Pro

   Every four years, the Olympic flame ignites as we watch the stadium lights dim. Over the summer, the world once again turned its attention to the Olympic Games, as five continents converged to celebrate athletic excellence, unity and culture. 

     The Olympics were held in Paris from July. 26.- Aug. 11. Athletes from all around the globe converged on the famous city to showcase their talents.      

     The Olympic spirit not only highlights our shared love for competition but also fosters a sense of hope and connection across borders. The Olympics are a representation of our global community.

      “I feel like it really unites people because over the summer since the 2024 Olympics occurred, I saw a lot of things online about people joining together and supporting their countries. It seemed to be a very patriotic time,” said Risako Ueda (’26). 

     Another benefit is the peaceful gathering of countries, which fosters cultural exchange and creates opportunities for people to explore other cultures. “I think one of the best ways they do that is with their opening ceremonies. People from all over get to watch the selected athletes be the flag bearers for their countries,” said PE teacher Mr. Christopher Gero.

     Not only do the Olympics create cultural exchange, they also provide exposure and popularity to the host country and its citizens. In an article written in Aug 2024 in Cultural Survival, t Dev Kumar Sunwar  a total of 53 Indigenous  athletes from all over the world competed in the games. They participated in a variety of different sports, and played for different teams, for example Apollo Hess who is playing swimming for Canada and Micah Christenson is playing volleyball for USA.

     And finally, the Olympics boost tourism in the host country. According to BMZ.de, this boosts the economy and supports jobs, especially those in the customer service sector. The economic boosts from tourism can also benefit the sharing of cultures, as people enjoy partaking and watching cultural ceremonies, and enjoying food and other experiences offered during the Olympics.

     The Olympics creates a melting pot for so many different cultures, boosts tourism, helps the local economy and brings countries from around the world together to celebrate the global community.

Cons

Behind the dazzling Olympic gold medals and the roaring cheers of fans, world-class athletes display their skills and fireworks light up the sky, incredible joy and national pride fills the Stade de France. Yet amid the excitement, a question lingers: Are the Olympics worth the cost? 

During the Paris 2024 Olympics, concerns arose about the financial burden and intense pressure placed on athletes. These concerns caused the public to recognize the hefty price of the Olympics. 

        The Olympics pose a heavy financial strain on the host country. According to an article from September 2024 by Jeneifer Wills on Investopedia, the towns surrounding the Olympics were hurt by an 8.2 billion dollar cost. Residents’ taxes, which could have been used for more essential services like school and healthcare, were redirected to fund the Olympics.     

     Along with the financial burden, many residents also faced displacement. According to an August 2024 article by Eleanor Beardsley on NPR at the 2024 Paris Olympics, many people on the outskirts of Paris were forced to leave their homes, causing major disruptions within their community. 

     “It really impacts residents’ daily life because there might be a lot of traffic and crowded public transportation,” said Anna Hefele (‘28). This disruption meant that even those who stayed in their homes faced unnecessary stress. 

   But it was not just the locals who were burdened. “It really takes a mental toll on the athletes, no matter what the sport is, because there’s a lot of pressure to perform well,” said Sylvie Leggins (‘27).  Most athletes receive just one shot to perform perfectly, but the pressure can make this task seem impossible.  Why jeopardize mental well-being solely for entertainment?

 While celebrating athletes’ success, we also must examine the cost and the intense pressure of the Olympics, allowing us to recognize the often neglected negative impacts beyond the competition.