Major sporting events have one thing in common—they are often embraced by a global audience with anticipation and excitement but met with high levels of national cynicism. The Paris 2024 Olympics are no exception. As the games commence, a migraine-inducing amount of criticism has dominated the headlines, ranging from ongoing security concerns to unsold tickets to the murky waters of the Seine River.
The Games are not simply a showcase of athletic prowess—they are a celebration of international unity that brings together communities and athletes from around the world. Such events’ economic contributions are heavily scrutinized at a national level as a vital metric of success given the considerable costs of hosting. Yet focusing solely on the immediate impact of the Games misses the critical question: What benefits does the host city and nation see once the Olympic torch is extinguished?
