Worldwide Olympic Partner OMEGA has celebrated one year to go until the Olympic Games Paris 2024 by unveiling the official countdown clock in the French capital.
Occupying a prime location beside the River Seine, along which the Opening Ceremony will take place on 26 July 2024, and with the Eiffel Tower providing a stunning backdrop, the eye-catching clock shows visitors the exact number of days, hours, minutes and seconds until the Games begin next year.
Featuring a design that draws inspiration from the Paris 2024 emblem, with a central flame encircled by a golden ring, the countdown clock will help build excitement and anticipation across the entire host city ahead of next year’s Games.
Marking the occasion, Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, welcomed Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, and Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, to the site at Port de la Bourdonnais to unveil the clock and set the time in motion.
“With the Olympic Games, we always feel the energy and excitement when there’s one year to go,” said Aeschlimann. “The athletes start dreaming and, of course, our timekeepers start to finalise their preparations. I’m certain that Paris 2024 will be an event to remember.”
Innovative timekeeping technology
As the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, OMEGA, with its cutting-edge technology, is crucial in delivering efficient, turnkey solutions for Games-time operations.
Since OMEGA first provided timekeeping equipment for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1932, its role has not only involved the precise timing of many different sports and disciplines but also the consistent development and evolution of the vital equipment that today’s athletes rely on.
Recent innovations include the Scan’O’Vision MYRIA photo-finish camera, which can record 10,000 images per second at the finish line of races, and new motion sensor and positioning systems, which provide a full range of information during events, such as live speeds, live positions and other fascinating metrics.
“Accurate and reliable timekeeping is vital for the Olympic Games,” said President Bach. “For over 90 years, OMEGA has ensured the accurate recording of the athletes’ results so they can be written into Olympic history.
We are delighted to celebrate the unveiling of the Paris 2024 one-year countdown clock together with our valued Worldwide Olympic Partner, OMEGA.”
‘An important role for the athletes’
In addition to its innovative timing and results systems, OMEGA’s unveiling of the official countdown clock provides an iconic milestone in the build-up to each Games.
“I remember this moment as an athlete,” said Estanguet. “With one year to go, the emotions start to build and all you can think about is the Olympic Games. It’s great to be part of this countdown event. OMEGA plays such an important role for all the athletes.”
Paris 2024 will be the 31st time that OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, with its state-of-the-art timing, scoring and in-venue results systems and equipment set to be used across all 329 events in 32 sports.