My time at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Víctor Contreras, CEO and Olympic Rowing 1984

Forty years ago, I had the honor of representing Chile at the Los Angeles Olympics as part of the rowing team. Now, in 2024, I have relived the Olympic experience, but from a different perspective: as an observer in Paris. The excitement of the Olympics, the energy of the athletes and the spirit of competition are sensations that are not forgotten, and this trip was an opportunity to relive those moments of my youth.

From day one, the organization in Paris impressed me. The logistics of an event of such magnitude are not an easy task and, although there will always be details to fine-tune, the entire experience was extraordinary. From the friendliness of the guides to the safety at every corner, everything was designed to facilitate the mobility and well-being of visitors. Clear signs, the presence of staff willing to help, and efficient security without being intrusive, created a welcoming and safe environment.

One of the most special moments was returning to rowing competitions, this time from the stands. In 1984, I rowed with all my might from the boat, facing every wave and every stroke; Today, as a spectator, I had a broader perspective of the event. Rowing, my beloved sport, has a great challenge: to make it more attractive to the public. The 2,000-meter regattas in a straight line have a special charm, but the remoteness of the start and the lack of elements to animate the competition can make the experience feel distant. Although there were close to 10,000 people each day, I feel that rowing could benefit from more displays, a party atmosphere, more information and an effort to create a vibrant and exciting atmosphere, creating a special mystique that benefits both athletes and those of us who enjoy watching them in action. It is a task that remains for both Chilean rowing and the World Championship.

As for our rowers, they competed with great determination. While the results were not what they expected, they met expectations, especially considering the high level of competition. Our athletes, who shone at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, faced world elite athletes in Paris. I know Antonia, Melita, César and Eber well, their stories of effort and dedication are inspiring. For more than a decade they have demonstrated a constant commitment to sport, maintaining a careful life focused on their training, leaving as children from their homes, families, clubs and their previous life, to the Training Center. However, facing the reality of high-performance sport at the World Championships and Olympics reminds us that, as a country, we are not yet a sporting powerhouse. With a small population and a limited focus on sport at both the state and private levels, our achievements sometimes depend on exceptional talent, individual efforts, and a little luck.

Our athletes had an exceptional preparation of the highest level, with the support and commitment of the IND, the Coch and the Olympic Plan, allowing the development of a broad technical project, with a state-of-the-art implementation, national and international concentrations, preparation at altitude, participation in international competitions prior to the Olympic Games such as World Cups and international regattas. This was the case for the first time in history, and it was possible to experience a considerable advance in the performance of our athletes to compete on an equal footing with the powers of the world. However, there are many details that we must start working on, to make a leap in quality, go up a step and achieve at least an Olympic diploma in Los Angeles 2028, and deliver joy to our sport and the country. There are the bases, there is a system created, a work philosophy installed, a structured federation, athletes with enthusiasm, many talents that ensure generational change and most importantly, the support of government institutions.

Beyond rowing, I enjoyed other disciplines such as athletics and gymnastics. But what really surprised me was the atmosphere of beach volleyball. What a party! Music, DJ, lights, first-class entertainers and an enthusiastic audience that did not stop having fun even when a downpour fell on us. It was a true celebration of sport and the Olympic spirit.

The city of Paris, for its part, lived up to its reputation. The center, completely dedicated to the Olympic experience, became a large pedestrian space with a festive atmosphere. The “City of Light” shone with its Olympic gala, and although some Parisians may have felt invaded, for me, it was a fantastic experience. The opening ceremony stood out for its innovative proposal to hold it in the city and not in a stadium, although the parade by boat perhaps did not achieve the expected visual impact from all angles.

I left Paris happy, with my heart full of memories and my mind full of reflections. The Olympics are not just a sports competition; they are a meeting of cultures, efforts and dreams. As an engineer and athlete, I am left with the conviction that there is always room to improve and evolve, both in sport and in life. See you in the next one!