Technology

Paris 2024 Olympic Games: 10 events not to be missed

Published

3 weeks ago

July 28, 2024

With 40 sports, 206 countries and the spectacular backdrop of Paris, this year’s Olympic Games promise non-stop action.

There are so many events to watch, and it can be incredibly overwhelming to know what to tune in to – especially since many television events clash with each other.

As a fan of the Games since childhood, I have managed to compile a list of the events that you should definitely not miss and mark in your diary. If you’re particularly interested in patriotic behaviour, I’ve also included the top Team GB sports in which the country has a good chance of winning a gold medal.

All of these events will take place on BBC/iPlayer and Eurosport/Discovery+ in the UK, and USA Network and Peacock in the US. Check out our watch guide for information. We also have a tutorial on how to watch the Olympics in 4K.

5 Best Olympic Events You Must See

Paris Opening Ceremony

When? – Friday 26 July 2024 at 6.30pm BST/1.30pm ET/10.30am PT

From James Bond and the ‘Queen’ jumping into the stadium in London in 2012 to the Olympic cauldron being lit by a flaming arrow in Barcelona 1992, every opening ceremony offers spectacular moments that will mark the history books.

Paris wants to differentiate itself by hosting events along the Seine River, taking advantage of the city’s beautiful skyline and iconic landmarks. During the parade you get to see all the athletes and there are strong rumors that superstar Celine Dion will make a triumphant return to the stage.

Whatever sport you practice, the opening ceremony is not to be missed.

Simone Biles in women’s gymnastics

When? – From Sunday 28 July at 8:30am/BST/3:30am ET/12:30pm PT

Simone Biles, one of the greatest athletes of all time, will compete for the USA in both team and individual gymnastics events. The athlete already has seven medals from Rio and Tokyo and 23 world titles. There are countless moves named after her because they are so complex and have never been attempted before.

In Tokyo, she withdrew from several events to prioritize her mental health. However, now she has more experience and a huge audience to perform for, so we could see history being made.

These are the events that Simone could very well participate in – the finals will of course depend on her qualification:

Simon Biles and Team USA Qualifying – Sunday, July 28 at 8:30am/BST/3:30am ET/12:30pm PT
Women’s Team Final – Tuesday, July 30 at 5:15 PM BST/12:15 PM ET/9:15 AM PT
Women’s All-Around Final – Thursday 1 August at 5:15pm BST/12:15pm ET/9:15am PT
Women’s Vault Final – Saturday, August 3 at 3:20 PM BST/10:20 AM ET/7:20 AM PT
Women’s Uneven Bars Final – Saturday 4 August at 2.40pm BST/9.40am ET/6.40am PT
Women’s Balance Beam Final – Monday, August 5 at 11:36am BST/6:36am ET/3:36pm PT
Women’s Floor Exercise Final – Monday 5 August at 1:20pm BST/8:20am ET/5:20pm PT

Athletics Women’s 100 meter sprint and 4×100 meter relay

When? – Saturday 3 August 2024 at 8.20pm BST/3.20pm ET/12.20pm PT (100m), and Friday 9 August at 6.30pm BST/1.30pm ET/10.00am PT (4x100m relay)

While previous competitions focused mainly on the men’s races with record breaker Usain Bolt, this year’s women’s races will be incredibly exciting.

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is back on track for her final Olympics, and the pocket rocket is looking to peak by beating fellow Jamaican teammate Shericka Jackson, and – of course – America’s Sha’Carri Richardson, the ‘ the world’s fastest woman this year. Team GB’s fastest woman, Dina Asher-Smith, will also give her money’s worth (literally).

Many sprinters will have their eyes on the world record of 10.49 seconds, set by Florence Griffith Joyner in 1988. The athletes will also have to join forces for the team relay, where some of the best sprinters have often struggled to clear the baton. obtain. all around.

LeBron James returns to basketball in Paris

When? – From Sunday 28 July 2024 at 4:15pm BST/11:15am ET/8:15am PT

One of the best basketball players in the world, LeBron James, returns to the court – his last Olympic Games were in 2012.

At 39 years old, James is a four-time NBA MVP and two-time gold medalist. With him on board, Team USA hopes to fend off stiff competition from Germany, France, Canada and Australia. He will also be one of the standard bearers for Team USA.

Here are all the games that LeBron James is currently confirmed to be in – this does not include the Finals as these have not yet been determined at the time of writing:

Serbia vs. United States – Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 4:15 PM BST / 11:15 AM ET / 8:15 AM PT
United States vs. South Sudan – Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 PM BST/3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM ET
Puerto Rico vs. United States – Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 4:15 PM BST / 11:15 AM ET / 8:15 AM PT

Andy Murray’s last tennis tournament

When? – From Friday August 2, 2024, time to be determined

After withdrawing from Wimbledon due to injury, Scottish tennis legend Andy Murray has confirmed his swan song will be the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he will compete in the men’s doubles tournament alongside Dan Evans. He withdrew from the singles tournament just before the start of the Games.

Murray has already won two gold medals at the Olympics, but this year he will face stiff competition from his old rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

5 Olympic sports Team GB could win

Great Britain has an impressive record at the Olympic Games. Team GB’s best medal count came in Rio, where it came second with 67 medals, beaten only by sporting powerhouse USA.

As such, there are plenty of names to watch out for who could take another title.

Tom Daley’s fifth Olympic diving competition

When? – Monday July 29, 2024 at 10am BST/5am ET/2am PT

After winning his first ever gold in Tokyo in 2021, Tom Daley will make his fifth Olympic appearance in the 10m synchronized platform event alongside Noah Williams.

Daley went to the Olympics for the first time at the age of 14 and made his debut in Beijing. Since then he has more than six medals to his name and is a fan favorite for Team GB. He has also been chosen as one of the flag bearers for the opening ceremony.

Keely Hodgkinson goes for gold in athletics

When? – From Friday, August 2 at 6:45 PM BST/1:45 PM ET/10:45 AM PT

22-year-old Keely Hodgkinson is looking to dominate the middle-distance field for Team GB this year. In Tokyo, she finished with a silver medal and a new record for the country – breaking Kelly Holmes’ record from 1995.

Just five days ago she broke her own record and set a world lead in the London Diamond League, running the race in 1:54.61. She is in top form and one to watch in the athletics stadium.

The heats start on Friday, August 2. If she makes it to the final it will take place on Monday 5 August at 8:45pm BST.

Josh Kerr takes on his rival in the men’s 1500m race

When? – From Friday 2 August 2024 at 10:05am BST/5:05am ET/2:00am PT

Josh Kerr has a long-standing rivalry with Norwegian runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen, with the Briton just taking the title at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year.

He claimed bronze in Tokyo, and this time the athlete is looking to secure a win for Team GB in athletics. If he makes it to the final, it will air on Tuesday 6 August at 7.50pm BST.

Adam Peaty looking for a third gold medal in the breaststroke

When? – Saturday 27 July 2024 with time TBC (heats), Saturday 28 July 2024 at 8:44 pm BST/3:44 pm ET/12:30 pm PT (finals)

Adam Peaty has dominated the men’s 100m breaststroke at the Olympic Games for years. Although the swimmer has struggled with injuries and mental health issues in recent years, he is poised to win his third consecutive gold in this race.