No.152 Looking back on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Paris Olympics
　
The Games, which took place over 17 days from July 27 to August 12 Japan time, were held in line with the "Agenda 2020+5" reform guidelines set out by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2021, with environmental considerations and sustainability at the forefront. The Paris Organizing Committee is strongly conscious of the SDGs, aiming to halve greenhouse gas emissions from the pre-COVID-19 London Games in 2012 and the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016, encouraging the use of bicycles in addition to public transportation in urban areas, and connecting the venues with 415 kilometers of bicycle paths and dedicated lanes, including existing ones.
　
The balloon-shaped Olympic cauldron was also a symbol of this, and for the first time in Olympic history, the flames were expressed by combining water and light without using fuel. 95% of the competition venues were existing or temporary facilities, electricity was provided by renewable energy, and efforts were also made to reduce plastic products that cause marine pollution. In the athletes' village, a cooling system using groundwater was used instead of air conditioning, and the food was apparently made mainly from vegetables grown nearby.
　
However, the excessive emphasis on the environment led to criticism, as it caused inconvenience and hardship for the athletes. "It's so hot I can't sleep. The food doesn't taste good. There's not enough protein." Some of the teams, including Japan, made do with simple air conditioners procured through the organizing committee.
　
What particularly drew attention this time was the fact that the water quality of the Seine, which had been banned for swimming 101 years ago, had been improved and it was now used as a venue for triathlons and other events. vomiting ( ) He developed diarrhea, became unwell and had to withdraw from subsequent races.
　
At the last Tokyo Games, which were subject to significant restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was constant criticism of the infection and environmental prevention measures, and there was a large movement against holding the games. However, once the Paris Games began, there seemed to be some opinions that the operations at the Tokyo Games were superior.
　
In the past, it was said that "the point of participating in the Olympics is to participate," but the Japanese team has strengthened remarkably in recent years, and it now feels like it is becoming a competition to win.
　
The Japanese team won a total of 45 medals at this tournament, including 20 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 13 bronze medals. The number of gold medals placed them third after the United States and China, and the total number of medals placed them sixth after Great Britain, France, and Australia. This was the most ever won at an overseas Olympic Games, and the number of gold medals reached the target number set by the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC). We look forward to seeing even greater success from the Japanese team in the future.
　
On the other hand, this year's tournament is being held amid ongoing conflicts around the world, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Israel's attacks on the Palestinian territories of Gaza, leaving us with the question of how to deal with major powers that are ignoring the UN resolution on the Olympic Truce.
　
　
Paris Paralympics
　
The event was held over 12 days from August 29th to September 9th, Japan time.
　
The Place de la Concorde, where the opening ceremony was held, was also the stage for the French Revolution. Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said, "From the Place de la Revolution, we want to start a revolution that finds value in inclusion." He shouted "Peace!" at the opening ceremony, and said, "It is a disgrace to humanity that we have not yet been able to end war."
　
In this tournament, just as in the Olympics, the Japanese team performed remarkably, winning a total of 41 medals: 14 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 17 bronze medals.
　
The big topic of conversation in Inagi City was the fact that three people with ties to the city, either from or living in the city, were participating.
　
In the women's individual road cycling race, Yoshiko Sugiura said, "I may never set the youngest record again, but I can set the oldest record again," and she was true to her word, winning the gold medal for the second consecutive time since the Tokyo Games.
　
Naoki Hagiwara, who was recognized as an Inagi City Hometown Athlete, participated in the Goalball Japan Men's National Team. At the send-off ceremony held at the Regional Promotion Plaza on July 23, he stated that he was aiming for the gold medal, and this was exactly what he said.
　
Kazuki Nanano, who was also recognized as an Inagi City Hometown Athlete, participated in the table tennis (wheelchair) men's singles and men's doubles. He made it to the quarterfinals in both events, but was unfortunately defeated, finishing in fifth place in each.
　
In recent years, the Paralympics have seen a dramatic rise in the level of athletes as the sport has become more popular. Detailed ( ) A strategy like this seems essential.
　
The key to their success is long-term training camps at the National Training Center and planned power-ups under the guidance of experts.
　
At a press conference summarizing the tournament, Japan's Paralympic Team Leader, Aki Taguchi, praised the performance of the Japanese team, saying, "The athletes challenged their own limits and embodied the infinite potential of para-athletes."
　
The Tokyo Games have created an opportunity for companies to hire top Paralympic athletes, and it appears that more athletes are able to compete without worrying about their income.
　
At this tournament, we were thrilled to see the performance of Inagi City's first Paralympian. Thank you! Let's continue to support them as citizens.