Everything Has Evolved, Even The Olympic

Pamela KWATIKA -

It only gets better rights? The Olympic competition keeps getting better by the day, not only by adding new disciplines, giving a chance for many more athletes to compete, but also making an effort to guarantee the comfort of female Olympians, notably pregnant women and nursing mothers. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board and Paris 2024 partnered to create a dedicated space for children for the first time in Olympic history, after much struggles by nursing athletes who had to be separated from their kids during the Tokyo Olympic games.

With this latest innovation, there is a creche which offers space and privacy for breastfeeding mothers who will be able to pump and store their milk. There are also nappy changing facilities and play areas. Overnight accommodation is available outside the village. Athletes can book private or shared appointments at the facility, in the heart of the Village Plaza, which accommodates up to six family members.

This innovation has been applauded by a lot of female athletes as they say they can concentrate a lot better on competing since there is a facility that enables them to have their kids and a caregiver close by at the Olympic Games. Emma Terho, athletes’ commission chair for the IOC stated,

Note should be taken that, the nursery is not the only first for Paris 2024. The Games are also the first to be carbon-neutral and gender-equal and to include competitions that everyone can take part in.

We are seeing more and more athletes continuing in their career after starting a family. Personally, knowing it can be difficult to combine both while focusing on your dreams, it doesn’t mean that you cannot be a parent and an athlete. It’s important to make it easier to combine those aspects of life and to support athletes on and off the field. Parenthood is an important part of off-the-field. It is also very important to send the message that it doesn’t mean your career is coming to an end. The nursery, the amount of excitement and feedback we’ve been getting from athletes, shows this.

Apart from all these, alot more could be seen such as;

Technological Advancements:

  • Smart Arenas: Featuring smart sensors and energy-efficient systems.
  • AI Integration: Used for analyzing athlete performance and assisting in training.
  • AR and VR: Enhancing the spectator experience with real-time stats and immersive viewing.

Increased Inclusivity and Diversity:

  • Gender Equality: Equal number of events for men and women, with more mixed-gender events.
  • Paralympic Integration: Seamless inclusion of Paralympic events and athletes.
  • Cultural Representation: Diverse global cultures showcased in ceremonies.

Sustainable Practices:

  • Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Sustainable construction and carbon-neutral initiatives.
  • Waste Reduction: Ambitious zero-waste goals and extensive recycling programs.

Enhanced Fan Engagement:

  • Social Media and Streaming: Real-time updates, athlete interactions, and accessible live streaming.
  • Interactive Experiences: Fan zones and the inclusion of esports for a younger audience.

These changes ensure that the Olympics remain relevant, impactful, and enjoyable for both athletes and fans in the modern world.