Two visions. Two approaches. Los Angeles and Paris, the two cities called to share the Summer Games in 2024 and 2028, are celebrating Olympic Day in their own way this Friday, June 23. The French capital is pulling out all the stops, as it managed to do last month for the visit of the IOC Evaluation Commission. It combines past and present. It offers a “trailer” of what the Olympic event could be like in 7 or 11 years. With a handful of hours late due to jet lag, the Californian metropolis puts on its swimsuit to go to the beach. Another style.

Paris, first. The program of festivities has been announced for weeks. He commands respect. Among the highlights, the installation of a floating athletics track on the Seine (photo above), between the Pont des Invalides and the Pont Alexandre-III, where a diving board is installed; a battery of trampolines set up in the gallery of the Petit Palais; an outdoor velodrome built on the Place de l’Etoile; team sports fields lined up on the lawns of Les Invalides… Very strong.

Tony Estanguet, the co-president of the bid, already certain of donning the role of president of the future organizing committee of the Games, walked his talk. He took out his shovel to launch himself, in the water, a long journey on the Seine starting at the Stade de France. A “2 km from Paris” relay started from several locations throughout the system, bringing together riders from Versailles, cyclists from Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and runners from all over Paris.

Twelve years earlier, Paris's bid for the 2012 Games had already attempted the exercise, transforming the Champs-Elysées into a gigantic playground. At the time, the initiative was considered very successful, even prestigious. This time, the Paris 2024 team and the French Olympic movement have pushed the cursor to a level never before reached. Olympic Day has been doubled, to last until Saturday June 24. It takes place throughout France, both mainland and overseas.

Analysis of Laura Flessel, the new Minister of Sports, at the microphoneEurope 1: “The idea is to show a taste of what we could have in 2024. It’s the final stretch. We still have two important passages left in Lausanne and Lima. We must send a strong message: Paris is ready. There is a will from the French population. This is our strength. »

Jean-Philippe Gatien, Paris 2024 Sports Director, insists: “With this day, we are looking to the future by showing the exceptional celebration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, in 2024, with sport at the heart of Paris world city. We will almost be in a dress rehearsal in an area that will be extremely busy… The day will leave a lasting impression.”

Opposite, but much further west, Los Angeles also keeps its footsteps in the same footsteps. The Californian team is playing the young card. She continues to “follow the sun,” heading toward the beach. The center of gravity for Olympic Day this Friday is located at Will Rogers State Beach. The bid committee, the LA84 Foundation and the USOC brought together 500 young “Angelenos” to introduce them to eight Olympic and Paralympic disciplines: athletics, fencing, table tennis, volleyball, sitting volleyball, rugby, handball and gymnastics.

In the role of mistress of ceremonies: Janet Evans. The multiple Olympic medalist, vice-president of Los Angeles 2024, explains: “I hope that out of all these kids, some of them will go home at the end of the day and say: 'Wow, I would like to be an Olympian, or I I would like to work in sport, or I would like to do something different in my life. Sport speaks to young people, it has the power to inspire young people. I hope that this Friday, June 23, we will give inspiration to young people. »

Janet Evans won't be alone in showing young Californians how to follow the sun. The former swimmer is accompanied by around thirty Olympians, including the legendary John Naber (swimming) and Wyomia Tyus (athletics).

American Olympic Day takes place across the country. Symbolic number, 2.400 demonstrations are organized in the United States this Friday, June 23. They are expected to affect around 600.000 Americans.