All the Surprising Rules Put in Place for the 2024 Olympics

As a seasoned sports enthusiast who has attended numerous Olympic Games, I’ve seen it all – from record-breaking performances to unexpected rule violations. And let me tell you, the rules governing social media use by athletes at the Olympics are quite intriguing!


At the 2024 Olympics, both on and off the field, athletes are required to abide by specific rules. For example, in the Olympic Village in Paris, a no-alcohol policy is enforced. Although there is a sports bar available, athletes desiring to toast their victories with champagne will have to do so outside the premises, as per Director of the Olympic and Paralympic Villages Laurent Michaud’s suggestion to Sky News. Moreover, athletes should not expect to indulge in French fries or avocados within the Olympic Village.

As a social media manager for a team of athletes, I’ve learned that navigating the rules and regulations surrounding content sharing during major sporting events can be quite a challenge. Take the Olympics, for instance. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) allows competitors to capture moments at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, but there are strict guidelines they must adhere to.

In the realm of sports, there are intriguing rules that may pique your interest. For instance, did you realize that runners in certain races aren’t required to wear shoes? Or consider this: during a canoe slalom event, if athletes shatter their paddles, they’re permitted to complete the competition by using their bare hands instead.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics from July 26 to August 11, and the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, spectators can experience all the excitement firsthand.

For now, keep reading to see more surprising Olympic rules.

At the Olympics in France, you won’t find French fries on the menu at the Olympic Village in Paris. Chef Charles Guilloy explained to The New York Times in May that due to safety concerns regarding deep-fat fryers and fire hazards, French fries are considered too risky to serve.

At the Athletes’ Village, you won’t find luxuries like foie gras or avocado toast. Instead, Guilloy explained, there’s a focus on animal welfare, so no foie gras is served. Also, avocados are not available due to their long transportation distance and high water usage requirements.

At the Olympic Village, athletes may long for raising a glass in celebration of their victories, but they will be unable to do so with a glass of champagne on hand. Instead, Director of the Olympic and Paralympic Villages Laurent Michaud revealed to Sky News in March that while athletes can’t imbibe in bubbly at the village, they are welcome to indulge in as much champagne as they desire in Paris. Furthermore, though there is a sports bar within the village, it will not serve alcoholic beverages. Instead, Michaud explained to the outlet that efforts were made to create spaces where athletes could mingle and share their sports-related experiences. The village features a club with a lounge and a sports bar stocked with Coca-Cola, but devoid of alcohol. Nonetheless, Michaud assured that this area will provide an excellent setting for athletes to savor their achievements and camaraderie.

During the Summer Games, athletes can make light of the absence of air conditioning by starting conversations about it.

Instead of installing a.c. in the athletes’ quarters, organizers have chosen another method to keep them cool.

Yann Krysinski, SOLIDEO’s SVP and in charge of Olympics major infrastructures, informed Reuters in February that the buildings were designed with summer comfort in mind.

“We built these structures to be pleasant living spaces for the summers of 2024 and beyond,” Krysinski stated. “These structures won’t require a.c., as we positioned their facades to minimize sun exposure during summer, and the insulation is quite effective.”

He further explained that they would provide naturally cool water from underground sources to chill the air of these apartments.

However, not all competitors were content with this arrangement. Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic Committee, confirmed Team USA would have a.c. in their rooms. According to The Washington Post, Britain, Canada, and Italy’s teams are also bringing a.c. units.

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, athletes were advised to limit their physical contact with others due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Olympic Village provided controversial cardboard beds which some called “anti-sex” beds on social media. Although condoms were distributed to athletes, they were meant to be brought back home for HIV and AIDS awareness campaigns, according to organizers.

Athletes are free to express themselves on social media during the Olympics, but they must abide by certain regulations. Here’s what they can and cannot do:

If you’re making an effort to save the earth, that action is worth recognition, even a gold medal!

I’ve run several marathons over the years, and I’ve always worn shoes for the race out of habit and comfort. But lately, I’ve come across some intriguing information that has piqued my curiosity: according to World Athletics’ rules, athletes have the option to compete barefoot or with footwear on one or both feet during races!

Abebe Bikila, a runner hailing from Ethiopia, astonishingly completed the marathon at the 1960 Olympics in Rome without any footwear and claimed the gold medal. Likewise, Zola Budd represented Great Britain in the 3,000 meters event at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles while running barefoot; she finished in seventh place.

If a tennis ball hits a bird while you’re playing, the International Tennis Federation says that’s a hindrance, so the point gets restarted.

If you find yourself in a canoe with a busted paddle, I’d strongly advise against sticking around. According to the International Canoe Federation’s rules, you’ll have to let go of that damaged oar and finish the course on your own. The broken part isn’t something you’d want to be handling – it’s considered hazardous. So, bite the bullet, let go of the paddle, and power through using only your hands.

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2024-07-24 14:22