In May the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, with the support of P&G, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, revealed the podiums, the ultimate symbols of performance, showcasing the creativity of Paris 2024.
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 and triple Olympic champion, Béatrice Dupuy, President and General Manager of P&G France and Benelux, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, accompanied by Alexis Hanquinquant, Paralympic champion in Para triathlon and one of the six French athletes supported by P&G France and its brands, were gathered at Pulse, the headquarters of Paris 2024, around this iconic object that fuels the dreams of athletes worldwide.
Since 1932 and the Olympic Games in Lake Placid (winter) and Los Angeles (summer), the podium has been an integral part of the victory ceremony. It is the ultimate symbol of performance and celebration. For Olympic and Paralympic athletes, stepping onto the podium is an achievement. It is the conclusion of a long journey, a testament to their sporting achievement, and a moment that remains etched in their memory.
Design Inspired by the Work of Gustave Eiffel
Paris 2024 wanted to create continuity between the medal and the podium—two symbols of performance that define the Games’ identity and the host country’s pride.
The design of the Olympic and Paralympic podiums is directly inspired by the metal lace of the Eiffel Tower, which is also found in other Gustave Eiffel’s works such as the bridges. The lines and curves that adorn their façade are an extension of the metal arches that make the work of Gustave Eiffel unique and its association with Paris and France worldwide.
The grey surface of the podium refers to the famous Parisian rooftops, taking the medallists to the skies above Paris in a symbolic way. The choice of sober colours (grey and off-white) and a sleek design aim to harmonize the podium with the colourful and festive look of the Games, as well as the colours of the official uniforms of each delegation.
An initial illustration is provided with the visual accompanying this unveiling, featuring three Paralympic athletes from the French Team (Mandy François-Elie and Charles-Antoine Kouakou in Para athletics, Solène Sache in Para swimming) wearing the outfit that the French athletes will wear on the podium, signed by Le Coq Sportif, Official Partner of the Paris 2024 Games.
The modular design of the podiums with interlocking modules for different configurations (individual or team Olympic and Paralympic events) allows for a limited number of podiums to be produced (68 podiums in total).
Designed with the same concept as the Olympic podium, a constant since the 2012 London Games, the Paralympic podium stands out for its single-level configuration. The gold medallist(s) stands in the center, behind a raised facade. A lateral ramp with a slight incline (5%) facilitates accessibility.
Manufactured in France Using French Wood and 100% Recycled Plastic
From design to manufacturing and assembly, the podiums reflect Paris 2024’s commitment to promoting “Made in France” and the expertise of local French companies. Thus, the podiums are made from French wood and 100% recycled plastic in France. The transformation of plastic into panels was done by a Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) enterprise based in Seine-Saint-Denis, leading to the production of the wooden structure and assembly by enterprises located in Île-de-France.
“Stepping onto the podium, for an athlete, is a moment of pride, emotion, and ultimate consecration. The medal is placed around their neck, and in an instant, the dream becomes a reality: they enter the grand history of the Games.
With these podiums, manufactured in France using French wood and 100% recycled plastic, we provide athletes with a true stage where they will proudly stand and represent the colors of their countries, in front of the entire world.”
– Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024
