For all those who, alas, will not be there in person to witness all the records smashed and medals won, we’ve put together a guide for watching the Olympics at home. From the must-watch events to the athletes to have on your radar, may we present our comprehensive preview. Let the Games begin!
Where To Watch
The Paris 2024 Olympics will be broadcast in the UK on several platforms. Here are the main options. (Do ensure you check the schedules closer to the event for specific timings and updates on the coverage.)
BBC
The BBC will provide extensive coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics, including live broadcasts, highlights, and commentary. You can watch the events on BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer.
Eurosport
Eurosport holds the rights to broadcast the Olympics across Europe, including the UK. You can watch the events on Eurosport channels and through their streaming service, Eurosport Player.
Discovery+
Discovery+, which is affiliated with Eurosport, will also stream the Olympics. You will need to subscribe to Discovery+ to access its coverage.
Who To Follow On Instagram
If you want to sink your teeth into players’ back stories and learn a little about who they are both on and off the pitch/track/pool etc, head to Instagram. The obvious place to start is, of course, to follow Team GB (@teamgb) for updates on Britain's competitors. But if you it’s individual athletes you want to get to know better, these accounts are well worth following for a front-row seat to the personal stories, training routines, and memorable moments throughout the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Established Stars
Gymnastics: Simone Biles – @simonebiles
Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, Simone Biles is surely set to captivate audiences with her incredible skills and inspiring trajectory.
Swimming: Katie Ledecky – @katieledecky
An American swimming sensation, Katie Ledecky is known for her dominance in freestyle events. A must-follow for swimming fans.
Athletics: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce – @realshellyannfp
A sprinting legend from Jamaica, Fraser-Pryce continues to dazzle on the track. Over on Instagram, she shares motivational content and training insights.
Diving: Tom Daley – @tomdaley
The British diver is a perennial fan favourite, known for his spectacular performances and engaging social media presence.
Tennis: Naomi Osaka – @naomiosaka
The Japanese tennis star is not only a powerhouse on the court but also a vocal advocate for social issues and mental health.
Marathon: Eliud Kipchoge – @kipchogeeliud
The Kenyan marathon runner and Olympic gold medalist shares insights into his rigorous training regimen via his little squares.
Swimming: Adam Peaty – @adam_peaty
A dominant force in breaststroke events, the British swimmer provides a mix of training tips, personal updates, and motivational posts.
Rising Stars
Pole Vault: Armand Duplantis – @mondo_duplantis
The young Swedish-American pole vaulter has taken the athletics world by storm with his record-breaking performances.
Athletics: Sydney McLaughlin – @sydneymclaughlin16
An American hurdler and sprinter, McLaughlin is a rising star with a dynamic personality – and a world record breaker to boot.
Skateboarding: Sky Brown – @skybrown
As one of the youngest competitors, top skateboarder Sky Brown brings bountiful and boundless youthful energy to the Games.
The Must-Watches Events of the Paris Olympics 2024
From the breath-taking speed of track and field to the graceful artistry of gymnastics, here's your guide to the most anticipated events at the Paris Olympics 2024, complete with key dates to mark on your calendar.
Athletics
Men's and Women's 100m Sprint
Dates: 2 – 4 August
The 100m sprint is always a highlight, where the title of ‘fastest person on Earth’ is up for grabs. Expect electrifying performances from the world's top sprinters as they explode off the blocks at the Stade de France.
Men's and Women's Marathon
Dates: 10 – 11 August
The marathon is a test of endurance and willpower, set against the backdrop of Paris's iconic landmarks. Watch as elite runners push their limits, crossing the finish line at the historic Les Invalides.
Men's and Women's 400m Hurdles
Dates: 4 – 6 August
With superstars like Sydney McLaughlin and Karsten Warholm competing, these events promise a thrilling blend of speed, agility, and sheer athleticism.
Swimming
Men's and Women's 100m Freestyle
Dates: 27 – 28 July
Speed and precision are the names of the game in these high-stakes races, featuring the crème de la crème of the swimming world, including the likes of Caeleb Dressel and Emma McKeon.
Men's and Women's 200m Individual Medley
Dates: 30 July 30 – 1 August
This event showcases the versatility of swimmers as they master all four strokes in one race. Thrilling.
Men's and Women's 1500m Freestyle
Dates: 29 – 30 July
A gruelling test of endurance, this long-distance race highlights the incredible stamina and determination of swimmers such as Katie Ledecky.
Gymnastics
Women's All-Around Final
Date: 1 August
With gymnastics legend Simone Biles expected to compete, this event promises to offer the epitome of gymnastics excellence, blending strength, grace, and artistic flair.
Men's and Women's Team Final
Date: 30 July 30 (Men's), 31 July (Women's)
These events are a testament to teamwork and precision, as the world's best teams come together to perform routines that will leave audiences in awe.
Men's and Women's Floor Exercise
Date: 4 August (Men's), 5 August (Women's)
Showcasing individual flair and creativity, the floor exercise is always a crowd-pleaser, combining tumbling, dance, and acrobatics.
New and Returning Sports: Fresh Thrills
Skateboarding
Dates: 27 – 28 July (Street), 6 – 7 August (Park)
After its successful debut in Tokyo, skateboarding returns with its high-energy street and park events. Watch as young talents like Sky Brown take to the ramps and rails, defying gravity with every trick.
Surfing
Dates: 27 – 30 July
Set in the idyllic waves of Teahupo'o in Tahiti, surfing promises exhilarating rides and stunning displays of athletic prowess in one of the world's most beautiful locations.
Sport Climbing
Dates: 5 –10 August
This dynamic event combines speed, bouldering, and lead climbing, offering a fast-paced, gripping competition that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats.
Team Sports
Men's and Women's Basketball
Dates: 27 July 27 – 10 August
Featuring NBA stars and top international talent, basketball is set to deliver high-octane action and unforgettable moments on the court.
Men's and Women's Football
Dates: 24 July 24 – 10 August
Football at the Olympics is always thrilling, with passionate fans and high-stakes matches that showcase the best of global talent.
Rugby Sevens
Dates: 29 – 31 July
Known for its rapid pace and high-scoring games, rugby sevens is always an electrifying spectacle.
Cycling
Road Cycling – Men's and Women's Road Race
Dates: 27 July (Men's), 28 July (Women's)
These races offer dramatic sprints and challenging climbs through the picturesque French countryside, culminating in intense finishes.
Track Cycling - Men's and Women's Sprint
Dates: 5 – 11 August
Held in the Velodrome, these events are a test of sheer speed and tactical prowess, as cyclists compete in head-to-head duels.
Equestrian
Individual and Team Show Jumping
Dates: 5 – 9 August
Showcasing the incredible partnership between rider and horse, these events blend precision, timing, and elegance, making them a highlight of the equestrian calendar.
