By REY C. LACHICA
A first look at the 2024 Paris Olympics logo, one would perhaps say that it’s just a flame. But a closer look, one could assume that it’s a woman because of the hair – very elegant.
Truth is, it’s a combination of both a woman and a flame plus a gold medal.
It was a common sight during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that saw Gilas Pilipinas wage a gallant fight against some of the best in the world in Latvia.
Immediately after the logo was unveiled five years ago at the Grand Rex cinema, one of the landmarks of the French capital, the yellow-colored logo attracted a lot of attention and in the process, drew up interesting stories.
Yes, the woman on the logo is no ordinary mortal.
She is the great Marianne of the 18th Century, and according to Wikepedia, she is the personification of liberty, equality, fraternity and reason in the French culture and history.
She played an important role in the rich French heritage that her images and statues are prominently displayed in many places – town halls and law courts.
Her profile also stands out on the official government logo and appears on French Euro coins and postage stamps.
Interestingly, it was in Paris when women athletes – 22 of them – were allowed to compete in the biggest sporting stage in 1900 – the first time the city hosted the event. The second time was in 1924.
They vied only in five events, namely: equestrian, tennis, sailing, croquet and golf.
And why there is a flame?
The Olympic flame traditionally symbolizes the light of spirit and knowledge but in Paris, the organizers said it provides them “the unique energy that drives this mega event, encouraging us to be bold and forge a new way of organizing the Games to rise to the challenges we face today.”
