When do the Olympic Games start and how long do they last?

July 15, 2024, 5:04 PM

What is the start date of the 2024 Olympic Games and when do they end? Here’s everything you need to know about the Paris Games.

After an exciting Wimbledon and thrilling European Championships, the 2024 Paris Olympics are the next sporting event on our calendar.

Now it’s time for us to cheer on Team GB, featuring athletes including diving great Tom Daley, swimming superstar Adam Peaty, equestrian star Charlotte Dujardin, gymnastics legend Max Whitlock and skateboarding favourite Sky Brown.

With even more sports being added this year (we can’t wait for Breaking to make its debut!), many of us can’t wait for the summer of sports to continue. As July enters its second half, the countdown to the start of the Games has begun.

When do the Olympic Games start and how long will they last? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Games.

When do the Olympic Games start?

The Olympic Games officially begin on July 26, with the Opening Ceremony marking the start of the competition. However, in the days leading up to the Opening Ceremony, there are a number of sporting events that will begin before the Opening Ceremony.

The group stages of the football and rugby seven pool rounds will take place on Wednesday 24 July, while the archery, football, handball and rugby sevens competitions will begin on Thursday 25 July.

On Saturday, July 27, it will kick off with a number of sports, including artistic gymnastics, basketball, boxing, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

How long are the Olympic Games?

The 2024 Olympic Games will last 16 days, with the final day of sport on Sunday, August 11. During those final few hours, fans will be able to watch events in athletics, basketball, handball, modern pentathlon, track cycling, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling.

The day will conclude with the closing ceremony, which will conclude the Games for another four years. We will have to wait until 2028 before the Olympics return and will be held in Los Angeles.