Pamela Kim’s Post

Tomorrow marks the official beginning to the Paris Summer Olympics. I've compiled the following statistics which will allow you to sound like an Olympic expert when talking to anyone about the summer games. Paris Olympic Games by the numbers. 1: For the first time, Breaking, also known as break dancing, and kayak cross will make their Olympic debuts. 3: Paris has now hosted the Olympics three times, in 1900, 1924, and 2024, making it one of only three cities to do so, along with London and Los Angeles. 6: France has hosted the Olympic games six times in total, including the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, and the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville. 20: Mixed gender team events. 35: The number of venues that will be used. 45: The number of different sports at the Olympics. 152: Total number of events for women. 157: Total number of events for men. 206: The number of countries expected to participate in this summer’s games. 329: The number of medal events. 1,900: The 1900 Paris Olympic games were the first time women were allowed to compete 10,500: Approximate number of athletes who will compete in Paris. 20,000: Accredited journalists 45,000: volunteers who signed on. 

Was Rachael “Raygun” Gunn really selected for the 2024 Paris Olympics in Breaking on merit? At 36, Gunn, an academic with a PhD focusing on hip-hop culture, delivered an excruciatingly toe-curling routine that starkly contrasted with the skill level of other competitors. Breakdancing is a cultural expression deeply tied to the struggles of marginalised African American and Latino communities in the Bronx during the 1970s. The inclusion of diverse athletes in the Olympics is a testament to the dance form’s global influence. However, Gunn’s bizarre performance made a mockery of its cultural significance on the world stage. Her performance has led to accusations of cultural appropriation and compromising the authenticity of breaking’s Olympic debut - a moment when credible representation was essential. Supporters of Gunn have attempted to deflect criticism by calling it misogynistic, suggesting that her gender made her an unfair target. Misogyny is a serious issue and should not be used as a shield against legitimate scrutiny. It erodes the standards of competitive sports and trivialises actual gender-based discrimination. Gunn’s response to the backlash following her Olympic performance highlights issues of privilege and entitlement. Despite the overwhelming negative feedback, Gunn and her supporters reframed the criticism as gender-based attacks, rather than engaging with the valid concerns raised. Her emphasis on the pride of representing Australia, without addressing the technical shortcomings or cultural sensitivities of her performance, reflects an expectation of unearned praise. This reaction suggests a belief that merely participating in the Olympics, regardless of performance, justified her place on the stage. Gunn’s experience illustrates the privilege that can accompany certain backgrounds. Her selection, despite a noticeable disparity in skill compared to other competitors, underscores the advantages she may have had, such as her academic background and access to opportunity. At the Olympic level, selection should be based solely on athletic performance. When other factors influence the process, it risks favouring less qualified individuals over more deserving ones, which can undermine the event's credibility and perpetuate cycles of privilege. #Olympics2024 #CulturalAppropriation #Privilege

US President Biden to skip official ceremonies of 2024 Olympics in France — White House The statement says that the US official delegation at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris will be led by Joe Biden’s spouse WASHINGTON DC, July 12/ US President Joe Biden has decided against attending the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in France this summer, the White House press office said in a statement on Friday. "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today announced the designation of four Presidential Delegations to Paris, France to attend the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and events of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games," according to the White House. The statement says that the US official delegation at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris will be led by Biden’s spouse. "Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, will lead the delegation to the Opening of the Olympic Games," the statement reads adding that "Mr. Douglas Emhoff, Second Gentleman of the United States, will lead the delegation to the Closing of the Olympic Games." "The Honorable Tammy Duckworth, United States Senator, will lead the delegation to the Opening of the Paralympic Games," according to the White House. "The Honorable Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, will lead the delegation to the Closing of the Paralympic Games." The 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be hosted by the French capital of Paris between July 26 and August 11. The 2024 Summer Paralympic Games are scheduled to run in the French capital between August 8 and September 8. #business #finance #financialservices

It's Happened Again. As I watch the Paralympics unfold this week, I can't help but feel a deep sense of sadness and frustration. Once again, it's become painfully clear that athletes in high support needs classes, especially in Para Athletics, are not given the protection they need. For Paris 2024, we’ve seen a reduction in events for several high support needs classes, including F51, T61, and T33. This exclusion alone is a massive blow to the athletes in these categories who have worked tirelessly for their moment on the world stage. But what’s even more troubling is what’s happening within the remaining events. In the F32 Club Throw events for male and female athletes, we’ve witnessed medals awarded to competitors displaying significantly higher functional abilities than the classification criteria would suggest is appropriate. This isn’t an isolated incident. Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen a pattern emerge. In my event, the F32 Men’s Club Throw, for instance, athletes who have won medals at four of the last five Paralympic Games have been later reclassified into a higher class. How can this keep happening? I fully understand that classification is a complex and, in many cases, a subjective process. But when these errors consistently occur, it raises serious questions. How many more athletes will have to suffer before something is done? The time has come for a better system, not just for the sake of fairness, but for the very spirit of the Paralympic Games—a movement built on equality and inclusion. The IPC classification code consultation is currently taking place and I hope it can start to address these issues. What do you think? Is it time for a re-evaluation of the classification system? How can we ensure that every athlete gets a fair shot?

