The Joyful and Quirky Side of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: IOC / Athlete365 / Minions / Pierre-Louis Padang Coffin.

The Electric Atmosphere of Paris During the Olympics

The 2024 Olympics in Paris brought a unique and exciting atmosphere to the city. As someone who doesn’t typically follow sports, I’m still caught up in the energy that the Olympics brought. Imagine Disneyland’s magic combined with Paris’s charm. The city was transformed, with happy faces and a festive spirit everywhere.

Walking around Paris feels like being part of a global party. People from all over the world, wearing their team’s colors or the cute red blob mascot, Phryge, took over the city. The usual Parisians are replaced by enthusiastic sports fans and international visitors, creating a lively mix of cultures and languages.

Even though many areas are closed off and tickets to the games are expensive, the city’s spirit remains high. There are an undeniable buzz in every corner of Paris. It feels like the Olympic flame itself had ignited a collective joy among everyone. Smiling faces were everywhere, from the handsome smiling police officers representing different countries to the street performers entertaining the crowds.

One of the most interesting things is the contrast between the busy areas around the stadiums and the quiet streets elsewhere. It almost feels like a parallel universe where all the excitement is concentrated in specific spots, leaving other parts of the city strangely empty. Yet, this emptiness isn’t unsettling; it gives the city a unique character during the games. It is as if Paris itself had stepped back to let the Olympic festivities take the spotlight.

Supporters were either at the games, exploring Paris’s iconic attractions, or relaxing in special hospitality zones designed for their every need. These zones offer gourmet meals, exclusive shopping, and a chance to mingle with other fans. It is a well-curated experience that added to the overall sense of celebration.

But what about the Parisians who decided to stay for the Olympics? They wander around the city, experiencing it in a different light. Some mayors have installed big screens in public areas to watch the games, turning townhalls into communal viewing areas. Basically, everything is happening on a big screen; if you want to experience the Olympics firsthand, you often need a reservation.

Interestingly, the fashion scene in Paris during the Olympics is a mix of casual sportswear and emblematic Olympic merchandise. Fashion brands, for example like Zara, H&M, Chanel, or Dolce & Gabbana, haven’t capitalized on the Olympic fever in their collections, leaving the souvenir stores and Olympic Village shops to monopolize the market. This created a fun mix of styles on the streets, with people proudly wearing their team’s gear or limited-edition Olympic pieces.

Despite the challenges and the occasional feeling of exclusivity, being in Paris during the Olympics is a fascinating experience. It’s a testament to the unifying power of sports and the indomitable spirit of celebration that can bring people together, even in the most unexpected ways. The city may be different from its usual self, but it’s a difference that feels vibrant, alive, and incredibly special.

Phryge, the Adorable Mascot and the condom story

While the energy and excitement of the Olympics are palpable throughout Paris, one figure has captured everyone’s attention in the most delightful way – the red blob, weird but cute mascot Phryge.

Phryge isn’t just spreading joy; it’s also part of a hilarious and cheeky campaign in the Olympic Village. With 200,000 male condoms and 20,000 female condoms distributed to athletes, staff, and press members, Phryge is making sure everyone plays safe. That’s about 21 condoms per athlete, or two per day!

Each condom comes with Phryge’s cute face and some funny, yet important, slogans:

• “No Need to be a gold medalist to wear it!”
• “Don’t share more than victory: protect yourself against STDs.”
• “Fair play, safe play: consent first.”
• “On the field of love, play fair, ask for consent.”
• “Score a win: yes to consent, no to STDs.”
• “Put performance aside, Listen to your partner.”

These witty messages, paired with Phryge’s lovable image, add a fun twist to an important topic. Phryge has become more than just a mascot—it’s a playful symbol of fun and safety, bringing smiles and good vibes to everyone at the Olympics.

Minions at the Olympics

Following the delightful presence of Phryge, the Olympic mascot that seems suspiciously similar to a Minion, we dive into another whimsical addition to the games—Minions at the Olympics.

Though the creator of Phryge remains a mystery, its resemblance to the Minions is uncanny. The same cheeky smile, the same quirky charm—one can’t help but wonder if the same creative genius is behind both characters.

Adding to the fun, the studio responsible for the Minions has produced a special series of images just for the Olympics. These images feature Minions engaging in various Olympic sports, from gymnastics to track and field, bringing their signature humor and adorableness to each event.

Whether it’s a Minion doing a perfect gymnastic flip (and falling over in typical Minion fashion) or trying to outrun the competition on the track (with a banana as a baton), these images have added an extra layer of joy and laughter to the games. They’ve become a hit, not just among children but also with adults who can’t resist the Minions’ charm.

