have been more perfect than it was. It was a day of transition. When I arrived in Paris for the Olympics, I immediately felt the buzz. Folks in vests were all standing by, ready to be useful based on their areas of awareness - purple for metro, black for trains, teal for games etc. The queues were manageable and the mood has been kind, it’s actually been a lovely surprise. There’s something to be said for a singular event (on such a grand and diverse scale) such as the Olympics that unites us all.

Top L: For the first time in the history of the Games, the Olympic Flame uses mist and light beams in lieu of fuel; Top R: The giant "ring of fire" topped by a monumental balloon takes to the skies each night at sunset; Bottom: Both within and beyond the stadiums, fans from across the globe are following the Olympic action.

From the usual suspects of basketball, beach volleyball, football, fencing and the like, there’s also an introduction of new sports such as breaking, surfing, skate boarding and sport climbing. Indeed, the Paris Olympics are upleveling the offerings.

The metro here is already in the business of connecting, with the addition of lines and times, it’s been the go-to way to travel around. The multi-day unlimited pass (while hiked in price, even so for locals) still enables relatively easy access to tourists like myself that haven’t rented a car. In some cities like London and NYC, akin to Paris, public transport remains king. With the restrictions on traffic patterns, walking in the heart of the City of Lights and love has been even more delightful.

As I clock in my steps for the day, I think of the rigour and vigour that these athletes have. From the seedling of their dream till D-day, their commitment to and their blossoming towards their goal (and also their holistic wellness) is what we’re gathering here for, be it in person or virtually.

The atmosphere here has been upbeat and not as boisterous or crowded as many expected. There’s a flow to movement and organization is obvious. Streets are tattooed with the logo either in a simple strict manner or with the colorful branding. It’s clean and perhaps because many locals left for the occasion, the city doesn’t feel like it’s bursting at its seams.

Branded touch points are found near all major attractions of course, and en route to them too.

Yesterday’s game was my first. Women’s football was held at the Parc des Princes, an iconic stadium of the Paris Saint-Germain football team. With a capacity of 47, 929 seats, I was surprised to see it so packed.

The outside, the queue and the interior of the Parc des Princes Stadium for the Women's Quarter Finals Football match USA vs Japan

We did the wave, clapped in the appropriate cadence, called and echoed - all as if we attended rehearsals for this.

I smile when folks sing in unison. Even the ones that are off-key or tone deaf sound musical within the masses. As if everyone’s note is a needed part of the symphony of song, my heart warms when our voices unite even if our t-shirts and team paraphernalia differ.

Some came ready for a party, others ready to party. People-watching here, as in all large scale events and definitely as a must do in Paris, often pays out with a curveball. Afterall, the National Geographic notes “few things are more French than the artful interplay of voyeurism”. At the stadium, my jaw dropped seeing a guy wearing a sizeable double diamond necklace and a pendant with his initials that sparkled several yards away. While these kinds of folks were interesting, the quarter finals had taken centre stage. In spite the stalemate, USA held the edge on possessions 71-29.

I watched the plays and made up my own commentary, noting the aggressive efforts of #5, Trinity Rodman. My eyes darted around, but seemed to land on her and no wonder - she’s now on record for the latest goal the USWNT has scored in the Olympics. Rodman beat Hikaru Kitagawa on the dribble and whipped a left-footed shot into the upper left corner at the 107th minute. Coach Emma Hayes noted that it was a match of “grit and determination”. She recounts, “[i]t was decided by one moment of brilliance.” And so continues America’s quest for a fifth Olympic gold medal in women's football …

Whether you’re following the play-by-play, or are perfectly poised in the present that lays before you, those of us gathered in Paris are feeling fortunate to witness all this action.

May the action in our lives overflow with joy and pride,