Anticipation and Apprehension: Paris Embraces the Olympic Torch Relay Ahead of 2024 Summer Games

The torch relay for the 2024 Paris Olympics reached the French capital on Sunday, ushering in a mix of excitement and trepidation among the city's residents. As the iconic flame made its way through the streets, it was met with both enthusiasm and skepticism, reflecting the complex sentiments surrounding the upcoming games.

The relay began with a symbolic first leg carried by World Cup-winning soccer great Thierry Henry along the Champs-Elysees, the city's most famous avenue. "It's not something you turn down, on our national day, on the Champs-Elysees, the Olympics in Paris," Henry remarked, underscoring the sense of national pride and historical significance.

However, the build-up to the Paris Games has been marked by what chief organizer Tony Estanguet has described as "Olympics-bashing," with many Parisians voicing strong criticism and apprehension. In the affluent districts, some families have already opted to leave the city during the July 26 to August 11 spectacle, deliberately avoiding the disruption and inconvenience it is expected to bring.

"I'm following them putting up the equipment, the stadiums, the impact that it will have on us, not really the torch," expressed 22-year-old student Manon Skura, echoing the concerns of many Parisians.

The Games have been designed to take place in the heart of the City of Light, with temporary stadiums erected at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Invalides, and Place de la Concorde. While this strategy promises "iconic" Olympics, it has also led to the closure of large swaths of central Paris and severe traffic congestion.

The latest change to the capital's streets has been the appearance of around 44,000 metal barriers along the Seine River, where a spectacular opening ceremony is being planned for July 26. This measure, aimed at ensuring security, has further contributed to the sense of disruption and inconvenience among residents.

Estanguet, the chief organizer, has acknowledged the challenge of "protecting our vision against everyone who criticizes, those who don't believe in it, those who would take pleasure in seeing it not go well." Despite the national success of the torch relay, with around five million people turning out to witness it since May 8, the Parisian public remains largely divided in its enthusiasm for the upcoming games.

A survey conducted on March 25 by the Viavoice group found that 57% of respondents felt "little" or "no" enthusiasm about the 2024 Olympics in Paris, underscoring the uphill battle the organizers face in winning over the skeptical public.

As the torch continues its journey through the city, the tension between anticipation and apprehension will undoubtedly linger, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in Paris' relationship with the 2024 Summer Olympics.