Although the Paris 2024 Olympics technically begin on Wednesday, July 24, with the men’s football group stage, the official start of the Paris 2024 Olympics will be on Friday, July 26, with the opening ceremony at 7:30 PM (ET). They will conclude on Sunday, August 11.
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. Here is Marta, heading to her sixth edition.
The Brazilian icon is one of the greatest footballers in history, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year and two-time Olympic silver medalist. Paris 2024 will be her last chance for 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 point. It wasn’t just because of my name. I earned this. 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 play in my sixth Olympics.”
Marta made her Olympic debut at Athens 2004 at just 18 years old – in her own words, “I was just a little girl” – and won silver, repeating the same result in Beijing 2008.
She has been unlucky not to win that coveted gold so far, with consecutive silvers and Brazil always reaching the quarter-finals. Receiving her sixth consecutive call-up, Marta has high hopes for Paris.
“Winning is a matter of details, and I believe this generation has what it takes to go all the way,” she said. “Now we can see that we have progressed in every way; technically, tactically, a much better structure. There is so much 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 sports. Being here again and playing in my sixth Olympics is a remarkable achievement.”
Despite Brazil’s rich football heritage, they have never won gold in women’s football. They hope to make history when the women’s football tournament of Paris 2024 kicks off on July 25, with Brazil opening their campaign against Nigeria in Bordeaux. The match is scheduled for 1 PM (ET).
Source: By Nischal Schwager-Patel. Original text at https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024