Before the start of each competition at the 2024 Olympic Games, the public can watch a person, usually a former athlete, tap the ground with a baton three times with a baton that resonates at each venue before the event begins. Inspired by theatre, this tradition has also found its place in sport.

It is a brigadiar, a baton used in the theatre to give these famous three blows. It is a symbolic gesture used before each play to attract the audience’s attention, especially when the curtain is about to rise.

TRADITION WITH UNCERTAIN ORIGINS

Among the first hypotheses is a theory dating from the Middle Ages, that the three knocks were given before each performance to symbolise the Trinity, ‘In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’.

According to another hypothesis, the three planes represent the three primary groups in the theatre: the actors, the spectators and the story that is about to unfold.

Finally, another mentions the three bows made by the actors during each performance: facing the audience, on the garden side and on the courtyard side. This symbol was later democratised by Molière in the 17th century, who used the three knocks to announce the arrival of the king, the queen and the dauphin in the hall.

THE FIRST TIME AT THE GAMES

Announced by Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, last Sunday in the main press centre, this ritual is one of the great novelties of these Olympic Games.

Through this association between sport and theatre, the Organising Committee of the Games wanted to pay tribute to the French cultural tradition. It is a way of celebrating France’s strong artistic and theatrical heritage, recognised throughout the world. This, obviously, while respecting the historical importance of the Olympic Games.

In addition to the cultural symbol, this tradition wants to impose a certain solemn and ceremonial dimension to the event, underlining the importance of respecting the performances of the athletes.

On the other hand, this ceremony – planned before each session of each discipline – aims to create a strong bond between spectators and athletes. These three shots are a reminder that each event is a unique performance that deserves the attention and respect of the public. Everyone must play, having been briefed beforehand, spectators are invited to observe a moment of silence when the three shots are heard, as in the theatre.