Postcard stadium, VIII Olympiade, Paris, 1924.

Condition: found, soiled on the reverse

Dimension: 15 cm x 9,6 cm

Paris and its Olympic Shadows

Paris has a rich, if not always illustrious, history with the Olympic Games. The first Paris Games in 1900 were marked by chaos and poor organisation. Part of the wider World's Fair, the Games lacked a clear structure - some disciplines were even held over several months. The venues were scattered around the city and many athletes did not even know they were taking part in the Olympics. Notoriously, the swimming competitions were held in the polluted Seine with a strong current.

The 1924 Olympics brought further controversy. Organizers faced criticism for inadequate accommodation for athletes. During the Games, there were several protests by workers building Olympic venues over poor working conditions. The disqualification of Finnish marathon runner Paavo Nurmi from the marathon due to alleged professionalism was also a point of contention.

As for the 2024 Games, there have already been nothing but problems again. Organisers have faced criticism over high costs and delays in construction. There were serious concerns about security, especially for the planned opening ceremony on the Seine, which was extremely tacky. The eviction of some communities due to Olympic construction and vouchers and the increase in real estate prices around the venues was certainly not a boast of the organisers.

Thus, every Paris Olympics has been accompanied by certain problems that have partly overshadowed the sporting achievements. So, 3 times and enough.

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