Paris - A GAME Changer

The Olympics are back and the world took notice.

With fans clamouring to attend events or tuning in via TV/Apps/Social, these Games delivered on every metric promised. They were 'open' Games that felt accessible with a multi-layer approach to pricing, safety, and entertainment.

For 3 weeks, I stayed in the heart of Paris, near La Concorde & the Louvre. My role as a reporter and field/content producer, where I helped cover 7 different sports, kept me busy but happy.

Below are select images from my time in Paris, with a few observations if you're curious.

CROWDS

Passionate, Informed, & Engaged

That's how I would describe fans and the overall vibe of these Games. Olympic Host cities come alive with pride once the opening ceremonies wrap, but few have awakened with such vigour as Paris. With locals and tourists alike, there was a respectful sense of excitement for the spectacle that is the Olympics. Even Parisians, famously known for their ornery demeanour, were bursting with pride for their country and rich culture.

Did you know city noises change during the Games? The standard city hum would erupt in cheers and jubilation - seemingly randomly - throughout the two weeks. It was a sure sign a French athlete(s) had done something exceptional and inspirational.

Additional fencing (which, as you see below, didn't survive well) had to be brought in for venues like 3x3 Basketball as the crowds within La Concord were clamouring for a glimpse of the action.

3x3

Fast, Intimate, & Heated

Paris marked the second Games for 3x3 basketball and it was a crowd favourite. A game that takes roughly 25min to complete is an intense 10-minute sprint, with a 12-second shot clock. Regularly, games were decided by the timing of possessions, referee decisions, and who was dialled in with their 2-point shots. (No 3-pointers in 3x3)

The format ensured blood, sweat, and tears were on full display.

Fans would buy tickets to 'sessions' and would watch roughly 4 different games. The skill of these athletes was never in question, and the chemistry/rhythm required within a team was undeniable.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend taking in a 3x3 event.

SKATEBOARDING

Young, Popular, & Evolving

Canada, China, Finland...ok LOTS of countries...found their youngest Olympians competing in the Skate Park/Street events. This meant Canada's Fay De Fazio Ebert, at 14 years old, fit right in.

Like 3x3, this marks Skateboarding's second round of inclusion at the Games. And, like 3x3, the legitimacy and skills represented were undeniably elevated since Tokyo.

In Tony Hawk's words, "A display of talent like we've never seen before."

BREAKING

New, Beats, & Viral

Everyone was feeling the beats of Breaking, especially the athletes. Normally, breaking events are limited to copyright-free music due to budget constraints, however, DJ Fleg and DJ Plash were given free rein to play WHATEVER they wanted in Paris and the b-boys and b-girls were feeling it.

The most common question I've had since returning from Paris is, 'Did you see Raygun live?' Yes, yes I did and it was going viral even before she'd finished her final qualifying round.

"It's sad, because this is what everyone's going to remember from Breaking." Geoff Reyes, CEO of Breaking Canada, told me before the b-boys took centre stage on August 10th. That said, he went on to say how she wasn't joking and takes breaking seriously. Although he hadn't spoken with her, I sensed he was worried about the emotional impact this would have.

Misinformation was the biggest worry at the centre of this tightly-knit breaking community. To that end, here are a few notes, in case you're curious:

Judging is a comparative sliding scale evaluating 'who did it better' - not a 'points for moves'
Breaking was never included in the LA Games
There are no 'demonstration sports' at Olympic Games anymore - a sport is either included as a full medal event or not
All Olympic sports have continental qualification regulations and quota spots. This is to help ensure sports are globally represented, and not overly dominated by a few strong nations. This OFTEN results in some athletes being significantly weaker than the field or sport at large.

Ok, let's move on.

Canada's b-boy Phil Wizard was GOLDEN in Paris. I would argue he secured Gold the moment he anticipated and mirrored b-boy Shigekix's move in their Semi-Final battle. It was an epic moment.

Although we may never again see Breaking on the Olympic Stage, I'm grateful I witnessed this piece of history.