The 2024 Olympic Movement will be marked by the return of the Olympic Games to Paris, the Olympic AI Agenda, and the approaching IOC presidential election.
Written by sports writer Xiao Yazhuo
PARIS, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — 2024 will be a milestone year for the Olympic Movement, as the Summer Olympics will return to Paris for the first time in 100 years.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has advanced significant reforms, from the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to the future of esports and diversifying event formats. These changes are aimed at attracting a wider audience, particularly younger generations, and highlighting the Olympic spirit of inclusivity and progress.
2024 is also a crucial year for leadership change, as IOC President Thomas Bach ends his term next year. The election of a new president not only represents a transfer of power, but also sets the stage for a new chapter in the Olympic movement’s journey.
Paris 2024: historical return and modern return
The 2024 Summer Olympics opened on July 26 with a colorful ceremony along the Seine River, marking the first time in modern Olympic history that the opening ceremony was held outside the stadium. Athletes from the 205 delegations traveled 6 kilometers by boat from Pont Austerlitz to the Eiffel Tower, captivating audiences around the world with a seamless blend of cityscape, history and Olympic ideals.
Paris hosted the Olympic Games for the third time and successfully integrated sports into the city. Iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower hosted beach volleyball, the Grand Palais hosted Taekwondo, and the Place de la Concorde premiered breakdancing, creating a new cultural dimension to the Games.
“We wanted to bring sport closer to the heart of the city and show the vibrancy and inclusiveness of Paris,” Paris 2024 President Tony Estinguett said.
The Paris Olympics achieved a historic milestone in gender equality, becoming the first Games to feature an equal number of male and female athletes, accounting for 50 percent of participants. The Games also introduced mixed-gender events, demonstrating the IOC’s commitment to fairness.
President Bach said: “Gender equality is at the core of Olympism. Through the Paris Olympics we aim to send a clear message that sport belongs to everyone.”
Sustainability was another defining theme of Paris 2024. As a model for the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the Games prioritized existing venues and reduced carbon emissions by 50% compared to the previous Summer Games. The only new facilities built are the Porte de la Chapelle Arena near the Stade de France, the Le Bourget Climbing Center, and the Olympic Aquatic Center, all of which will remain open after the Games. It plans to continue serving the local community.
Featuring modular design and eco-friendly technology, the Olympic Village will be converted into 3,000 housing units, providing lasting benefits for the local community.
“Paris 2024 is more than just a sporting event, it is a legacy for future generations,” said Marie Salois, IOC Director of Enterprise and Sustainable Development.
Olympic reform: new horizons, bold decisions
In 2024, the IOC has shown foresight in promoting the Olympic Movement. In April, it announced the Olympic AI Agenda, which outlines the potential of AI in sports.
Paris 2024 saw widespread adoption of AI, from OBS’s “cloud venue” for live broadcasts to AI-enhanced referees and personalized athlete training programs. It also played a role in combating online hate speech on social media and promoting a positive digital environment.
“AI increases fairness and efficiency, and provides immersive experiences for audiences around the world,” Bach said.
To keep the Olympic excitement going after the Games, the IOC introduced the Olympic Qualification Series, featuring skateboarding, sport climbing, breakdancing and BMX freestyle in two legs: Shanghai and Budapest. These innovative qualifiers featured top athletes competing for a spot in Paris 2024 and captivated young audiences with music, cultural performances and interactive experiences.
“The qualification series is not just an experiment, it is a new way to express Olympism,” said Pierre Flutter Bardi, Associate Director of Olympic Games Strategic Development.
Esports also gained momentum as a focus of IOC reform. Following the establishment of the eSports Commission, the IOC announced plans to host the first Olympic eSports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Esports offers a huge opportunity to attract younger audiences, but alignment with Olympic values remains a key challenge.
“Esports is a universal language for young people, but we must ensure that its values are consistent with the Olympic spirit,” said David Lapartient, Chairman of the IOC’s Esports and Games Liaison Group.
Flexibility in event formats was also a highlight of this year’s reforms. The 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games will introduce an interactive cultural showcase while reducing the number of events to 151, reducing the burden on the organization. The event will also achieve full gender equality, debut martial arts as an official sport, and celebrate the diversity of Olympic culture.
The combination of these reforms, technology, youth engagement and cultural inclusion has strengthened the relevance and appeal of the Olympic Movement. The achievements of 2024 laid a solid foundation for future competitions.
Leadership transition: A new chapter begins
The IOC is preparing for a change in leadership as Bach’s 12-year term comes to an end. During her term, Bach led reforms such as the Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, promoting sustainability, innovation and gender equality.
This summer, the 70-year-old German athlete announced in Paris that he would retire in 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the IOC.
The race to succeed Bach includes IOC Vice-President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., World Athletics Federation President Sebastian Coe, International Cycling Union President David Lapartiente, and Zimbabwean Olympic champion Kirsty. Seven candidates have come forward, including Coventry, International Ski Federation president Johan Elias and International Gymnastics Federation president. Morinari Watanabe and Prince Faisal Al Hussein of Jordan.
Election voting will take place in Ancient Olympia in March 2025. Candidates will present their visions in January before members vote in a closed ballot.
Meanwhile, major changes were seen in the IOC’s commercial framework. Three Japanese companies, Panasonic, Toyota and Bridgestone, are scheduled to withdraw from the Olympic Partner (TOP) program after 2024, raising questions about their future partnership. Despite these departures, the IOC remains confident in TOP’s global appeal.
“TOP remains one of the most successful marketing platforms and we are actively engaging with new partners,” said an IOC marketing executive.
Chinese brands have emerged as strong competitors, with companies such as Hisense, Vivo and BYD already gaining international exposure through major sports sponsorships. As the Olympic Movement adapts to changing global conditions, we look forward to new opportunities for partnership and growth.
Looking to the future, the Olympic Movement will continue to embrace innovation. Los Angeles 2028 promises to leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver unprecedented engagement and redefine the AI-driven audience experience. Meanwhile, the 2030 Winter Olympics in France will see full implementation of green initiatives, setting a benchmark for sustainability at major sporting events.
With evolving leadership, technological integration and cultural inclusivity, the Olympics are poised to usher in a new era of global unity and progress. ■
