Paris hoping Olympics with a difference can reignite a sense of communion

A full moon rises behind the Olympic rings hanging from the Eiffel Tower Monday, July 22. Picture: David J. Phillip/AP

From the opening ceremony this Friday until Sunday, August 11, around 10,000 god-like athletes and an estimated 10m mere mortal visitors will converge on Paris for the 33rd Summer Olympic Games
, the first time the City of Light has hosted since 1924.

The French capital secured the 2024 Olympics eight years ago, after decades of failed bids, including a stinging loss to London 2012. Having seen multiple Games come and go, Team Paris had plenty of opportunity to witness their legacies.