Paris 2024 turns controversial: 7 instances that lure fury and disappointment

Before the starting pistol have officially been fired, the Paris 2024 Olympics had already been marred by serious controversies. The trending opening ceremony of the Games commenced Friday evening at 7:30 pm local time along the Seine River.

Earlier in the morning, chaos erupted in the French capital as vandals carried out arson attacks on the country’s high-speed rail, causing travel disruption to the thousands of people planning to attend the ceremony. Let’s explore some serious controversies at the sporting event.

7 instances at Paris 2024 luring disappointment

1. Olympic flag hoisted incorrectly

Paris opened the 2024 Olympic Games by hoisting the famous flag of the tournament incorrectly. People observing the event quickly noticed the serious mistake, expressing their disappointment. Images of the blunder have been going viral on social media.

2. South Korea announced as North Korea

In another controversy, as the boat boarded by South Korean athletes passed through the Seine River, the announcer introduced them as the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” – the official name of North Korea. The neighbouring countries share a tense relationship.

3. Drag-themed depictions of historical and religious figures

The Paris 2024 opening ceremony has generated global controversy due to its use of drag-queen-themed portrayals of religious and historical figures. Drag queens have been a recurring motif throughout the event, including three among 10,000 torchbearers.

4. Drone spying scandal

Just a day before the Friday ceremony, the Canadian women’s football team suffered a serious hit as head coach Bev Priestman got suspended by Soccer Canada. It came after allegations that staff members had used drone over a training session of their opponents.

5. Inclusion of a convicted child rapist

Steven van de Velde is set to represent the Netherlands during the beach volleyball event. He has served a four-year prison sentence over charges of rape against a 12-year-old girl in England. The athlete is staying in alternative accommodation to the Olympic village.

6. Hijab ban for French athletes

On Sunday, French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla took to social media, claiming she had been barred from the opening ceremony because of the hijab. But on Thursday, she noted that an agreement had been reached and that she can participate as long as she puts on a cap.

7. Japan’s gymnastic captain leaves

Shoko Miyata, 19 – captain of Japan’s women’s gymnastics team – left the training camp in Monaco around July 19 after a probe confirmed the violation of rules concerning drinking alcohol and smoking. The legal age for drinking and smoking in Japan is 20.