Henry Goldschmidt’s Post

With England reaching the sharp end of UEFA EURO 2024 (thank you, Jude) and Wimbledon starting this week, the back pages have been dominated by events in Germany and SW19. However, with the Opening Ceremony just over three weeks away, the #Paris2024 Olympics (and Paralympics thereafter) will soon take centre stage. Hosting the world’s largest multi-sport international event inevitably presents logistical and operational challenges, with some 10,500 athletes from over 200 nations due to compete across 32 Olympic sports (and circa 4,400 athletes in 22 Paralympic sports). When you throw in the existing geo-political climate, medical/environmental considerations and the pursuit of many athletes to reach the pinnacle of competition, it is inevitable that lawyers will be involved (to some extent). In this first article, I examine some of the key legal issues/controversies that have dominated the build-up to the Paris Games, including: ▶ The participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes; ▶ Athlete selection and qualification; ▶ Para-athlete classification; ▶ Transgender and DSD athletes; and ▶ The environmental impact and sustainability of the Games. In part 2, to follow, I will then consider some the contentious and regulatory issues that we might expect to arise once the 🏹Games formally get underway on 26 July. 🏹🤺🏋♂️🤸♀️🤼♂️🚴♂️🏇🏊♂️🤽♂️🚣♂️ ⛵🏄♂️⚽🏀🏉🏐⚾🎾🏓🏑🥊🥋⛳ #paris2024 #olympics #paralympics #sportslaw https://lnkd.in/epJpBkwW

Before thinking about Paris 2024's opening ceremonies being one week from today, let's flash back to Paris 1924, in many ways the first modern Olympic Games. The Paris Games of 1924 fit historically in the window of five enormously significant Olympic Games sandwiched between the first and second World Wars- Antwerp 1920, Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932 and Berlin 1936. That the Olympics simply returned in Antwerp in 1920, after WWI caused the cancelation of the 1916 Games is probably significant enough. No Olympic truce for us 20th Century types. Amsterdam saw women on the track for the first time, Los Angeles marked a return to America and all that LA symbolizes in Olympic history, and Berlin is the culmination of the Olympics and political and social spectacle as Jesse Owens defied Hitler's ideals on supremacy as sport was a surrogate for statecraft. It is in these "sandwiched Games," the Olympics first began addressing the issues that defined the next one hundred years, gender, race, inclusion, opportunity and global politics of society not just sport. There is probably no better lens to see the modern Olympics coming of age than that of Paris 1924. Professional coaches, if not athletes. Yes, even tennis players like Rene Lacoste were amateurs, yes that Lacoste. It was the Olympics of Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell made famous in "Chariots of Fire," of Johnny Weissmuller and Duke Kahanamoku who remain famous even today anywhere there is water, and of Jackson Scholz and the incomparable Paavo Nurmi. 1924 was also the year that Coca-Cola began the longest continuously running sports sponsorship in history with the Olympics that will celebrate its centennial in Paris this year. These Games would mark Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s, the father of the revived Olympics, last as President of the IOC. The folks at The Atlantic have compiled an amazing photographic history of the 1924 Paris Games to help us get ready for the 2024 Paris Games. #Olympics, #HistoryofSports #GlobalSports #SportsSponsorship

My idea for an UNcorrect Olympics I've seen the opening ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympics and I have to admit I'm impressed. I loved the dancers, the epic music (Supernature by Cerrone), the hot air balloon and -without any cynicism- the performance of Celine Dion is beautiful in many ways. But if I could think of ideas, I would do it differently. Here's an Olympic event that I would watch from the beginning to the end. At the opening ceremony, there would be music from Rammstein ("Ein Mensch Brennt") during which a stuntman will be set on fire with the Olympic torch and with a spectacular trapeze stunt will jump into the cauldron. The following sports will be added to the UNcorrect Olympics: * Bare-knuckle fighting. This will add a new dimension of raw violence. A sport that gains popularity worldwide, featuring fighters like Mark Godbeer and Mighty Moe. Even Conor McGregor considers participating in this sport. * Darts. This will add more inclusion to the sport by giving more attention to the working class. Besides, it will be excellent for the beer sales revenue. * Coppers Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake. This is a traditional competition from a village near England, where participants have to run down a 180-meter-long hill, chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The first person that goes over the finish line wins - no matter if they roll, stumble or are still on their feet. * Ear Pull. A traditional Inuit sport in which a loop of string is bound behind the ear and the objective is to pull the opponents ear until the cord comes free or the opponent quits from the pain. What do you think? Maybe if some of these ideas will be used in the LA Summer Olympics in 2028, it will add quite a lot of excitement to the world of sports. #paris2024 #paris #creativity #sportsmarketing 

Paris Olympics is going to start from July 26. Check out the important details about Paris Olympics 2024. #parisolympics2024 #olympics2024 #articlewriting #sportswriting

