Why athletes are ringing a bell at the Paris Olympics

vt-author-image

By Kim Novak

Article saved!Article saved!

The Olympics has been dominating television schedules, and some viewers have been left perplexed by one particular thing that keeps cropping up.

Viewers have noticed many of the winning athletes ringing a giant bell at the end of their events - here's exactly why they've been doing that.

GettyImages-2165290245.jpg The giant bell has featured heavily in the Paris Olympics, as athletes such as Team USA's Noah Lyles have rung it after their wins. Credit: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Viewers have noticed the large bell suspended in a purple metal frame standing to the side of many events at Paris' Stade de France, with many winners choosing to give it a ring.

The bell has been rung by many athletes including Noah Lyles of the USA, after winning the men's 100m race.

But what is the bell?

Well, the bell - which ha Paris 2024 on the side of it - isn't actually an Olympic tradition in itself, but it does have significance to the host nation.

The bell symbolizes the refurbishment of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which was terribly damaged by a fire in 2019.

The iconic building lost its famous spire in the blaze, as well as the majority of the cathedral's roof.

GettyImages-1137438271.jpg The devastating fire claimed Notre Dame's iconic spire. Credit: Philippe Wang/Getty Images

In the five years since, preparations have been made to preserve and repair the cathedral for future generations to be able to enjoy its rich history.

However, since that devastating event, the bells of Notre Dame have only rung twice - firstly for the funeral of former French President Jacques Chirac, and the second time being to mark the one year anniversary of the fire.

The bell which has been seen at the stadium is set to be hung in one of Notre Dame Cathedral's bell towers after the 2024 games have finished, serving as a permanent reminder of the Olympics every time it is rung in future.

Pierre-André Lacout, a manager at the Stade de France, said: "In a way, Paris 2024 is helping to rebuild Notre-Dame. A part of the Games and the Olympic spirit will remain in Notre-Dame for life."

GettyImages-2165378812.jpg The Paris 2024 bell will be installed in the cathedral as a permanent reminder of the Olympics. Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The French men's team rang the bell after winning the gold medal in the rugby sevens tournament, and several other athletes from different nations have also posed alongside it.

Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, told reporters that the bell was a way to incorporate Parisian culture into every venue and to engage supporters.

He added: "It's just for the gold medalists, and it's a great way for them to celebrate."

Featured image credit: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images