Ringhofer | A once-in-a-lifetime experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics

PARIS — It’s often said that some things only happen once in a lifetime — a total solar eclipse, your high school graduation, or the feeling of your first love. After this summer, I can add experiencing the 2024 Paris Olympics in person to that coveted list.

Now, I know what you’re thinking — the Olympics happen every four years, so how can it be “once in a lifetime?” Although that may be true, the reality is that no Olympics is ever quite the same as the ones before it, nor the ones after it. Every moment, every competition, every race is history in the making.

For many athletes, achieving the Olympic dream is the epitome of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There is no guarantee that an athlete will be the same four years down the line. Years of dedication can come down to one final race, where the margin of error is as slim as 0.005 seconds.

This summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to fulfill that once-in-a-lifetime dream. When I first arrived in the City of Light, I felt immediately ushered into a city that was buzzing with excitement like never before. Advertisements featuring famous athletes and Olympic insignia surrounded me everywhere conceivable. I felt as if I was almost living in a bubble — a place where people from all over the world could gain respite from their daily lives.

As I went on with my days in Paris, I was taken aback by the fascinating architecture that made the city so unique. For one, it was my first time in continental Europe, so seeing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre exceeded my expectations. The only exception may be the Seine River.

The first event I watched was swimming. Since I’ve been a competitive swimmer for 13 years of my life, it was a full-circle moment to witness the pinnacle of the sport. 

The atmosphere and national pride were unrivaled. When I closed my eyes, I felt like I was in a soccer stadium — chants of “Léon! Léon!” rang through the arena in support of hometown hero Léon Marchand. It gave me goosebumps seeing the Frenchman chase down his fellow competitors with fans enthusiastically screaming at the top of their lungs, waving their country’s flag.

Another event that I was able to cross off my bucket list was watching beach volleyball in front of the world-famous Eiffel Tower. Seeing the sunset with such a picturesque backdrop was breathtaking and something I knew I could not miss out on. I mean, what view could be better than that? In fact, I believe the venue is as important to enhancing the athlete and spectator experience as the sport itself.

Aside from watching the events, I also had the privilege of doing two sit-down interviews with two Penn Olympians: 2024 graduate Isabella Whittaker and rising senior Matt Fallon. Competing in track and field and swimming for Team USA, respectively, these individuals define Penn’s excellence in athletics — and that isn’t even what impressed me the most about them.

Despite the countless number of accolades and records they have achieved across the Ivy League, NCAA, and United States Olympic Trials, their humility and authenticity are what I’ll remember them the most by. Through my interviews, I got to know more about the Olympic experience, including what goes on behind the scenes. For instance, I was able to gain insights into the athletes’ journeys, what it means to participate in the Olympics, and, of course, the infamous experience of living in the Olympic Village.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, many Americans will have the chance to experience the games on home soil. When I look back at some of the highlights of my life, a snapshot of it will certainly include my time in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From the Red and Blue to the gold, silver, and bronze, it was a moment in time like no other — a story only told once every four years, but an experience told once in a lifetime.

Merci beaucoup, Paris.