The Paris 2024 Olympics technically begin on Wednesday, July 24, with the men’s football matches. However, the tournament officially kicks off on Friday (26) with the traditional opening ceremony.
More than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries and territories are traveling to France to compete in 45 sports across 329 events. A Brazilian Legend
Every athlete dreams of competing in the Olympic Games, even if just once in their career. But the legend of women’s football, Marta, is heading for her sixth participation.
The Brazilian icon is one of the greatest football players in history: six-time FIFA Player of the Year and two-time Olympic silver medalist. Paris 2024 will be her last chance to win Olympic gold, and at 38 years old, she is more motivated than ever.
“I was working for this, naturally,” Marta told Globo. “This was the result of the work I had been doing up to that moment. It wasn’t just because of my name. I won. It’s a relief because it’s very difficult to reach an extremely high level and stay there for many years, and to have the chance to compete in my sixth Olympics.”
Marta made her Olympic debut in Athens 2004, at just 18 years old – in her own words, “I was just a girl” – and won silver, repeating the same result in Beijing 2008.
She has unfortunately not yet secured that indescribable gold, with two consecutive silver medals, but with her sixth consecutive call-up, Marta has high hopes for Paris.
“Winning is a matter of details, and I believe this generation has everything to go all the way,” she said. “We can see now that we have progressed in every way; technically, tactically, with a much better structure. There is a lot of room to grow. I have always made it clear that there is always something more to learn.
“That’s why I have been able to enjoy a long career in football. Being here again and competing in my sixth Olympics is a remarkable achievement.”
Despite Brazil’s rich football heritage, they have never won the gold medal in women’s football. They hope to make history when the women’s football tournament at Paris 2024 begins on July 25, with Brazil opening their campaign against Nigeria in Bordeaux. The match is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. (ET).
Source: By Nischal Schwager-Patel. Original text at https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024