The iconic Olympic rings, installed on the Eiffel Tower for the 2024 Summer Games, are set to become a permanent fixture on the monument, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced on Saturday. The decision marks a historic moment as the Eiffel Tower, originally built for the 1889 World’s Fair, will now showcase a global symbol of unity.
Enduring Symbolism
In a statement to Ouest-France, Mayor Hidalgo expressed her enthusiasm for the integration of the Olympic rings with the Eiffel Tower. “I want the two to remain married,” she said, highlighting the significance of blending a quintessentially French icon with an emblem of global unity.
The Olympic rings, displayed between the tower’s first and second floors, stand 95 feet wide and 43 feet tall. However, Hidalgo acknowledged that the current rings, due to their weight, are not suitable for enduring winter winds and will be replaced by lighter versions made by ArcelorMittal, the global steel giant that produced the existing set. “As long as we can keep these, let’s keep them; then we’ll put up others,” Hidalgo stated.
The Eiffel Tower’s Role in the Games
The Eiffel Tower has been a central symbol throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which concluded earlier this month and will end on September 8. From medals embedded with fragments of the landmark to Celine Dion’s memorable performance during the opening ceremony, the tower has been a prominent backdrop for various events, including beach volleyball and blind football.
Official Approvals and Future Plans
Hidalgo has taken steps to ensure the change is officially sanctioned, informing President Emmanuel Macron and securing approval from the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.). “But as mayor of Paris, the decision is mine,” Hidalgo added, noting that the city of Paris owns the Eiffel Tower and is a majority shareholder in its operating company.
The mayor also mentioned the need to devise a method to “mask” the rings during special occasions when the Eiffel Tower is illuminated in support of causes such as Ukraine’s fight against Russia. This precaution is to adhere to the I.O.C.’s neutrality rules.
The Fate of the Olympic Cauldron
While the fate of the Olympic cauldron, which has captivated audiences with its nightly ascent from the Tuileries Gardens, remains uncertain, Hidalgo has voiced her preference for its retention. The cauldron, currently situated near the Louvre Museum, is on land owned by the French state. “It’s up to the president to decide,” Hidalgo said, advocating for the cauldron’s continued presence as a symbol of the Paris Games.
Looking Ahead
Hidalgo, who has served as Paris Mayor since 2014, aims to leave a lasting legacy through Olympic-related achievements and the enduring festive spirit inspired by the Games. “Paris will never again be the same,” she remarked, reflecting on the transformative impact of the recent events.
As the city embraces these new developments, the Eiffel Tower’s continued evolution promises to celebrate both its historic significance and its role as a beacon of global unity.
Olympic Rings to Become Permanent Feature on Eiffel Tower, Mayor Announces world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World News Today
