With just under two weeks to go, the 2024 Paris Olympics are almost here! At the previous Summer Games, fans witnessed 339 events across 33 sports, which happened to be the most in Olympic history. There also happened to be a few more inclusions like surfing, sport climbing, skateboarding and more. In 2024, the Games are working towards being more sustainable and inclusive. And they have done so by adding a dash of Parisian flair to the tracks at Stade de France.

While fans have had to wait just 3 years between the delayed Tokyo Summer Games and now, their excitement for the Paris Olympics is unbridled, nonetheless. The games are set to commence in the French capital from 26th July. But fans are just as excited and have been counting the days down. But it’s not just the events that have caught their eye! For the first time at the Olympics, the color purple has been used for the tracks.

Countdown for the Paris Olympics has officially began! Paint the town purple much?

Tokyo Olympics might not feel like too long ago for many, but the upcoming Summer Games have kept fans buzzing with excitement. Track & Field Gazette added to this by posting a countdown on X. They captioned it, “10 DAYS until the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics!!🤗16 days until Athletics kicks off…📸@Paris2024” While many were besides themselves with how close we are, a majority of them couldn’t help but go ga-ga over how stunning the purple tracks at Stade de France looked.

Why is that surprising? Most tracks have often donned the conventional red-brick clay color, blue and sometimes even orange. When the first modern Olympics were held at Athens in 1896, the tracks back then were close to ash-grey cinder. However, despite its several changes throughout the years, many have always witnessed iconic moments over several Summer Games take place on the iconic red track. Due to there being no regulations when it comes to the color, the organizing committee went ahead with a striking shade of purple. But why purple, you ask?

You’re not alone. Many have wondered why they would go ahead with this color. The answer is fairly simple. “The big part of the job was to come up with a track that was different from what we had seen, to maintain the creative approach that the Organizing Committee has had since it was set up, to go a little bit outside the box,” Alain Blondel, the sports manager in charge of athletics for Paris 2024 told Olympics.com. Apart from being visually striking, the track is truly special in other ways. Made from a new generation of granules that are more cohesive, it will work towards reducing an athlete’s energy loss.

The committee has further optimized the track for what they believe will bring better results for the athletes and spectators. They have included a central sand pit for long jump and triple jump. There will also be an additional ninth lane for the sprint events. “We’ve had to position this jump in the middle and we’re going to try to make it a highlight. For the athletes, there will be a really visible runway, so they’ll have the impression of being in a corridor to run.” Blondel stated that this placement will also offer the perfect view for everyone in the stands.

Track and field community is in awe of the purple track

With the final track unveiled for the 2024 Paris Olympics, fans couldn’t help but gush over the vibrant track at Stade de France. They rushed over to voice their glee over the picturesque stadium. One fan stated, “Omg this track is so gorgeous and it’s my fav color purple 💜” The Games this year include three colors across the various venues – purple, green and blue. So better be on the lookout for more vibrancy at the French capital this time around. 

Another fan confessed, “I don’t know about y’all but track colour impacts how much I enjoy a race/meet. I never liked that ocean blue Rio Olympics track. Now this…” The tracks at the 2016 Summer Games were a striking shade of blue. But it looks like purple seems to be a fan favorite. A fan exclaimed, “Can’t get here fast enough.” With how close the games are, the excitement is off the charts. And this pun surely has them wishing time would speed up. 

One fan expressed, “Can’t wait to see this beautiful track 😍” The track sports various shades. The light purple is for the track, the dark purple is for the circle areas. And the grey showcases the turns. However, it also serves as a reminder of the tracks at the previous Paris Olympics in 1924. Another fan agreed, “The world 🌍 is happy” Despite seeing the iconic red at several games, the purple seems to be a pleasant change. 

In just under 2 weeks, fans will be able to witness their favorites battle it out on the world’s biggest stage. While we won’t get another glimpse of Stade de France until August 1st, many fans can’t wait to see even more records shatter and set at on the vibrant track. Are you in favor of the purple track? Or do you prefer the iconic red? Let us know in the comments!