In the early stages of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, several incidents have diverted attention from the sporting events. Various sports personalities and delegations have expressed their concerns about a series of issues affecting the Olympic experience. Among the main problems reported are thefts and complaints about the quality of food in the Olympic Village.

One of the first to report a theft was Brazilian football legend Zico, who is part of the Brazilian delegation. The former footballer was a victim of a robbery after taking a taxi, where he had a bag stolen containing jewelry, watches, and other items worth up to 500,000 euros.

Argentine footballer Thiago Almada also reported the theft of jewelry and a watch. Javier Mascherano, coach of the Argentine National Team, commented on the situation: “They ask for credentials for everything, but then these things happen”. These statements add to the controversy of the Argentine football team’s defeat against Morocco, where the equalizing goal was disallowed two hours after the match, and incidents occurred that led to the suspension of the game. Mascherano expressed his frustration, saying: “It’s a scandal. This is not a neighborhood tournament. These are the Olympic Games”.

One of the most notable incidents was the mass attack on Paris’s railway lines just before the Olympic opening ceremony, affecting thousands of passengers. The SNCF railway company commented: “Last night, SNCF was the victim of several acts of vandalism on the Atlantic, North, and East high-speed lines. Fires were deliberately set to damage our facilities”. Also this Friday, during the opening ceremony, the rain caused problems with the issue of umbrellas and there were those who took the opportunity to sell garbage bags at 8 € to cover themselves from the water ….

The British delegation raised concerns about the food in the Olympic Village. The President of the British Olympic Committee, Andy Anson, said: “In some areas, there is not enough: eggs, chicken, and certain carbohydrates. It needs a radical improvement”. The delegation has opted for alternative feeding methods, describing the diet as inappropriate.

In sports, the coach of the Spanish basketball team, Sergio Scariolo, expressed his frustration over the lack of a training venue in Lille before his team’s debut in the Olympics. Following complaints, the Spanish Basketball Federation, the Spanish Olympic Committee, and FIBA managed to find a solution.

Another issue that caused an uproar was Belgian cycling star, Remco Evenepoel, anger over the condition of the pavement in the French capital: “The asphalt is full of holes, making it impossible to ride the bike properly”. The current world champion detailed that the first five kilometers of the route are problematic, near Les Invalides and the Bastille.

Although the start of Paris 2024 has had setbacks, the Olympic Games have just begun, and there is still much to experience and improve. With the competitions ahead, expectations are high, and it is hoped that these Games will become a memorable celebration of sport.