Florent Manaudou Reflects on Emotional Paris 2024 Experience
As the Olympic Games in Paris come to a close, French swimmer Florent Manaudou has shared a heartfelt message reflecting on his experience. In an emotional Instagram post, Manaudou expressed gratitude for the support he received during the games, stating, "Thank you, it was Paris 2024." The swimmer, who has competed in four Olympic Games, shared his pride in winning a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle, making him the first swimmer to earn medals across four Olympics in this distance. He noted, "There is a lot of pride in having participated in these Games at home which were magical."
Manaudou, who has previously won gold in London and silver in Rio and Tokyo, expressed a sense of loss now that the games have concluded. "I’ve had this date in my head for years, and here it is, here we go! It’s over. So there is a void, a little sadness because it is the end and it was perhaps my last Games."
Los Angeles 2028 Olympics to Feature New Sports
Looking ahead, the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles are set to introduce five new sports to the Olympic program, providing a fresh dynamic compared to the Paris Games. The closing ceremony in Paris marked the symbolic handover of the Olympic flame to Los Angeles, where fans will see the return of baseball and softball, alongside the inclusion of lacrosse, cricket, flag football, and squash.
Baseball and softball, which were last featured in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, will make a comeback in Los Angeles, with the possibility of MLB stars participating. Cricket, returning after a 128-year absence since the 1900 Paris Games, will feature the short Twenty20 format, while flag football will debut at the Olympics, appealing to the growing American football community. Squash, a fast-paced racket sport, will also make its Olympic debut after previous unsuccessful attempts.
However, not all news is positive for fans of the Paris Games, as breaking, a dance sport that gained immense popularity during the Paris Olympics, will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 lineup. Additionally, boxing's future is uncertain due to the IBA's suspension by the IOC, and the modern pentathlon will see a significant change with the removal of horse riding in favor of an obstacle race.
- Florent Manaudou's emotional farewell to the Paris 2024 Games highlights the deep connection athletes have with their experiences and the fans who support them. His reflections resonate with many who feel a sense of loss as the Olympic excitement fades. As Manaudou contemplates the possibility of this being his last Olympic appearance, his journey serves as a reminder of the dedication and passion athletes bring to the games. On the other hand, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics promise to invigorate the sporting world with the introduction of new and returning sports that reflect the interests of the host nation. The inclusion of sports like lacrosse and cricket signifies a broader acceptance of diverse athletic disciplines, while the absence of breaking and potentially boxing raises questions about the evolution of the Olympic program. The upcoming games will not only showcase athletic excellence but also the changing landscape of sports on a global stage.
