Paris has been dubbed the beautiful Olympics, but that word is too weak. A string of superlatives would not do these sporting theatres justice.
La Concorde is the square in the heart of Paris, where Marie Antoinette was beheaded. It has hosted revolutionaries, guillotines and invading German tanks. This summer it is swarming with fans of urban sports, who traipse past an ancient Egyptian obelisk to watch skateboarding or BMX.
Anthony Jeanjean, of France, performs a trick, with the Luxor Obelisk of La Concorde in the background, during the cycling BMX freestyle men’s park final.I visit on a hot day, blinded by the blazing sun that bounces off the white skateboarding course as I look for my spot. I find it. The plastic is scorching. I sit, look up, and catch my breath.The Eiffel Tower is to my left, with the Seine River sparkling beneath it. The Grand Palais, with its glass roof, is straight ahead.
It’s a wonder that the athletes themselves, as disciplined as they are, don’t get distracted. I asked that question of the beach volleyball players, as they tested the venue before competition.Their sandy court is at the feet of the Eiffel Tower, and the landmark’s pointy head peers over the court like a nosy spectator. By day, the tower is stark and imposing. By dusk, it is silhouetted against a peachy background. By night, its lights twinkle.
For the past week, it has been home to the fencing competition where men and women fight politely with their foils and sabres.
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