The 2024 Paris Olympics is set to be a spectacular showcase of athletic prowess, and track and field, or athletics, is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual sports enthusiast, experiencing the adrenaline-pumping action of world-class athletes competing for Olympic glory is a must.
With the Olympics just around the corner, it’s essential to know how you can tune in to catch all the exciting moments. From the electrifying sprints to the awe-inspiring jumps and throws, the athletics events promise to deliver unforgettable performances.
This guide will equip you with all the necessary information to ensure you don’t miss a single second of this thrilling competition.
Get ready to witness history in the making as the world’s fastest, highest, and strongest athletes take center stage.
The athletics events at the 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 11, 2024. The athletics program will be held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris.
Here’s a general overview of the schedule and format for the athletics events:
Schedule:
July 31
- Opening Ceremony
August 1 – August 3
- Track events: 100m, 200m, 400m heats and semifinals
- Field events: Shot put, high jump, and other qualifying rounds
August 4 – August 6
- Track events: 800m, 1500m heats and semifinals
- Field events: Long jump, triple jump, and qualifying rounds
August 7 – August 9
- Track events: 5000m, 10,000m finals
- Field events: Javelin throw, pole vault, and finals
August 10 – August 11
- Track events: 4x100m and 4x400m relays
- Field events: Discus throw, hammer throw finals
- Marathon race and Race Walks
August 11
- Closing Ceremony
Event Format:
- Track Events:
- Sprints (100m, 200m, 400m): Runners compete in heats, with the top finishers advancing to semifinals and finals.
- Middle Distance (800m, 1500m): Runners compete in heats, followed by semifinals (for 1500m) and finals.
- Long Distance (5000m, 10,000m): Runners compete in heats (for 5000m) and finals.
- Relays (4x100m, 4x400m): Teams of four run predetermined distances, with the baton being passed between runners. Teams are disqualified if they fail to pass the baton within the exchange zone.
- Field Events:
- Jumps (High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault): Athletes have a set number of attempts to achieve their best mark.
- Throws (Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Hammer): Athletes have a set number of attempts to achieve their best mark.
- Combined Events (Decathlon, Heptathlon): Athletes compete in a series of events across two days, with points awarded based on performance in each event.
- Marathon and Race Walks:
- Marathon: A single long-distance race covering 42.195 km.
- Race Walks (20km and 35km): Athletes walk at a fast pace, maintaining contact with the ground and keeping a straight leg from the moment of first contact until the leg is in a vertical position.
TV Channels
The broadcasting rights for the athletics events at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be distributed among various TV channels and platforms around the world. Here’s a general overview of how these rights are typically distributed, but keep in mind that specific channels can vary by country and region:
United States:
- NBC Sports: NBC holds the U.S. broadcasting rights for the Olympics and will cover athletics events through its NBC network, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), and its streaming platform, Peacock.
United Kingdom:
- BBC Sport: The BBC will provide extensive coverage of the Olympics, including athletics, on BBC One, BBC Two, and through its online service BBC iPlayer.
Canada:
- CBC Sports: CBC will broadcast the Olympics, including athletics, on CBC Television and its streaming platform, CBC Gem.
Australia:
- Seven Network: Channel Seven will offer comprehensive coverage of the Olympics, including athletics, on its main channel and through its streaming service, 7plus.
Europe:
- Eurosport: Eurosport holds the rights to broadcast the Olympics in several European countries, offering extensive coverage of athletics events.
- Local Broadcasters: In some countries, local broadcasters such as France Télévisions (France), ZDF (Germany), and RAI (Italy) will also cover the Olympics.