🌍 **Olympic Medals: A Reflection of National Success Beyond Sport** 🏅 As we watch Paris Olympics 2024 and see the atheletes bring laurels for their countries and bring immense joy to all those watching the sports from back home. Sport binds us together and show how far we have evolved as humans. I understood a deeper truth: Olympic medals often symbolize much more than athletic prowess—they reflect a society's broader strengths. The upper ranks of the medals table are dominated by high-income democracies—countries that not only excel in sport but also in providing healthcare, education, and opportunities for all. Countries like Norway, Australia, and Germany show that national wealth and human development are closely linked to Olympic success. These nations invest in their people, ensuring access to sports facilities, quality coaching, and a healthy lifestyle, which translates into medals on the world stage. 🔗 **Olympic success is a mirror reflecting the health, wealth, and values of a nation.** #Olympics #NationalSuccess #HumanDevelopment #Paris2024 #GlobalCompetitiveness

Italy to host 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games — IOC The decision to award Italy the right to host the prestigious amateur event, which takes place once every four years, was made by the IOC at its 143rd Session in Lausanne, Switzerland GENEVA, January 30/ Italy has been selected to host the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) press office said in a statement on Thursday. The decision to award Italy the right to host the prestigious amateur event, which takes place once every four years, was made by the IOC at its 143rd Session in Lausanne, Switzerland. "Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 will be the fifth edition of the Winter YOG," the statement reads. "Competitions will take place only in existing venues across three clusters in Valtellina, Trentino and Cortina, returning to some of the iconic sports venues that will be used for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026." The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will also be held in Italy, in the cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The event will take place from February 6-22, 2026. "The 2028 YOG will be part of the Milano Cortina 2026 legacy, and will reinvest in communities with strong winter sports traditions," according to the IOC. Commenting on the decision to award Italy the right to host the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games IOC President Thomas Bach said: "The election of Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 is an expression of the IOC’s confidence in Italy’s ability to deliver world class, exceptional winter sports events." "The Olympic Movement and the host regions are already excited about Milano Cortina 2026, with just over one year to go until the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," the statement quoted Bach as saying. "Today’s news means that excitement will extend until the end of the decade, and the benefits for local communities will continue." The previous edition of the Winter Youth Olympics, which is organized every four years, was hosted by South Korea’s Gangwon province in 2024 with over 1,800 athletes representing 78 nations competing for medals in various winter sports disciplines. #business #finance #financialservices

A MOVEMENT, NOT A MOMENT I don't know about you, but I'm already experiencing withdrawal symptoms from the Summer Olympics. I love sports and the business of sports, from everything that happens during the competition and events to all that it takes to make it happen behind the scenes. The Olympics fills my cup differently because it is all the things: elite, excellent, exceptional, historical, iconic, imaginative, innovative, intense, sensational, surprising, etc. Even acknowledging all of that, the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics were more than just another global mega-sporting event; they marked a watershed moment in the evolution of women’s sports. History was made once the Paris Games were recognized as the first in which an equal number of women and men participated. This wasn’t just about breaking records or winning medals—it was about redefining the narrative of what women can achieve on the world stage. From breathtaking performances to historic firsts, women athletes across the board shattered expectations and set new standards of excellence. Whether it was the stunning dominance in track and field, the resilience in team sports, or the athleticism and artistry in gymnastics, women proved they are not just participants in the Olympic story—they are paramount. But let’s be clear: this is not a fleeting moment. The triumphs in Paris reflect a broader, unstoppable movement that has been building for years. Increased investment, record-breaking viewership, and a surge in sponsorships underscore the undeniable value and influence of women in sports. Brands are taking notice, and the world is watching. As we celebrate these achievements, it’s important to recognize that the momentum doesn’t stop here. Paris 2024 is a milestone, but it’s just one chapter in a much larger story. After all, this is not just a moment—it’s a movement that will continue to shape the future of sports for generations to come. The future of sports is female! HIGHLIGHTS 💃🏽 World beaters: Women athletes ruled the Olympics 💃🏻 The Paris Games were the first to have an equal number of men and women competing. 💃 If American women were their own nation, they would have won the third most medals, behind only the U.S. and China. To quote Beyonce, "Who Runs the World? GIRLS!" #Olympics #Paris2024Olympics #Paris2024 #WomenInSports #GirlsInSports

