The upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics is set to introduce a unique sporting spectacle with the installation of a purple track at the Stade de France. Produced in Italy, this color change from the traditional red marks an Olympic first, with the track installation involving over 1,000 rolls and 2,800 pots of glue. Mondo, the developer of the track, designed it with innovative materials aimed at enhancing athletic performance, which could lead to record-breaking outcomes.

In preparation for the Games, French President Emmanuel Macron has been actively involved in the security and planning aspects. Macron recently visited the Grand Palais, one of the 13 Olympic venues in Paris, to mark the 100-day countdown to the event. Although concerns over security have been raised, Macron assured that plans for a grand opening ceremony along the Seine are well underway, with fallback options at locations like Trocadéro or the Stade de France if necessary.

The planned opening ceremony is expected to draw in over 300,000 spectators along the Seine, with participants being carried on a flotilla of boats—a setup that Macron reassured is backed by stringent security measures, including a dedicated 30,000-strong police presence daily. Additionally, Macron addressed the racist abuse towards French singer Aya Nakamura, emphasizing inclusivity and hoping for her participation in the ceremony.

With these preparations, the Paris Olympics are shaping up to be a highly anticipated global event, featuring innovative sports infrastructure and robust security arrangements.