I have just returned from a week in Paris. I was a bit manic, seeing eight different sports, loving every moment. Here are a few observations from the week:
- Paris a Revelation—The subway system is superb. The French people were incredibly friendly and helpful. The city was clean and heartbreakingly beautiful. The big question is why more businesses did not relocate to Paris after Brexit…a truly missed opportunity.
- My Favorite New Sport—I had never been to a handball match. It is a combination of basketball, soccer, and the World Wrestling Federation. My favorite match was a 31-31 tie between the women’s teams of Hungary and Angola, with a last-minute comeback led by the massive center who was unstoppable at the top of the key.
- Tennis Match for the Ages—I went to Roland Garros to see Rafael Nadal against Novak Djokovic. Rafa gave it his all, coming back from 4-0 to 4 games all in the second set. The crowd was going berserk, especially my Latina wife. In the end, the masterful Joker took control. But as a one last time, it is forever in my memory.
- The Monuments Used to Advantage—To see beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower and 3x3 basketball in the Place de la Concorde was surreal. Pop-up stands were installed for the crowd, utilizing the natural beauty of the venue.
- Most Frequently Observed Hat—Was a New York Yankees hat. It did not have anything to do with loyalty to the team. It was simply to say that people attending the Games had been to New York City. When asked, they said they loved New York much more than the U.S.
- Very Little Politics—The only time that politics intruded on the Games was during the Israel vs. Paraguay soccer contest. A sign was unveiled in the second tier that was very aggressive, removed immediately by the local authorities. There were also chants about genocide, countered by chants calling for the hostages to be returned.
- The Most Compelling Day—Track and Field is the most traditional part of the games. I saw the Decathlon participants run the hurdles, throw the discus, and do the pole vault. An American runner had torn his knee cartilage but was determined to complete the 1500 meters, limping around the track four times, finishing last but showing true grit. The fastest men in the world, the 100-meter dash competitors, were simply stunning, running at over 25 miles per hour.
This was the family trip of a lifetime. It was the best 70th birthday present that I could ever have imagined. Now I have to get ready for LA 2028.
Richard Edelman is CEO.
