As a group of George Washington University graduate students return from the unforgettable experience of attending the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, they've taken time to reflect on the valuable lessons and insights they gained during their journey.
Lisa Delpy Neirotti, the director of the M.S. in Sport Management Program at GW Business and an associate professor of sport management, has been taking GW students to the Olympic Games since 1992. The unique opportunity allows students to conduct research, volunteer and engage with Olympic executives.
Below are some insights from students as they describe the profound impact the experience of taking in the exciting blend of sport and culture that were the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
To learn more about the students’ experience, visit their blog.
Daniela Gamez, M.S. Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
“Attending the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games was a transformative experience that exceeded all my expectations. The lessons I learned, the people I met, the skills I got and the sustainable practices I witnessed have all left an indelible mark on my academic and professional journey. Reflecting on this experience, I am more motivated than ever to apply the insights gained to my future endeavors in tourism, hospitality and events management. One of the most significant takeaways from the Paris 2024 Olympics was the importance of meticulous planning and execution in event management. Observing how such a massive global event was orchestrated, from logistics to crowd management and security, provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities of managing large-scale events. I learned the critical role of teamwork, coordination and adaptability in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.”
Aine Kirwan, M.S. Sports Management
“The magic of the Olympic Games was felt throughout every moment. I got to see old friends for the first time in years and made many new friends. It was incredible to listen to industry professionals who were so open and candid with us. Every single person we met with was informed more than imaginable, had journeys to their current positions that seem reasonable for those starting out to accomplish, and genuinely seemed eager to share their wisdom with us. I am still processing the immense amount of information that was shared with us and the advice they gave. A person is only as powerful as their network, and I am thankful mine grew further than I ever thought possible.”
Mitchell Hattar, M.S. Sports Management
“As the Olympics have now come to an end, I have been able to reflect on my time in Paris and am proud to say this has been one of the best and most memorable experiences of my life. In the almost 25 years I have been on this planet, I never witnessed something so magical like the Olympics; and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of my time in France. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games had a special element to it that is not easy to describe, and I could feel the energy people had regarding the Olympics everywhere I went. People from all over the globe were so thrilled to be a part of these Olympics in Paris. While volunteering, I was able to talk to current and former Olympians as well as guests who all shared a collective love and admiration for these Olympic Games.”
Ruoyu Ye, M.S. Sports Management
“Paris is a world-renowned cultural capital and hosting the Olympics in a fascinating city with so many historical sites, culinary delights and artistic treasures is a rare experience, and one that I was fortunate enough to be a part of. The experience was more than just attending a world-class sporting event; it was a journey of personal growth, learning and connection. In Paris, surrounded by the energy of the city and the warmth of the Olympics, I found myself not only witnessing history, but also deeply immersed in the Olympic spirit. I used to think that the Olympics were all about competition, winning and losing, and the number of medals. After this journey, I realized that the Paris Olympics is not only a feast of sports, but also a baptism of the soul. From the volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event, to the athletes who showed extraordinary dedication and resilience. Every moment reinforced my notion that the Olympics is not only a celebration of physical fitness, but also a testament to the human spirit.”
Hugh Dennis, M.S. Sports Management
“Paris itself was nothing short of amazing. The food was great, the people were nice, the landmarks were stunning, and in a general sense, I was very happy. Despite having a packed class schedule in Paris, I still felt like I got to experience Paris completely as a city and as the host site for the Olympics. While I wish I attended more Olympic events, the guest speakers and tours more than made up for that. As for the Olympics, that was the cherry on top. Nothing could have prepared me for what I experienced while at the Olympics, and it is safe to say I will cherish those two and a half weeks for my entire life. After speaking with locals in Paris, I was also told that this was the best time to visit Paris as many of the local Parisians left for the games. Because of this, Paris was a lot less crowded than it normally is, and to me it never felt too overwhelming. It makes sense why I was able to buy tickets and climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe in the span of twenty minutes.”
Chengting Wu, M.S. Sports Management
“The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are an extraordinary display of sport, culture and solidarity. As a volunteer and observer, I have had the privilege of witnessing the magic of the Olympic Games firsthand, and it has left a lasting impression on me. One of the most striking aspects of the Paris Olympic Games is the incorporation of the city’s rich cultural heritage into the events. With the Seine River as its backdrop, the opening ceremony was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, with performances celebrating both French culture and the global spirit of the Olympic Games. The venues were iconic Parisian landmarks, such as the Champs-Élysées for cycling and the Eiffel Tower for beach volleyball, creating a spectacular and immersive experience for athletes and spectators.”
Yanlei Su, M.S. Sports Management
“What I find remarkable about the Paris Olympics is not just the high level of artistry but also the seamless integration of tourist attractions and competition venues. Events like equestrian and beach volleyball blend perfectly with the historic cityscape. From the top of the Eiffel Tower, I witnessed the cheering crowds at the beach volleyball venue near the Champ de Mars. As night fell, I joined fellow tourists under the tower, eagerly counting down to the five-minute light show at 10 p.m., marveling at the twinkling lights of the golden Eiffel Tower adorned with the Olympic rings—a truly dreamlike experience. The Arc de Triomphe, with its Paralympic symbols, and the Olympic rings in front of the Louvre have also become must-see photo spots for countless visitors. This Olympic Games has introduced the world to Paris once again, showcasing its artistic and historical significance, beautifully intertwined with the Olympic spirit.”
Zixin Yang, M.S. Sports Management
“As I reflect on the incredible journey I’ve just completed, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. The opportunity this program provided was nothing short of extraordinary. Attending the Olympic Games was more than just a chance to witness world-class athletes compete; it was an opportunity to step behind the scenes and have a deeper understanding of the sport industry. Not just being as a spectator, but as someone actively engaged in the operations and activities surrounding the Games. It was truly an amazing experience. During the 17 well-spent days in Paris, I gained insights that textbooks could never offer. I saw detailed planning and coordination required to host such a mega event. Engaged with industry leaders, observed the execution of complex logistics, and experienced the energy that sports bring to people from every corner of the world.”
