In total, 60 athletes (42 men and 18 women) will defend the national colors at the Paris Olympics, in 19 sporting disciplines.
These are athletics (13 athletes), rowing (1), beach volleyball (2), boxing (3), breaking (2), canoeing (2), cycling ( 2), fencing (2), football (18), golf (1), judo (3), wrestling (1), swimming (2), skateboarding (1), equestrian sports ( 2), surfing (1), taekwondo (2), sports shooting (1) and triathlon (1).
He stressed that “qualifying for the Olympic Games has become an achievement in itself, given the strong competition that has become characteristic of the qualifying competitions in the different sporting disciplines”, noting that “many records recorded during the qualifying rounds far exceed those achieved during the Olympic Games and that the Moroccan champions must be proud of their qualification.”
He added that winning a ticket for the Olympics “is the start of a long journey before getting on the podium”, emphasizing the importance of showing combativeness to defend the national colors, which notably involves good preparation and strong will.
Mr. Laraïchi reiterated the readiness of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee to provide all its support to these champions, particularly on the moral and psychological levels, and to overcome all the obstacles they face by creating the appropriate conditions to participate in the Olympics and achieve the expected objectives.
The president of the CNOM called on Moroccan athletes to redouble their efforts and give the best of themselves to represent the Kingdom in the best possible way and get on the podium, believing that the pressure to win the gold medal “must be positive” and a source of motivation.
In Paris, Morocco aims to achieve better participation than in previous Olympics and honor the national colors.
Morocco has won 24 medals in total during its participation in the Olympic Games since 1960 in Rome, including 7 gold, 5 silver and 12 bronze.
Athletics took the lion’s share of these medals, with 20 medals, including 7 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze.
How has gender representation in the Olympics evolved over the years, and what impact does this have on the upcoming Paris Games?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Expert on the Upcoming Paris Olympics
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special Olympic edition. Today, we have with us Dr. Alex Moreno, a sports anthropologist and Olympic expert. Dr. Moreno, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Alex Moreno: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss the upcoming Paris Olympics!
Editor: This year, we’ll see 60 athletes from our nation competing in 19 different sports. How does this compare historically to previous Olympic Games?
Dr. Moreno: It’s quite a significant representation! We’ve seen an increase in both the number of athletes and the diversity of sports. In the past, the focus might have been primarily on traditional sports like athletics and swimming, but now we’re seeing competitions in breaking and surfing, which reflects a wider range of interests among athletes and spectators alike.
Editor: Speaking of sports, athletics has the largest number of athletes representing us, with 13 competitors. What makes athletics such a central focus for Olympic representation?
Dr. Moreno: Athletics is often viewed as the backbone of the Olympics. It’s a showcase of pure physical prowess—sprinting, distance running, jumping events—everything that truly embodies human capability. Additionally, the qualifications for these events can be exceptionally rigorous, which makes qualifying for the Games a huge achievement on its own.
Editor: You mentioned the competitiveness of qualifying. Can you elaborate on why it’s become such an achievement in itself?
Dr. Moreno: Absolutely. The pathways to qualification have become increasingly challenging due to the number of athletes vying for spots. Countries are investing more in their training programs and scouting talent, resulting in more athletes pushing for those limited Olympic positions. Hence, just making it to the Games symbolizes an athlete’s intense dedication, skill, and resilience.
Editor: It’s fascinating to hear how qualification is a triumph in today’s competitive landscape. We’ve also seen the inclusion of sports like breaking and skateboarding—how do you think this impacts the Olympic movement?
Dr. Moreno: The inclusion of sports like breaking and skateboarding broadens the appeal of the Olympics, especially to younger audiences. These sports are more than just competitions; they are cultural movements that reflect urban life and modern creativity. They might attract a new generation of fans who might not traditionally follow the Olympics, which is vital for the future of the Games.
Editor: Absolutely, tapping into new demographics is essential. We have a diverse group of 60 athletes, including 42 men and 18 women. How important is gender representation in the Olympics, and how has it evolved?
Dr. Moreno: Gender representation in the Olympics is crucial. Over the years, we’ve seen significant strides toward gender equality. The mere fact that there are dedicated women’s events in the majority of sports—compared to just men’s events in the early Olympics—speaks volumes about this evolution. It sends a strong message that athletic achievement is not determined by gender but by skill and determination.
Editor: Lastly, with the Paris Olympics on the horizon, what do you think will be the defining storyline of these Games?
Dr. Moreno: I anticipate that the defining storyline will revolve around emerging athletes showcasing new sports alongside established champions. It’s a melding of tradition and innovation. Plus, the backdrop of Paris, with its rich history and vibrant culture, will make it even more memorable. We might also see narratives around mental health and athlete well-being gain more attention, which is important in today’s sports climate.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreno. Your insights are invaluable as we look forward to an exciting Olympic season in Paris!
Dr. Moreno: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.