In the world of sports, the spirit of unity and fair competition is paramount. However, past Olympic Games have sometimes been overshadowed by scandals, such as the infamous doping incidents that shook the athletic community to its core. ⬇️ These events tarnished not only individual reputations but also cast a shadow over the integrity of the games themselves. As we reflect on these dark chapters, it's crucial to remember why we hold the Olympics in such high esteem: they represent a global coming together, a celebration of human potential and perseverance. 🏅 This year's Paris Summer Olympics promises to be a beacon of hope and solidarity. Athletes from around the world are gathering not just to compete, but to showcase what true sportsmanship looks like. The emphasis on unity and togetherness is more pronounced than ever before. 👏 It's about overcoming obstacles, both personal and collective. And demonstrating that despite our differences, we can come together for a common goal (pun absolutely intended). 🥅 What do you think of this year’s Olympic games? Are you intrigued, inspired, or both? 🤔 #parisolympics2024 #sportsmanship #growthmindset #paris2024 #teamusa

Another Olympic opinion while we are at it for my dance friends and international friends. IS THIS HOW WE REALLY TREAT EMERGING COUNTRIES/ATHLETES IN OLYMPIC DISCIPLINES As I read comments on my timeline about Olympic Breakdancing it occurs to me how little people know about how a sport is added to the Olympics. It also serves as a warning for how some might perceive my sport - cheerleading which is provisionally recognized and hoping to make an appearance at the games in the near future. Cheer has battled stereotypes since its inception but with its modern advancements many see value and Olympic potential in its current athletic format. Sadly- some may not. What worries me more is the views I am seeing on my timeline from those heavily involved in cheer about the progress of sport in different countries. It’s not a good look. As someone who owns a company that has operated in 42 countries and personally contributed to the global growth and development of cheer in a way that very few can compare I am disappointed in the way some are making fun of “Ray Gun” the B-Girl from Australia. These type of attitudes are EXACTLY what our international community has faced at the hands of cheer many times over. It’s part of the reason we were able to set ourselves apart and build a company whose mission is to “Connect, lead, educate and inspire the global cheerleading community” We never adopted typical views and always believed that international athletes and programs were capable of anything with proper education, instruction and guidance. Many of them have even risen to the point where THEY are the global standard. Can you imagine if we only taught those deemed “worthy” of our instruction. NEVER! It’s clear that some people have never had to “coach” athletes in places where cheer is still developing! Sometimes it may not meet the international standard but that’s how sport grows!!! How else are these countries supposed to learn. When I look at the arguments in the international division concerning the advancement of more than 3 American teams - this whole Breakdancing debacle rings true. A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (or Olympic Championship) for that matter demands global participation for legitimacy. Having only teams from one singular country makes it a national event not a global competition. I’m grateful as a company (Spring CDT) and as humans (Lisa & Kenny) we understood that early on. I’m sad that so many in our sport are seeing “leaders” in our industry bash the efforts of those that they don’t think are enough for the Olympic stage. Some of whom are happy to take “glamorous” international trips on their company’s dime while simultaneously mocking the people they are supposed to be helping. SHAME. *continued in comments

Urban sports have become an integral part of our society, bringing with them countless benefits and opportunities for personal growth, community engagement, and economic development. From skateboarding to parkour, these activities not only offer a thrilling physical challenge but also contribute to the vibrant fabric of our urban landscapes. 1) Personal Growth: Urban sports encourage individuals to push their limits, build confidence, and develop essential skills such as resilience, creativity, and teamwork. The thrill of mastering a new trick or completing a challenging course can inspire self-improvement and a sense of accomplishment.  2) Community Engagement: By bringing people together in shared spaces, urban sports foster connections and collaborations among diverse groups. Whether it's a skate park or a basketball court, these venues serve as hubs for social interaction, cultural exchange, and mutual support, strengthening the bonds within our communities. 3) Economic Development: The rise of urban sports has also sparked opportunities for entrepreneurship, tourism, and urban revitalization. Through events, sponsorships, and partnerships, cities can leverage the popularity of these activities to stimulate local economies, attract visitors, and enhance the overall quality of urban life. As we embrace the potential of urban sports in shaping our modern society, let's recognize the value they bring in promoting physical fitness, social well-being, and urban sustainability. Let's continue to support and celebrate the dynamic spirit of urban sports enthusiasts who are driving positive change in our communities. What are your thoughts on the impact of urban sports in our society? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!    #UrbanSports #CommunityEngagement #PersonalGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #ModernSociety

Originating around 3,000 years ago in Ancient Greece's Peloponnese region, the Olympic Games will make its way to Paris this year for it’s 33rd edition, attracting nearly 10,000 athletes. The Summer Games, scheduled to commence on July 26, will feature 329 medal events across 32 sports.  Being one of the most viewed sporting events in the world, brands across various sectors have seized this opportunity to align with the event, leveraging partnerships with the International Olympic Committee and the Paris Organizing Committee. While most of the EUR 7 billion in private funding for the Paris 2024 Games comes from media rights, sponsorship and ticketing, private investment in long-term infrastructure projects, it also includes an IOC contribution of USD 1.7 billion in cash and services. Additionally, the Indian Olympic Association

I attended the final Session of the Canadian Olympic Committee, before the #Paris2024 Olympics and Paralympics. We covered a great deal of ground: a new strategic plan; implications of the recent federal budget; the coming "Future of Sport in Canada Commission". The Paris Games will focus public attention on high performance sport. This increases the opportunity for the Olympic movement to make the case for sport as a public good, worthy of public support. It also heightens the urgency for sport institutions to put their houses in order, in protecting athlete rights, fostering greater inclusion, and improving governance. https://olympic.ca/ 🍁🏅