The Symbolism of the Brigadier at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature a new tradition of striking the brigadier, a wooden staff, on the ground to signify the beginning of each event. Esteemed athletes, including Billie Jean King and Tony Hawk, have participated in this ritual. The practice, known as ‘les trois coups, s’il vous plait,’ draws from theatrical customs and celebrates France’s artistic heritage.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a novel tradition has been initiated where participants strike a wooden staff known as the brigadier against the ground at the commencement of each event. Esteemed athletes such as Billie Jean King, Tony Hawk, and Carmelo Anthony have been seen engaging in this practice. The brigadier represents an official marker for the onset of competitions while paying homage to France’s celebrated theatrical heritage.
Striking the brigadier, a wooden baton adorned with red velvet and golden nails, entails three distinct hits against the ground, referred to as ‘les trois coups, s’il vous plait,’ translating to ‘the three hits, please.’ This ritual aims to garner silence from the audience and herald the commencement of diverse sporting events. Its roots stem from theatrical practices where similar striking communicated readiness for performances.
The choice of the term “brigadier” is intentional, as it evokes the image of a commanding officer directing a brigade, seamlessly blending the realms of performance and competition. The significance of the brigadier lies in its ability to unify the crowd’s focus as these illustrious athletes begin their respective contests.
Notable moments have included Tony Hawk initiating the men’s skateboarding park final and Billie Jean King commencing the men’s doubles tennis match. Carmelo Anthony made a memorable impression by wielding the brigadier before the Men’s basketball quarterfinal game between the United States and Brazil, drawing upon his previous Olympic accolades.
This unique element adds to the ceremonial atmosphere of the Paris Olympics as it underscores the interplay between sports and cultural expression, celebrating France’s theatricality in a global sporting context.
The introduction of the brigadier ritual at the Paris 2024 Olympics showcases the fusion of sport and French theatrical tradition. Its three strikes symbolize the start of various competitions while inviting the audience to attentively witness the events. Furthermore, the participation of distinguished athletes in this practice reinforces the spirit of celebration and cultural acknowledgment inherent in the Olympic Games.
Original Source: www.tntsports.co.uk
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