Olympic Rings for Paris Games to be Displayed on Eiffel Tower

The Olympic rings will be displayed on the Eiffel Tower, Paris 2024 organizers said in a statement Tuesday with work to begin by the end of April as the French capital prepares to mark 100 days until the start of the Paris Games.

The hugely popular landmark in central Paris has seen soaring visitor numbers in the lead-up to the Games which start July 26 with the Opening Ceremony. The Olympic and Paralympic medals in Paris are being embedded with pieces taken from the monument and beach volleyball’s venue will be located by the Tower.

A 95-foot-long and 49-foot-high structure of five Olympic rings, made of recycled French steel, will be displayed on the south side of the 135-year-old historic landmark overlooking the Seine River. About 10,500 athletes will parade through the heart of the French capital on boats on the Seine along a 3.7-mile route in the opening ceremony at sunset on July 26.

As organizers focused on the Eiffel Tower news, Paris 2024 Organizing Committee Presidet Tony Estanguet admitted heavy rain raising E. col levels was one of his “biggest challenges” with the Seine, which is scheduled to host open-water swimming as part of the triathlon.

“When we decided to have this competition in the Seine we knew it will be a big challenge … and we are still confident that the triathlon will be based in the Seine because we have contingency plans,” Estanguet said. “We can postpone for rainy conditions,” while adding there is no alternative location if Paris is hit with heavy rainfall.
Estanguet’s comments come one day after the Surfrider Foundation said Monday that testing at the Pont Alexandre III bridge between September and March levels of E. coli and enterococci bacteria above the recommended threshold.