What Paris Games' emblem really means

MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY

Undeniably, 2024 marks a milestone in my professional life. From the initial drafts on office paper, to the screens on our laptops and countless discussions in the meeting room, the symbol of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has transformed from a mere idea to a vibrant reality.

Now, this emblem is flying high over the sky of Paris, gracing public transport, welcoming people from around the world, and appearing on T-shirts, hats and tote bags.

The symbol of the Paris 2024 Games is not just a sign, an icon or a logo; it is an idea. An idea rooted in the very essence of the Olympic motto: "The most important thing is not to win but to take part."

So, when we took part in the competition to create this logo, what did we have in mind?

Beautiful is boring. A symbol does not need to be conventionally beautiful; it needs to be meaningful, especially for the Olympics, a moment when the world unites to celebrate human excellence. The Olympics represent the top performances of human beings. But the Games belong to all the people. We designed the logo to shine a light on those who are often overlooked — the marginalized, the unseen, the voices in the shadows.

The image of a woman in the logo is a testament to this belief. Sports are often associated with muscle, power and strength — attributes traditionally linked to a male image. By placing a woman at the forefront, we have spotlighted those who are ignored, forgotten and left behind.

Paris 2024 will be the first Games where the numbers of female and male athletes will be equal. Back in 1900, Paris became the first Olympic venue to have women, 22 female compared with 975 male athletes. The Paris 2024 Games will also be the first time when the Paralympic and Olympic Games share the same logo, emphasizing that no distinction should be made between men and women when we talk about Olympics or the Olympic Spirit.

The Olympic Games are about creating awareness that what we have in common far outweighs our differences. The pursuit of excellence, mutual respect and shared goals unites us. When we chose a human face — a woman's face, neutral and universal — we wanted all men and women to feel represented. It symbolizes a human face looking toward the future, holding out hope. This positivity unites us. The Paris 2024 Games' emblem serves as a trait d'union, a link that bridges the difference, divergence and disagreement gaps. It reminds us that through sports, we find common ground, fostering a sense of global community and understanding.

When we think about the Games, we leave conflicts, divergences and disagreements behind. We think about humanity — people running to surpass their limits, jumping to go beyond and diving into the infinite challenge of human capabilities. As Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the International Olympic Committee, said in 1892, "It is clear that the telegraph, railways, the telephone, the passionate research in science, congresses, and exhibitions have done more for peace than any treaty or diplomatic convention." He hoped that "athletics will do even more".

Ancient Greek culture was steeped in a competitive spirit. It was part of the Greeks' education: young Greeks were encouraged to be the best, always and everywhere, and to outdo all others. The modern Olympic Games bring forward model athletes to serve as role models for the youth of the world, to compete, but with respect. In a turbulent and increasingly divided international landscape, competition drives economies forward, but participating in sport as a respectful competition sets an example beyond the sporting arena.

Being together, running against each other, but cheering together for human achievements celebrate the human spirit. A neutral and soft symbol for the event reminds people of softness, kindness and the Olympic Spirit. The Paris 2024 Games' emblem encourages us to compete with respect and to recognize that, in the end, it is not about winning but about taking part, together, in this grand celebration of human potential.

The Paris 2024 Games' symbol is more than just an emblem of an Olympics; it is a representation of our shared humanity. It speaks for the unheard, bridges our differences and promotes respectful competition. In particular, the Paris 2024 Games, which mark 60 years of Sino-French relations, bridge two cities, Paris and Beijing, forging a linkage of history and beliefs. Together, we can build a world where our commonalities are celebrated and differences respected.

The author is founder of Royalties Paris, creative agency of Paris 2024 symbol.

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