Paris Games inspired pride and physical activity among Aussies

Keegan Palmer celebrating his gold medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With iconic venues and impressive performances, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games left a lasting impression on Australians, with new data revealing it sparked a surge of national pride and encouraged participation in sport.

According to the Australian Sports Commission’s Community Perceptions Monitor (CPM) survey, which captures public attitudes towards sport, 81 per cent of Australians watched at least some of the Olympic Games coverage, while 73 per cent tuned into the Paralympics.

More than half of those who engaged with the coverage reported feeling proud to be Australian and inspired by the athletes' dedication and performance.

This sense of pride translated into an increased desire to be active with twenty per cent of Olympic viewers and fifteen per cent of Paralympic viewers considering doing more physical activity as a result.

The survey also showed the Games influenced viewers to consider taking up a new sport or encourage their children to be active and participate in organised sport.

"The CPM findings underscore the power of major sporting events to unite communities, inspire individuals and foster national pride,” ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said.

"The remarkable performances of our athletes in Paris not only showcased athletic excellence but also reminded us that sport is about more than winning. Australians were moved by their resilience and sportsmanship, sparking a renewed enthusiasm for active lifestyles and participation in sport."

When it came to what people watched the most, swimming and athletics were in the top two spots across both events with diving also proving popular with Olympic audiences.

Australian Paralympian Qian Yang at the Paris 2024 Games.

Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll welcomed the findings.

“These latest results demonstrate the deep and continuing connection Australians have with the Olympic Movement in this country,” Mr Carroll said.

“The spirit of the Games continues to resonate right across Australia, with so many people experiencing greater feelings of inspiration and national pride, all sparked by what they witnessed in Paris.

“Even with the challenge of a significant time difference, it’s clear Australians were right behind our athletes as they took on the world. I acknowledge the efforts of our Member Sports, their athletes and officials, the Sports Commission, State Institutes and Governments from across Australia as well as our media and commercial partners, for playing their critical roles in making Paris such a success,” he said.

Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray added: "It's incredibly rewarding to see the Australian public engage so positively with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

"The report’s findings highlight the profound impact the Games had, inspiring pride in our nation and motivating many to consider participating in Para-sports or encouraging their children to do the same. It’s a reminder of the power of sport to bring us together and create positive change in our communities."

Looking ahead to Brisbane 2032, the CPM survey revealed interest is already high, with around four in five Australians showing enthusiasm and 83 per cent supportive of Australia as the host nation.

The ‘Impact of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the Australian community’report is available via the Clearinghouse for Sport.