While all eyes are on the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the atmosphere of anticipation has been muddyed by a flurry of negative press and controversy. As an international sporting event, the Olympic Games were supposed to showcase the strength and enthusiasm of the host country, but this time, France seemed to be a little "out of the game".
The stinky water of the Seine
Preparations for the Paris Olympics were a huge problem, especially in the selection of venues for triathlon and open water swimming competitions. The organizers decided to schedule the races on the Seine, but today the Seine is no longer the romantic river it once was, but a "river of stinking water" full of garbage and pollutants. The decision immediately sparked an outcry from the France population, who even went to extremes to express their anger by discharging human waste into the river.
To combat these problems, the France government has invested 1.4 billion euros in trying to improve the water quality of the Seine. Despite the cost, the water quality improvement is not satisfactory. France President Emmanuel Macron had planned to prove the safety of the river by swimming in the water himself, but the plan was cancelled because angry people planned to defecate en masse on the day he went into the water, creating an even harsher environment.
The water quality of the Seine has not only attracted widespread attention in China, but also provoked strong condemnation from the international community. Many countries have expressed concern that athletes will have to compete in such a polluted environment, questioning France's ability to host an international event of this scale. Water quality issues have been a major stain on the Paris Olympics, casting a cloud over what was supposed to be a big celebration from the start.
"Rat-infested" in Paris
The rat infestation in Paris is also a big problem. Paris, with a permanent population of 2 million, has a whopping 6 million rat population. Although the France government carried out several anti-rat operations, it had little success and finally chose to live with rats. This issue is extremely unsettling for athletes and tourists in many countries. The sight of rats roaming the streets unscrupulously at night is even more unacceptable. Preparations for the Paris Olympics have become even more chaotic and unsettling against this backdrop.
High temperature sauna
During the sweltering summer heat, the organizers of the Paris Olympics decided not to install air conditioning in athletes' rooms, but to provide only electric fans, claiming that this was to support the concept of "low carbon". In the scorching heat of up to 40 degrees, electric fans simply did not provide enough coolness, so athletes had to bring air conditioning equipment at their own expense to cope with the hot weather. This decision not only made athletes from all countries extremely uncomfortable, but also exposed the carelessness of the France government in the organization of the event and its neglect of athletes' health.
Although environmental protection is a concept worthy of praise, the lack of air-conditioning facilities is obviously impractical in such a severe and high temperature environment. Athletes need plenty of rest between competitions and training, and electric fans in high temperatures are clearly not enough to meet this basic need. The France government's arrangement has sparked widespread criticism and questioning, turning the Olympic Village, which is supposed to provide a comfortable environment for athletes, into a point of contention. Athletes not only have to face tough competitions, but also have to deal with extreme weather conditions, which undoubtedly adds more uncertainty and challenges to their Olympic journey.
The unspeakable of athletes
In addition to the unbearable heat, the food arrangements in the Paris Olympic Village have also attracted widespread criticism. Athletes are offered an almost exclusively vegetarian menu, which prevents them from getting enough nutrients and energy, especially those who require intense training and competition. In order to maintain optimal physical fitness, many athletes have to pay for meat out of their own pockets to meet their nutritional needs. This arrangement not only increased the burden on the athletes, but also showed that the organizers were not thorough in their dietary arrangements.
At the same time, the rudimentary cardboard beds in the Paris Olympic Village make it difficult for athletes to get a good rest. Not only does a cardboard bed lack comfort, it can also make it difficult for athletes to recover after an intense match. Compared to the warm and comfortable accommodation of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the facilities of the Paris Olympic Village are particularly shabby, like simple rental houses. These questions have raised questions about the preparations for the Paris Olympics.
Delays in the construction of the venue: France speed
The start of the Olympic Games is imminent, but the competition venue in France is still far from finished. This situation is reminiscent of the restoration work that followed the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019, which has been slow to progress. Once again, the France government's inefficient enforcement efforts have been exposed. In addition, there have been frequent problems with the security of the Olympic Games, and there have even been reports of theft of security plans. Although the Paris City Hall denied the incident, it was only a few days ago that France determined the arrangements for security. All these signs cast doubt on France's ability to host the Games.
The prospects for the Paris Olympics are in doubt
France's economy is not in a good position, and although GDP is growing, the growth rate is significantly lagging behind other European countries. The budget for the Paris Olympics is 9.1 billion euros, but only half of the funds are actually in place. Financial problems and widespread public discontent have put the organizers under tremendous pressure. Dissatisfied with the government's massive investment in the preparation of the Games, France took to the streets to protest and even planned a mass strike on July 17. All these internal and external troubles have cast a thick shadow over the prospects of the Paris Olympics.
The Chinese swimming team comes with air conditioning and mattresses
In the face of the uncertainty of the Paris Olympics, the Chinese swimming team ended the training camp ahead of schedule and went to Paris to station, bringing its own air conditioning and mattresses to ensure that the athletes have a comfortable living environment. This smart move not only demonstrates the importance that China attaches to the health and comfort of athletes, but also provides lessons for other countries.
The problems of the Paris Olympics raise concerns about its future. Despite claims that the France government will overcome difficulties and host the Games as scheduled, current signs call into question its capabilities. Can Paris get out of these predicaments and provide a clean and safe environment for athletes around the world? This is not only a major test for the Government of France, but also a serious challenge for the international community.
Looking back at the glory of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Paris Olympics are particularly bleak. It is also an opportunity for reflection. The Olympic Games are not only a stage to show the strength of the country, but also a symbol of the great unity of the people of the world. Can France rise back in this challenge and become the focus of global attention? We'll see.