Reflections from the 2024 Olympics

I recently returned to the United States after spending the summer in Europe, where I had the privilege of both attending and working at the Paris Olympics. The experience was a remarkable blend of professional engagement and personal reflection.

Having lived and worked in Paris during my previous role at Alcatel-Lucent over a decade ago, returning to the city was a truly nostalgic and invigorating experience. Paris has undergone significant changes, all for the better.

A decade ago, Paris was pioneering the concept of city-wide bike rental systems with the introduction of Vélib. Today, the city stands out as one of the most bike-friendly in the world. I utilized a rented bike to navigate the major Olympic venues and was impressed by the extensive network of bike lanes, often featuring bidirectional paths on both sides of the street. The infrastructure is truly remarkable.

The atmosphere in Paris was unexpectedly serene. Outside the major Olympic venues, the city was characterized by minimal foot and car traffic, contributing to a peaceful and relaxed environment. Many Parisians chose to leave the city, anticipating the challenges of Olympic traffic, tourists, and heightened security. However, I believe they missed an opportunity to witness Paris at its finest. The city exuded a more relaxed, residential vibe, and I was fortunate to find an affordable Airbnb in the 10th arrondissement, near Canal St. Martin—a truly delightful temporary home.

Paris had clearly adorned itself to host the global event, offering a stunning backdrop for the Olympics. The city of light lived up to its name, with iconic buildings and attractions illuminated in a dazzling array of colors each night, lifting the spirits of all who witnessed it.

Turning to the games, the opening ceremony was nothing short of spectacular. The decision to transform the entire city into the venue for the ceremony was bold and innovative. As a spectator between the Pont Au Change and the Pont Neuf, I had the unique experience of seeing the athletes sail by and enjoy the eclectic mix of hard rock from Gojira and operatic performances from Carmen. Although the event was perhaps better suited for TV or streaming, the in-person experience, despite the rain, was unforgettable.

As I write this, I am watching the Paralympians march down the Champs Elysées toward the venues at Place de La Concorde—a moment that truly encapsulates the spirit of the Games.

As reported by SVG, Kiswe was part of the “Athlete Moment” project that OBS (Olympic Broadcasting Services) delivered. Initially introduced during the Tokyo Games in response to the COVID-19 lockdown, Athlete Moment allows athletes to connect with their remote loved ones via live video immediately after their events, creating unforgettable experiences. In Paris, OBS expanded this initiative to nearly all sports and disciplines—a bold move, considering the presence of families at the venues.

I am pleased to report that the Athlete Moment project was a resounding success. While it took a few days to gain momentum, the value it brought to remote families was immense. Athletes, despite appreciating the presence of loved ones in attendance, were equally thrilled to connect with remote family and fans. One particularly touching moment was the wedding proposal between two Chinese gold medalists in front of our station, with their parents and best friend connected live through the athlete station. It was a truly emotional experience, among many other heartwarming moments across various sports and venues.

As a Belgian, I was especially proud to be at the finish line when Remco won double gold in both cycling disciplines. As an American, the final two days of the Games were particularly special, as we delivered incredible moments with the U.S. women's and men's basketball teams.

Paris, you have left an indelible mark on me, and I look forward to returning.

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Wim Sweldens  
Co-Founder and CMO at Kiswe  

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