The Minions at the Olympics series has become a social media sensation, with fans eagerly sharing and commenting on their favorite images. It’s a reminder that, amid the fierce competition and high stakes, there’s always room for a bit of silliness and fun.

In a way, these mischievous yellow characters and the lovable Phryge encapsulate the spirit of the Olympics—bringing people together, celebrating diversity, and having a blast while doing it.

Philippe Katerine’s Blue Dessert Fame

From the delightful Minions and Phryge, we move to a quirky Olympic tale starring French actor and singer Philippe Katerine. Known for his eccentric style, Katerine’s appearance at the Olympics’ Opening Ceremony became an unexpected highlight.

Painted entirely in blue and dressed like Dionysus, the Greek god of festivity, Katerine initially sparked confusion and controversy. Many spectators were baffled by his bold choice. However, it didn’t take long for his playful nature to shine through, turning skepticism into laughter.

What really made this story unforgettable was the reaction from fans in China. Fascinated by Katerine’s blue persona, they created a special dessert in his honor. This quirky treat, resembling Katerine in his blue Dionysus form, quickly became a sensation. The combination of food artistry and pop culture captured the whimsical spirit of the Olympics, bringing an extra layer of fun to the games.

Philippe Katerine’s unexpected transformation into a blue dessert shows how the Olympics can inspire creativity and humor worldwide. His tale, much like the tale of Phryge and the Minions, adds to the colorful and joyful mosaic of the Olympic experience.

Champions Parc: Meet Your Olympic Heroes

Just as Philippe Katerine’s blue dessert brought unexpected joy and humor to the Olympics, another highlight is Champions Parc, a special area where the public can freely gather to watch the events on big screens and meet their sporting heroes.

Champions Parc is buzzing with excitement. It’s the place where fans can cheer for their favorite athletes, take selfies, and make these sports stars feel like rock stars. The atmosphere is electric, with athletes soaking up the admiration and fans thrilled to be part of the Olympic magic.

Visitors to Champions Parc can see the joy on the athletes’ faces as they connect with the public. It’s a place where everyone, from the biggest sports enthusiasts to casual fans, can share in the Olympic spirit. The park has become a vibrant hub of activity, filled with the sounds of cheers and laughter.

Athletes love this interaction, and it shows. They light up when surrounded by supportive fans, and the energy is contagious. This mutual admiration transforms Champions Parc into a celebration of sportsmanship and community, embodying the true essence of the Olympics.

From the whimsical charm of Philippe Katerine’s blue dessert to the lively atmosphere at Champions Parc, the Olympics continue to surprise and delight. These moments remind us that the games are not just about competition but about bringing people together in joyous and unexpected ways.

Fun and Games at the Olympic Village

While fans at Champions Parc cheer and celebrate, athletes find their own ways to unwind at the Olympic Village. Beyond the competitions, the Village offers a range of activities to help athletes relax and have fun.

Athletes can enjoy painting sessions, allowing them to express their creativity and take a peaceful break from the intensity of the games. For those seeking more excitement, virtual reality (VR) games provide thrilling diversions, letting them compete in VR sports or explore virtual worlds.

The Olympic Village is designed to be a home away from home, offering all the amenities athletes need to stay comfortable and entertained. From creative pursuits to high-tech fun, the Village ensures athletes can enjoy their downtime and make the most of their Olympic experience.

From the enthusiastic fans at Champions Parc to the engaging activities at the Olympic Village, the spirit of the Olympics shines through in both competition and camaraderie.

Athlete Moment: Live Video Monitor

As fans cheer in Champions Parc and athletes unwind at the Olympic Village, a truly touching innovation connects the competitors with their loved ones. The Athlete Moment live video monitors, installed throughout the stadiums, allow athletes to share their victories in real-time with family and friends.

These monitors capture emotional moments as athletes celebrate their achievements. Seeing their loved ones’ faces light up with pride and joy adds an extra layer of happiness to their victories. It’s an intimate and heartfelt connection that brings families into the Olympic experience, even from afar.

Look at these happy faces! There are no exclusion… just people… Champions!

Conclusion: The Joy and Unity of the Olympics

From the infectious energy of Paris to the quirky charm of Phryge and the Minions, the 2024 Olympics have been filled with moments of joy and laughter.

These stories highlight what makes the Olympics so special – bringing people together, whether through laughter, creativity, or shared moments of joy. The 2024 Paris Olympics have been more than just a series of competitions; they have been a celebration of unity and happiness, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved, including me.