The Paris 2024 Olympics unfolded against a backdrop of extraordinary global challenges, with the world reeling from economic recessions and geopolitical tensions. Europe, in particular, was grappling with the aftereffects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while the Middle East faced heightened instability following a major terrorist attack by Hamas. France, the host nation, was not spared from turmoil either, with political unrest manifesting in widespread protests and strikes in the months leading up to the Games.

Despite these daunting circumstances, the Paris 2024 Olympics were a spectacle of athletic excellence and a platform for social progress, particularly in terms of gender equality. However, like previous Olympics, the event was not without controversy, particularly in relation to human rights concerns.

MEDAL TABLE COMPARISONS TOKYO 2020 vs PARIS 2024

The comparison of medal tables between Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 reveals interesting shifts in the performance of various nations:

United States: The U.S. maintained its dominance, topping the medal table in both editions. In Tokyo 2020, the U.S. secured 113 medals, including 39 golds. This performance improved in Paris 2024, where they won 126 medals, with 40 golds.

China: China also held steady in second place across both Games. They won 89 medals, including 38 golds, in Tokyo 2020. In Paris, their tally slightly increased to 91 medals, with an impressive 40 golds.

Host Countries: Japan, the host of Tokyo 2020, had a strong showing with 58 medals, 27 of them gold. However, their performance dropped in Paris 2024, where they secured 45 medals, including 20 golds. France, as the host nation for Paris 2024, saw a significant improvement, leaping from 33 medals (10 golds) in Tokyo to 64 medals (16 golds) on home soil.

Great Britain: While Great Britain’s overall medal count remained robust, going from 64 in Tokyo to 65 in Paris, they experienced a decline in gold medals, from 22 in Tokyo to 14 in Paris.

Australia: Australia’s performance improved notably, with their gold medal count rising from 17 in Tokyo to 18 in Paris. Their total medal count also increased from 46 to 53.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE OLYMPIC: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE

The issue of human rights violations has been a recurring concern in recent Olympic Games, with Paris 2024, Tokyo 2020, and Rio 2016 each facing their unique challenges:

Paris 2024:The lead-up to the Paris Games was marked by significant labor rights issues, particularly concerning the treatment of migrant workers involved in constructing Olympic facilities. Reports highlighted poor working conditions, underpayment, and inadequate housing, drawing criticism towards French authorities for insufficiently enforcing labor standards. Additionally, the French government faced backlash over its response to protests against the Games’ environmental impact, with allegations of heavy-handed policing, including the use of tear gas and arrests, raising concerns about the suppression of freedom of expression.

Tokyo 2020: Held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Games were marred by labor concerns, particularly for temporary workers who faced unsafe conditions, long hours, and low wages. There were also reports of the displacement of homeless people in Tokyo, as the city sought to present a favorable image to international visitors, often without providing adequate support or alternatives for those affected.

Rio 2016: Rio remains one of the most criticized Olympic Games regarding human rights violations. The Games were notorious for the mass displacement of approximately 60,000 people, evicted to make way for Olympic infrastructure, often with little notice, inadequate compensation, and excessive force. Police violence, particularly in the favelas, was rampant, with numerous reports of human rights abuses, including unlawful killings. The construction of Olympic venues also saw numerous labor rights violations, with several fatal accidents due to unsafe working conditions.

 ADVANCEMENTS IN GENDER EQUALITY: A COUNTINUING LEGACY

The involvement and achievements of women in the Olympics have evolved significantly from Rio 2016 to Paris 2024, reflecting broader trends toward gender equality in sports:

Rio 2016:The Rio Olympics marked a significant milestone for female athletes, with women constituting approximately 45% of participants—a record at the time. The Games were also the first where all participating countries included women in their delegations. Notable achievements included Simone Biles’ four gold medals in gymnastics and the U.S. women’s 4×100 meters relay team’s victory after a dramatic reinstatement. The IOC also introduced mixed-gender events, laying the groundwork for future advancements in gender equality.

Tokyo 2020: Female participation in Tokyo reached nearly 49%, continuing the trend toward gender parity. The event also introduced several mixed-gender competitions, further promoting inclusivity. Women’s sports gained significant global attention, with athletes like Naomi Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron, becoming symbols of the Games. However, disparities in media coverage and sponsorship between male and female athletes highlighted ongoing challenges.

Paris 2024: Paris 2024 is set to achieve full gender parity, with 50% of the athletes expected to be women—a historic milestone for the Olympics. The Paris Games featured a significant number of women-centric and mixed-gender events, including in newer sports like skateboarding and surfing. The IOC has emphasized inclusivity, ensuring that women’s achievements are highlighted equally alongside men’s and providing equal opportunities for women in leadership roles within the Olympic movement.

COMCLUSION: THE DUAL LEGACY OF THE OLYMPICS

From Rio 2016 to Paris 2024, the Olympic Games have played a dual role as both a platform for advancing social progress and a source of controversy, particularly regarding human rights. The increasing participation and success of female athletes highlight the Games’ potential to drive positive change, while the recurring issues of labor exploitation, displacement, and the suppression of dissent underscore the need for continued vigilance and reform.

As the world reflects on Paris 2024, it is clear that while the Olympics can inspire and unite, they must also be held accountable to the highest standards of human rights and social justice