The Paris 2024 Olympics have set a new precedent for how colour can be thoughtfully and creatively integrated into global events. The vibrant display of flags at the Olympics has always been a beacon of nationalism and unity, but this year, colour has transcended its usual role. It has become a core component of the event’s identity, infusing the very essence of the Games with deeper meaning and symbolism.

Blue, Pink, Green, and Purple

The choice of colours for the Paris 2024 Olympics was not just about the look and feel of the Games. It’s a deliberate reflection of France’s heritage, values, and contemporary vision. Each colour was been carefully chosen to convey a message. Blue, represented France. Pink brought a modern, inclusive perspective, challenging traditional norms and promoting equality. Green, often associated with nature and sustainability, reflected the growing importance of environmental consciousness in global events. Purple, a colour often linked with creativity and luxury, added an element of sophistication and innovation.

A Purple Track

One of the most striking uses of colour was the athletics track, which, for the first time in Olympic history, was purple. The decision to use purple was driven by a desire to break away from tradition, think creatively, and add a unique element to the Games.

The purple track is not just a single shade; it’s a spectrum. Lighter tones are used for the main track, while darker shades mark the service areas, and grey is used for the turns at the end of the bend – reminders of the ash-coloured tracks of 100 years ago at the Paris Olympic Games in 1924.

Colours as storytellers