Why we've been obsessed with the Paris 2024 Olympics

This Olympic season there's been so much excitement, so many unexpected results, new sports and great stories of strength and determination, that Chris (our COO), like most of us, has found himself unable to look away from the TV. 

"I don’t know about you, but I’ve been a bit obsessed with the Olympics. 

Sports I've never watched before, have had me glued to the screen and the athlete's stories have been so inspiring. 

I’ve loved discovering the mayhem of kayak cross and been amazed by the strength and agility of the gymnasts. The rowing, the track athletics, the velodrome, the sailing and windsurfing, the bmx, the tennis, the badminton and volleyball, they’ve all captured and captivated me. 

I rewatched numerous times the moment Pidcock took gold in the final moments of the mountain bike race by sweeping past the French athlete and I cheered out loud, sat on the edge of my seat, watching Alex Yee take the Triathlon gold in the final few hundred meters.  

Poolside, I’ve loved the way the crowd have cheered for the impressive Leon Marchand and been blown away by Summer Macintosh who won her 3rd gold medal and set an Olympic record time at her second Olympics, aged only 17! 

The ancient Greeks, who started the Olympic games in Olympus had no tolerance for losers, the winner took all of the glory and there was no second or third place! In fact, losing could actually result in punishments being handed out (you can listen to a podcast about the ancient Olympics on BBC sounds here). 

Thankfully, at Sportily, we are most excited when someone gives it a go and discovers the joy of moving more. Whilst it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate winning, whether it’s an Olympic gold medallist, or a personal achievement like a PB, there's a huge amount of joy we can all experience simply by getting physical in a way that’s right for you. 

Why not check out BBC Radio 2’s ‘Move more’ campaign here, or discover a Sportily activity you can join in with here. 

In Ancient Greek society, achieving a harmonious balance between body and mind was an important aspect of an individual's personal development. The gymnasiums where they trained therefore hosted wrestling matches as well as music rehearsals and provided weight lifting training as easily as philosophy lectures.  

At Sportily we also recognise the importance of developing both physical and mental health, that’s why our ‘Play sports, talk life’ philosophy weaves its way into every activity we do. Yes, we have fun together playing sports and being active, but we also know its important to talk and create space for that.  

Together as a team, as a community, we play together, talk about life, explore the Christian faith, make friends and have fun. Why not join us when the Olympic Closing ceremony is over."