Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet presented a new venue concept for the Games, with “a handful of changes,” according to the AFP. The changes, approved by the IOC, “do not impact the general concept” and include two main focuses: the Stade de France (athletics, swimming) in St. Denis, and in the heart of Paris next to “prestigious” monuments like the Eiffel Tower (beach volleyball, triathlon and marathon), the Invalides (archery), the Grand Palais (fencing and taekwondo) and the Champs-Elysées (road cycling). A new site was added at the Grand Palais, which will host judo and wrestling. The two sports were “originally planned to be played in Bercy,” which will host the basketball competitions (AFP, 10/4). The Paris 2024 Games concept is characterized by its compactness. Eighty percent of competition venues will be located within a 10km radius of the future Olympic Village. The new plan will help limit the risk of potential budget overruns, with 95% of the infrastructure being existing or temporary. All new infrastructure to be constructed will help meet the long-term needs of the people in the communities concerned (IOC).
