More than 10,000 of the world’s best athletes are about to assemble in Paris for two weeks of pure sporting nirvana. For a brief, shining moment, witnessing the absolute pinnacle of human speed, strength and endurance will become routine, as the exemplars of peak performance duel it out to immortalise themselves in the annals of Olympic history.
Excuse the grandiose introduction, but in case you can’t tell, we’re hyped for the Olympics – and Paris 2024 looks like it will be one to remember. Records are set to tumble, inspirational stories are guaranteed to be plentiful, and a South African gold rush is a very real possibility.
Due to the colossal proportions of an event like the Olympics, it can be easy to get lost in the chaos. That’s why we’ve rounded up all the key details you need to know ahead of the Games. Read on to learn everything from when and where to watch and who made the cut at this years Olympics.
When Are the Paris 2024 Olympics?
The 2024 Paris Olympics will take place from July 24th to August 11th. The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26th, but preliminary and qualifying events will actually begin a few days earlier, on July 24th.
For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony will occur outside of a stadium. Instead, the parade of nations will take place on the River Seine (regardless of how clean it is), with athletes being ferried along the river on boats. Then, they’ll make their way to the Trocadéro, where the Eiffel Tower will serve as a decent backdrop.
The closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics will take place on August 11th in the Stade de France, the country’s national stadium.
Where Can I Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics in South Africa?
SuperSport holds the broadcasting rights for the 2024 Paris Olympics. You can watch the Games on SuperSport’s channels or stream them on the DStv Stream platform. You can also catch replays and highlights on DStv Stream. If you don’t have Dstv the SABC will broadcast select events from the Olympics on their TV channels and online platforms.
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For those doing the time zone conversion math in their head, let us save you the trouble. Paris is the same time zone as South Africa. That means events that take place in the Parisian morning and afternoon will be easy viewing throughout the day in South Africa. Local time night events will also be convenient, as they’ll air at the same time in South Africa.
Is South Africa going to have a good Olympics?
By all accounts, yes. South African athletes are gearing up for a strong performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with several medal hopefuls across various sports. The most recent projections suggest a solid medal haul, with our athletes poised to make the nation proud.
As usual, much of South Africa’s Olympic success will depend on how well our athletes perform in athletics and swimming. Stars like Tatjana Schoenmaker, who won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and Akani Simbine, a consistent finalist in the men’s 100m, are key contenders. Swimmers like Chad le Clos, who has a history of Olympic success, will also be in the spotlight.
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With a mix of experienced Olympians and emerging talents, South Africa is set to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Updated Team SA Male Squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics:
Aquatics (3)
- Pieter Coetze (100m, 200m backstroke)
- Chad le Clos (100m butterfly)
- Matthew Sates (100m, 200m butterfly and 200m IM)
Archery (1)
- Wian Roux (recurve)
Athletics (15)
- Luxolo Adams (200m)
- Elroy Galant (marathon)
- Gardeo Isaacs (4x400m)
- Shaun Maswangani (200m, 4x100m)
- Stephen Mokoka (marathon)
- Zakithi Nene (400m, 4x400m)
- Bradley Nkoana (4x100m)
- Antonie Nortje (4x400m)
- Lythe Pillay (400m, 4x400m)
- Francois Prinsloo (discus)
- Benjamin Richardson (200m, 4x100m)
- Akani Simbine (100m, 4x100m)
- Tshepo Tshite (1500m)
- Wayde van Niekerk (400m, 4x400m)
- Jovan van Vuuren (long jump)
- Bayanda Walaza (4x100m)
- Adriaan Wildschutt (5000m, 10000m)
Badminton (1)
- Johanita Scholtz
Canoeing (2)
- Andrew Birkett (kayak sprint)
- Hamish Lovemore (kayak sprint)
Cycling (3)
- Ryan Gibbons (road)
- Jean Spies (track)
- Alan Hatherley (MTB)
Hockey (18)
- Daniel Bell
- Dayaan Cassiem
- Mustapha Cassiem
- Calvin Davis
- Matthew Guise-Brown
- Andrew Hobson
- Keenan Horne
- Gowan Jones
- Ryan Julius
- Tevin Kok
- Zenani Kraai
- Samkelo Mvimbi
- Nqobile Ntuli
- Bradley Sherwood
- Nicholas Spooner
- Jacques van Tonder
- Hendrik Kriek (reserve)
- Nduduza (Peabo) Lembethe (reserve)
Fencing (1)
- Harry Saner (epee)
Rowing (2)
- John Smith (pair)
- Christopher Baxter (pair)
Sport Climbing (2)
- Joshua Bruyns (speed climbing)
- Mel Janse van Rensburg (lead & boulder)
Surfing (2)
- Matthew McGillivray
- Jordy Smith
Triathlon (2)
- Henri Schoeman
- Jamie Riddle
Wrestling (1)
- Nicholas Steyn (92kg)
Financial Incentives
SASCOC has also announced further financial incentives for those athletes and teams that will earn medals in Paris.
- For relays and team sports (Hockey and Rugby):
- An amount of R100,000 per athlete and the coach for a gold medal;
- R75,000 per athlete and the coach for a silver medal; and
- R50,000 per athlete and the coach for a bronze medal.
- Boats (2 people), in line with the May incentives announced:
- R200,000 per athlete and R100,000 for the coach for a gold medal;
- R100,000 per athlete and R50,000 for the coach for a silver medal; and
- R40,000 per athlete and R20,000 for the coach for a bronze medal.
- Financial incentives announced last month for Team SA medallists at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
- Athletes who win gold will be awarded R400,000, with the coach receiving R100,000.
- Silver medallists will earn R200,000 and R50,000; while
- Bronze medal pay-outs will be R75,000 and R25,000 for the athlete and coach, respectively.
How Many Countries Are in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Not all teams are final and not all athletes have qualified, but it’s expected that the 2024 Paris Games will feature 206 countries and around 10,500 athletes.
How Many Sports Are in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Thirty-two sports make up the Paris 2024 Olympic program, with a total of 329 medal events. Every summer Olympics feature the same 28 ‘core’ sports, in addition to a few extra sports that are selected every four years. This year, those extra sports are surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing (which all made their debut at the Tokyo Games) and breaking (Olympic speak for breakdancing), which is making its first appearance as an Olympic sport.
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Can You Still Get Tickets for the Olympics?
Tickets are still available for plenty of Olympic events and can be purchased here. Although, they are going fast, and many events are already sold out. Don’t expect to find tickets to the athletics on the day of the 100m final, or to the basketball whenever Team USA is playing. But if you’re into volleyball, badminton or table tennis, the tickets are there for the taking.
Finding accommodation, however, is another issue. Unless you’re willing to pay an exorbitant premium for jacked-up nightly rates, you’ll struggle to find accommodation in Paris during the Olympic period – it is the biggest event on the sporting calendar, after all.
This article will be updated as new information comes to light.
Words By Cayle Reid & Art Mukhari
