The radical change of the Stade de France’s athletics track #
The athletics track, a symbol of the games, has undergone a radical transformation that will leave you in awe. It’s not the usual tan or terra cotta, but a stunning shade of purple.
This bold move is a departure from tradition, a creative approach by the Paris 2024 organisers. The choice of purple is significant as it’s one of the three colours associated with the Paris Olympics, together with green and blue, and will be used across all competition sites.
Unveiling a unique blend of old and new #
Upon closer inspection, the purple track is not just a single shade. It consists of two tones – a lighter one for the competition areas and a darker shade for service zones. Adding to this blend of colours is a touch of grey, a nostalgic nod to the 1924 Paris Olympics, paying homage to the cinder track of a hundred years ago.
The track material, delivered in rolls from Piemont, Northern Italy, is carefully laid out on the stadium’s asphalt. This sports coating, named Mondotrack EB, is the brainchild of Mondo, a leading global sports equipment manufacturer. This track will mark their 13th participation in the Olympics.
Embracing a more eco-friendly approach #
But it’s not just the colour that’s different. The new track also boasts of being ‘much more eco-friendly’ than its predecessors. The track comprises primarily of rubber, but an innovative approach has allowed for the reduction of petroleum-based material. Crushed mussel shells, a waste product, are used as an alternative, making the track more sustainable.
With 13,000 square meters of coatings to be laid, the installation process is a massive undertaking. It requires over 1,000 rolls of track, 2,800 pots of glue and favourable weather conditions. The track has to meet the International Athletics Federation’s flatness levels, and the work is expected to last several weeks, with the final handover to the organising committee scheduled for June 1st.
Fast facts #
- Exhibition of bold creativity with a purple track
- Homage to 1924 Olympics with a touch of grey
- Track made more sustainable with the use of crushed mussel shells
FAQ:
- Why is the track purple?The organisers wanted to be creative and different. Purple is also one of the three colours associated with the Paris Olympics.
- What is the significance of the grey colour?The grey is a nod to the 1924 Paris Olympics, symbolising the cinder track used a hundred years ago.
- Who is responsible for the track’s installation?Mondo, an Italian family company renowned for sports equipment, is responsible for the track’s installation.
- How is this track more eco-friendly?Crushed mussel shells are used to reduce the amount of petroleum-based material in the track.
- When will the track be ready?The track is expected to be handed over to the organising committee on June 1st.
