Tuesday August 6th, a night etched in Clare’s memory… a night where the spirit of sport truly came alive. With the atmosphere in the Stade de France nothing short of electric and a shared excitement that transcended the individual and connected everyone in attendance, Clare shares her memories from the moment she stepped into the Paris 2024 Olympics.
We began the evening by exchanging stories with those seated around us – each person a supporter, each with a unique journey that led them to this stadium. As the events unfolded, the emotions of the crowd ebbed and flowed with the athletes’ performances. I found myself cheering passionately for Miltiádis Tentóglou from Greece, who took home the gold in the long jump. The joy was contagious, and I ended up waving a giant Greek flag alongside a fellow fan, celebrating a moment that felt both personal and universal.
Highlights of the Night
The Men’s 1500m Final was nothing short of spectacular – a true battle to the finish line. Jakob Ingebrigtsen set a blistering pace from the start, but the race took a thrilling turn in the last bend. Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker, and Yared Nuguse all fought fiercely, pushing Ingebrigtsen back, with Hocker ultimately seizing gold, Kerr taking silver, and Nuguse earning bronze. Remarkably, four men in this race broke the Olympic 1500m record, a testament to the incredible level of competition.
In the Women’s 400m Hurdles, Femke Bol was a vision of effortlessness, cruising around the track with a grace that belied the intensity of her performance. Her dominance was clear, and she left no doubt as to who the best in the field was.
The Women’s 200m Final saw Gabby Thomas deliver a performance that was as commanding as it was inspiring. Her speed and precision on the track were a masterclass in athletic excellence.
The night also witnessed history in the making during the 3000m Steeplechase, where Lizzie Bird set a new British record. It was a moment of national pride and individual triumph, highlighting the relentless pursuit of greatness.
As the events came to a close, I was struck by what this night truly represented. It wasn’t just about records or medals, but about the power of sport to bring people together from all walks of life. The Stade de France was a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and stories, all united by a shared love for athletics. This night was a beautiful reminder of the importance of sport as a force for unity and celebration, a night that I – and surely many others – will remember for a long time.
I also visited the renowned Pompidou Centre, which had been taken over by Nike for the occasion. The brand had transformed this architectural marvel into a vibrant hub of energy, creativity, and sport. The space was buzzing with interactive experiences, each one highlighting Nike’s innovative spirit and commitment to athletic excellence. It was an incredible blend of art, culture, and sport, and it added an extra layer of magic to an already unforgettable evening.
Here’s to LA 2028 – see you there!
