The logo for the 2024 Paris Olympics is a multifaceted symbol, combining three distinct elements within a circular design that represents a medal. At first glance, one might notice the flame, reminiscent of the Olympic torch, but a closer look reveals the face of Marianne, the iconic personification of the French Republic.

This emblem marks the first time in history that the same logo is used for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The flame is a recurring symbol in the Olympics, representing the torch relay that travels through cities worldwide and ignites the opening ceremony. Medals, of course, signify victory and the culmination of hard work and dedication.

Marianne, depicted in historical imagery, embodies the bold and creative spirit that inspires the Paris Games. As a symbol of the French Republic, Marianne stands for values such as humanism, fraternity, generosity, and sharing, principles that are deeply embedded in the ethos of both the Olympic and Paralympic movements. This logo, therefore, not only celebrates athletic achievement but also reflects the broader cultural and philosophical ideals that drive the Games.

Marianne is a familiar face in French culture that is omnipresent in day-to-day life, appearing on stamps and outside every town hall for example. She reflects the close collaboration with the people.The Opening Ceremony has its own Marian singing along the Seine.

Marian

Although the 1958 Constitution favoured the tricolour flag as the national emblem, Mariana also embodies the French Republic.

The bust of Mariana by the sculptor Georges Laurent Saupique (1889-1961) was one of the official busts during the Fourth Republic. The first representations of a woman wearing a Phrygian cap, an allegory of Liberty and the Republic, appeared during the French Revolution.

The origin of the name Marianne remains uncertain. In the 18th century, Marie-Anne was a very common name and came to symbolize the people. However, counter-revolutionaries also mockingly referred to the Republic by this name.

The Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom, was historically part of the attire of freed slaves in Greece and Rome. This cap was also worn by sailors and galley slaves in the Mediterranean and is believed to have been adopted by revolutionaries in southern France.

During the Third Republic, statues and busts of Marianne proliferated, especially in town halls. Various representations of Marianne emerged, reflecting different emphases on her revolutionary or "wise" character. The Phrygian cap, sometimes seen as overly seditious, was occasionally replaced with a diadem or crown.

In contemporary times, Marianne's likeness has been modeled after famous actresses. Her image appears on widely circulated objects such as coins and postage stamps.

Paris medals

In Paris, there will be 5,000 medals, all made from recycled materials and incorporating parts of the Eiffel Tower. While the concept of creating medals from recycled metal is not entirely new, having been utilised at previous Games such as Rio 2016 where about 30% of the silver and bronze medals were made from recycled materials, the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project stands out for its scale and community involvement.

The Tokyo 2020 Medal Project was an unprecedented recycling initiative, marking the first time that a country's citizens were actively engaged in donating electronic devices for the purpose of crafting the medals. 

Over the course of two years, metal was extracted from these recycled consumer electronics, ensuring that each medal was molded entirely from these materials. This project aligned with the Games' nationwide participation programs, highlighting a significant step towards sustainability and community engagement in the Olympic movement.