The rise of sporting identity
In addition to the artistic event of 1924, the Grand Palais has hosted numerous sporting events in the past and is set to be (although not necessarily) the venue for this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games. In no particular order, these events are:
– A show held in the center of Paris called L'Hippique, it lasts three weeks of competition, involves 1,500 horses and attracts an average of 40,000 spectators. In 1906, the event made equestrian history with the feat of Captain Crews and his horse Conspirature, who cleared the 2.35 metre bar to become World Equestrian High Jump Champions.
– The Grand Gymnastics Festival at the Grand Palais: once a year, around 1,000 gymnasts come together to show off their skills (apparatus, pommel horse, boxing, wrestling, baton twirling, human pyramids).
– After the First World War, the site became the “exercise grounds” of the Grand Palais Military Hospital. In 1916, it had 1,300 beds and was able to accommodate 700 soldiers undergoing rehabilitation, with a particular focus on rehabilitative and strengthening exercises.
– Christmas Cup: Since 1908, this open water swimming race has been held in extreme conditions from the port of Gros Caille on the Seine to the conference below the Grand Palais.
– In 1937, the Grand Palais hosted the French International Professional Tennis Championship, known as the “French Pro”. The matches took place in the nave, which was renovated for the occasion.
– The 1937 French Fencing Championships were held at the Grand Palais.
– On June 28, 1942, boxing reached its zenith with the bout between Marcel Cerdan and De Ridder.
– In January 1944, a new sport was introduced by the French women's volleyball team.
– After restoration at the beginning of the 21st century, the Nave was reopened to the public and has hosted numerous sporting events, including the Paris Rollers (2009), More Than a Game (basketball 2009) and Saut Hermes (equestrian). 2010 World Fencing Championships73 years after the 1937 French Championships, fencing returned to the Grand Palais, bringing together 900 fencers from 110 countries in front of 4,500 spectators. Although we didn't know it at the time, it was a harbinger of the Paris 2024 Games.
Yes, in 2024 the Grand Palais will embark on a new sporting adventure. In order to host fencers and taekwondo athletes in the best conditions, the building has been closed for three years to carry out restoration works and raise standards. The event will take place in the nave, newly restored for the occasion. 8,000 spectators will be able to watch the Olympic and Paralympic fencing and taekwondo competitions.