A Team Davie goal in recent years has been to take the kids to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Jon/Dad helped bring the Olympics to London, way-back-when. So this goal was meaningful to us. And this week we achieved it… We watched the football - men’s and women’s - and the women’s rugby sevens (Team Davie’s two favourite sports); We cheered for Iraq, Argentina, Columbia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Australia, Ireland, France, USA… and, of course, for our very own Team GB; We travelled to Lyon, then to Paris, then back to Lyon. We took planes, trains, trams and the Metro, and we averaged 12km on foot each day, in 35 degree heat - a feat of endurance and, at times, one that tested our team spirit! We saw winners, losers, celebrated heroes and unsung ones: namely the 45,000 strong team of volunteers who welcome, chaperone and signpost the millions of fans from all over the world, the professionals, who work tirelessly for years to prepare the hosting cities for the biggest show on earth, and the fans themselves, who flock from the 206 competing countries to support the 10,714 sportsmen and women. The Olympics is astonishing: it is as audacious as it is inspiring. It teaches us what we can achieve when we dare and when we come together. It’s about competition on the field and collaboration and inclusion off. It’s about audacity, ambition, courage, determination, physical and mental strength, overcoming adversity, valour, heroism. It’s about individual and team spirit. It’s about setting goals, hard work, sacrifice and achievement. It showcases our global diversity *and* commonality. It demands the best of us individually, while giving us a deep sense of belonging. I wonder how we might extend, amplify and emulate the spirit of the Olympics in our teams, organisations, communities and teams? I know that I return to my work as an exec and leadership coach feeling inspired and invigorated to enable others to perform like our awe-inspiring Olympians. How are the Olympic Games inspiring you in your work? #Olympicgames #Paris2024 #Olympicspirit #inspiration

Fighting time difference: Australia and Paris 2024 Games As Australia gears up to follow the Paris 2024 Games, the challenge of time zone differences looms large. However, a novel initiative by the Australian Olympic Committee promises to overcome this hurdle and recreate the festive, collective atmosphere of the Games. The "Olympics and Paralympics LIVE" project is set to bring communities together in a way that echoes the shared spirit and celebration of the Games. At its core lies the transformation of local clubs, schools, universities, municipal councils, and community groups into mini fan zones, mirroring the excitement and communal atmosphere of the classical fan zones found at the Games themselves. A true sense of belonging and shared enthusiasm as fans come together to watch the events. These gatherings will create a festive environment where fans can celebrate (or commiserate) together. This collective experience is crucial for maintaining the social fabric that sports events like the Olympics and Paralympics traditionally weave among their audiences. The simplicity of accessing "Olympics and Paralympics LIVE" through a straightforward registration on the NOC website creates a positive feedback loop for the Australian olympic committee: more visibility, more registration, more appeal and more promotion of their national sponsors. Watching and celebrating the achievements of their domestic athletes together will reinforce the already existing strong sense of national pride and community spirit. For us, these collective viewing experiences remind us that the Games are not just about the competitions but also about coming together to support our athletes and celebrate their accomplishments. This shared pride and enthusiasm resonate deeply, reinforcing the communal bonds that sports uniquely cultivate. #Sport #Olympics #togetherness #Celebration #nationbranding #softpower #Australia https://lnkd.in/dk5UVzg3

And just like that, the 2024 Paris Olympics and, soon, Paralympics Games, officially started. After months of preparation, mounting anticipation, and a ground-breaking opening ceremony, the world has now turned its attention towards our athletes. Yes, I say “our athletes” because, despite nationalistic competitiveness that will reign over the next few weeks, the goal of the Olympic games has never been made so clear by organizers: to unite the world in a global event.   With more than 10,500 athletes coming from over 200 countries, the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games are well-suited to showcase an international diversity of talents. At the same time, by competing fiercely against each other while living peacefully together, the athletes are sending us a powerful message. It is possible, after all, to set differences that separate us aside — if only for a brief moment.     Over the course of the summer, competing athletes will be rewarded for their efforts. Years of training, sacrifice, and commitment will be continuously celebrated. Of course, this celebration will extend beyond just medalists to include all participants, organizers, and volunteers. It is in the spirit of the Olympics to recognize everyone who made them possible. Undoubtedly, a promising month is ahead of us.   This whole setting has so many similarities with many business environments, it will be interesting to learn from these Games, on many aspects, from the selection of talents, their ‘on-boarding’, the ground works to prepare the environment, the financial motivations or both private and public investors, the measurements of added value locally and nationally, the management of expectations of various targets via staged communications, the appreciation of long term impacts versus short term emotions. More on these very soon…meanwhile enjoy the summer!