Of course 2024 is a somewhat, what shall we say, not a somewhat but a very special year. This grand slam is the 50th of the name. A tournament of such longevity is incredible and largely explains the enthusiasm it causes but let's not hide behind the numbers, 2024 is also the year of the Paris Olympic Games and obviously everyone has that in mind.
This is true for the athletes who are there to collect the precious qualifying points or who are there because they know that Paris is an excellent preparation for the big rendezvous to come. For officials and organiqers who are fine-tuning the final details, it could make the difference in a few months. For spectators and judo fans too, everyone can enjoy admiring their favourite judoka one last time, before their return in July.
We will remember that this first day, which promised to be a little less busy among public, knowing that it is still in the middle of the working week, still attracted a very large audience; such is the magic of Paris, such is this very special atmosphere which means that even if you have already attended countless times, to work or compete at the Paris Grand Slam, you always have immense pleasure to be here.
Paris, we love you!