The Summer Olympics return to Paris after a 100-year hiatus. Paris, the City of Lights last hosted the Games in 1924, featuring 22 sports.

This time, Paris will showcase 32 sports, including a thrilling debut.

The official opening ceremony for the XXXIII Olympiad kicks off at 7:30 AM ET on July 26th, 2024.

However, the sporting spirit ignites earlier with soccer and rugby sevens events starting on July 24th. The Games culminate in a closing ceremony on August 11th.

Over 10,500 athletes from more than 200 nations, including a dedicated refugee team, will compete in 329 events.

Paris 2024 will witness the return of 28 enthralling sports from the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021 due to the pandemic). Paris 2024 adds an exciting twist with four new sports: sport climbing, skateboarding, surfing and break dancing.

The International Olympic Committee embraced these additions for their contribution to ensuring equal participation opportunities for both genders, bringing a fresh, energetic spirit to the Games and reflecting the modern, metropolitan environment.

Kenya’s Olympic Games Paris 2024 Athletics Team Unveiled

The Kenyan Olympic trials at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi concluded, selecting a strong athletics team for Paris.

Here’s a breakdown of the team, poised to bring home glory:

Men

  • Sprints: Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala leads the charge with a world-leading 9.79s in the 100m. Zablon Ekwam joins him in the 400m.
  • Middle Distance: A familiar duo of Reynold Cheruiyot and Timothy Cheruiyot will battle it out in the 1500m. Youngster Emmanuel Wanyonyi, with his impressive 1:41.70 in the 800m (third-fastest ever), secured his spot alongside Wycliffe Kinyamal and Koitatoi Kidali.
  • Distance: The 3000m steeplechase features Amos Serem, Simon Kiprop Koech, and Abraham Kibiwott. The 5000m team composition is yet to be finalized, but fan favourites are expected to join the already-qualified Beatrice Chebet. Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kimeli, and Bernard Kibet will represent Kenya in the 10,000m.
  • Marathon: The legendary Eliud Kipchoge leads the charge alongside Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso. Timothy Kiplagat serves as the reserve.

Women

  • Track: Double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon (1500m world record holder) will be aiming for a double in Paris, competing in both the 1500m and 5000m. Mary Moraa dominates the 400m alongside Lilian Odira. The promising Sarah Moraa (Mary’s sister) must meet the qualifying time to join the 800m team. Susan Ejore and Nelly Chepchirchir join Kipyegon in the 1500m.
  • Field: Faith Cherotich, Beatrice Chepkoech, and Jackline Chepkoech tackle the 3000m steeplechase. Beatrice Chebet leads the charge in the 10,000m, joined by Lilian Kasait. Margaret Chelimo needs to meet the qualifying time to secure her spot.
  • Marathon: The experienced trio of Peres Jepchirchir, Hellen Obiri, and Brigid Kosgei will vie for gold, with Sharon Lokedi as the reserve.

Paris 2024 Schedule

  • Archery: July 25 to August 4
  • Artistic gymnastics: July 27 to August 5
  • Artistic swimming: August 5 to 10
  • Athletics: August 1 to 11
  • Badminton: July 27 to August 5
  • Basketball: July 27 to August 11
  • Basketball 3×3: July 30 to August 5
  • Beach volleyball: July 27 to August 10
  • Boxing: July 27 to August 10
  • Breaking: August 9 to 10
  • Canoe slalom: July 27 to August 5
  • Canoe sprint: August 6 to 10
  • Cycling BMX freestyle: July 30 to 31
  • Cycling BMX racing: August 1 to 2
  • Cycling mountain bike: July 28 to 29
  • Cycling road: July 27 to August 4
  • Cycling track: August 5 to 11
  • Diving: July 27 to August 10
  • Equestrian: July 27 to August 6
  • Fencing: July 27 to August 4
  • Football (Soccer): July 24 to August 10
  • Golf: August 1 to 10
  • Handball: July 25 to August 11
  • Hockey: July 27 to August 9
  • Judo: July 27 to August 3
  • Marathon swimming: August 8 to 9
  • Modern pentathlon: August 8 to 11
  • Rhythmic gymnastics: August 8 to 10
  • Rowing: July 27 to August 3
  • Rugby sevens: July 24 to 30
  • Sailing: July 28 to August 8
  • Shooting: July 27 to August 5
  • Skateboarding: July 27 to August 7
  • Sport climbing: August 5 to 10
  • Surfing: July 27 to 31 (pending weather conditions)
  • Swimming: July 27 to August 4
  • Table tennis: July 27 to August 10
  • Taekwondo: August 7 to 10
  • Tennis: July 27 to August 4
  • Trampoline: August 2
  • Triathlon: July 30 to August 5
  • Volleyball: July 27 to August 11
  • Water polo: July 27 to August 11
  • Weightlifting: August 7 to 11
  • Wrestling: August 5 to 11

Grammys Expand Globally: Kenya Among First Beneficiaries


 

Lorine Otamo is a science journalist who covers health, technology, agriculture, and climate change. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a knack for simplifying complex scientific topics.

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply
Exit mobile version