One year after the Paris Olympic Games, the President of the International Olympic Committee –IOC-, Kirsty Coventry, returned to the French capital to take part in commemorative events honouring the legacy of a historic edition. Accompanied by IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach, the Zimbabwean official participated in a full day of celebrations highlighting the impact of Paris 2024 on the city, the country and the Olympic Movement.
On Friday, she was received at the Élysée Palace by Emmanuel Macron. In the meeting, alongside the French president and Bach, they recalled the highlights of the Games and discussed the organisation of the French Alps 2030 Olympic Winter Games.
A tour through the legacies of Paris 2024
Saturday’s agenda began in front of City Hall, where Mayor Anne Hidalgo officially welcomed the Olympic delegation. There, they visited the square transformed into an urban forest – a clear example of Paris 2024’s commitment to sustainability. Shortly afterwards, the group walked along the banks of the Seine, accompanied by a colourful nautical parade of kayaks and dragon boats, evoking the iconic start of the Games.
One of the most emotional moments came at Pont Saint-Louis, where the ‘Monument aux Champions’ was unveiled – a permanent artistic installation bearing the names of Olympic and Paralympic medallists, designed by Bina Baitel. Nearby, in the river itself, they visited one of the new swimmable zones – a tangible legacy that is turning the Seine into a shared public space for all.
Women, culture and sport as symbols
The tour also included a stop in La Chapelle, where statues of ten French women – featured in the Opening Ceremony’s ‘Sororité’ tableau – have now been permanently installed. Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, shared details of the creative process. Afterwards, Place Alice Milliat was inaugurated, paying tribute to the pioneer of women’s sport in France.
Later, at the Grand Palais – one of Paris 2024’s most emblematic venues – a ceremony was held with volunteers, athletes and fans, led by Marc Guillaume and Sports Minister Marie Barsacq. In that setting, Coventry addressed the audience: “These people made the Games unique. The joy, dedication and teamwork must remain: that is what made Paris 2024 so special.”
From Paris to the Olympic legacy in the Alps
In the afternoon, the IOC delegation visited the Olympic Aquatics Centre, where they were welcomed by Patrick Ollier, President of Greater Paris. A new set of Olympic rings was unveiled before they toured the venue, now open to the public and also featuring padel courts and climbing walls.
Later on, in Parc Georges Valbon in Seine-Saint-Denis – the heart of the Olympic project – thousands of people celebrated with music, sport and cultural activities. The day ended in the Jardin des Tuileries, where the Olympic flame was symbolically reignited.
Institutional meetings and continuity of the legacy
Coventry used her visit to Paris to hold bilateral meetings with Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, President of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, and Minister Barsacq. They discussed key topics such as the promotion of sport in France, the ongoing Olympic legacy and preparations for future Olympic Games: Milano Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028 and French Alps 2030.
Throughout the visit, the IOC President was accompanied by Tony Estanguet, Jean-Christophe Rolland and Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant, who chaired the Paris 2024 Coordination Commission and now oversees the French Alps 2030 Winter Games.
The message of the day was clear: the Paris Games may have ended a year ago, but their spirit and legacy continue to grow – not only in France, but around the world.
