The Olympic Games are an international multi-sport event held every four years. They are divided into Summer and Winter games, with the Summer games featuring a variety of sports suited for the warm weather. The Olympic Games have their roots in ancient Greece, first held in Olympia as a religious celebration honoring Zeus.
The Olympics have developed into a worldwide competition in modern times, with competitors representing various nations in athletics from gymnastics to team sports. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is responsible for organizing the Games and ensuring they adhere to the principles of fair competition and international unity.
This year, Paris was selected as the host city for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The Games aimed to blend the history of French culture with modern sports while also making use of iconic Paris landmarks.
“Hosting the biggest event in the world is going to change our country-it’s inevitable. Paris 2024 wants sport values to become a key part of people’s lives and to prove that we can achieve excellence while also championing sustainability,” explains Paris 2024 as they share their excitement.
“Because Paris is unique, the Games in the capital city promise a complete spectacle, thought out for the athletes, spectators and television audiences. Paris’ iconic landmarks are being transformed into sporting arenas to offer spectators an unparalleled experience and provide an outstanding backdrop for sporting prowess. This unique concept guides our masterplan for the 35 venues.” shares Paris in the Paris 2024 forum.
Previously, South Korea showed remarkable achievements at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, securing a total of 33 medals: 12 golds, 10 silver, and 11 bronze. The 1988 Seoul Olympics were particularly significant as they were the first time South Korea hosted the Games.
A picture from the 1988 Seoul Olympics provided by Korea.net
The next Summer Olympics after Paris will take place in Los Angeles, California, from July 14 to July 30, 2028. This will be the third time Los Angeles hosts the Olympics, with the city previously having held the Games in 1932 and 1984.
In conclusion, South Korea’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics demonstrated significant progress and achievement, building on the foundation laid during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. With the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, many aspire that South Korea will continue to advance and strive for even greater success on the global stage.
<Kailyn Hahn Student Reporter>haneul24kh@gmail.com
Kailyn Hahn is a sophomore at Fairfax High School
