The countdown to the 33rd Summer Olympic Games, set to commence on 26th July, has begun. Paris is poised to welcome over 10,000 athletes from around the globe, competing across more than 30 diverse disciplines. The excitement is palpable, sparking conversations and varied opinions worldwide.
To gauge public sentiment, MIS Group conducted a comprehensive online survey spanning France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US. Over 6,000 participants shared their views on the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games, their favourite sports and their expectations for the event.
Interestingly, enthusiasm levels among the host nation's residents appear more subdued compared to their European counterparts and those across the Atlantic. While 42% of French respondents express "No impatience" towards the Games, 46% of Italians, 57% of Britons, 65% of Spaniards and 64% of Americans eagerly anticipate the event with varying degrees of excitement. This mixed response stems partly from concerns about the Games' organisation, with only 19% of French respondents expressing full confidence in France and the Olympic Committee to ensure smooth proceedings.
Despite reservations, interest in the competition remains significant. A substantial 65% of respondents plan to tune in for the opening ceremony, with 85% intending to follow the events and results primarily through live television broadcasts (82%).
Across Europe, athletics, swimming and football dominate as the most followed disciplines, while in the United States, artistic gymnastics and basketball take precedence. These preferences reflect not only cultural distinctions but also align with the strengths of each nation's athletes.
The stage is set for an unforgettable Olympic spectacle, where sportsmanship, cultural diversity and global unity will take centre stage in the heart of Paris
Ranking by country of answers to the question "Which disciplines do you plan to follow?"
| France | Germany | Italy | Spain | United Kingdom | US | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position 1 | Athletics | 52% | Football | 51% | Athletics | 56% | Football | 53% | Athletics | 58% | Swimming | 43% |
| Position 2 | Swimming | 45% | Athletics | 42% | Swimming | 52% | Athletics | 52% | Swimming | 51% | Artistic gymnastics | 36% |
| Position 3 | Football | 44% | Swimming | 39% | Football | 47% | Swimming | 47% | Football | 42% | Basket-ball | 35% |
| Position 1 | Position 2 | Position 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics 52% |
Swimming 45% |
Football 44% |
|
| Football 51% |
Athletics 42% |
Swimming 39% |
|
| Athletics 56% |
Swimming 52% |
Football 47% |
|
| Football 53% |
Athletics 52% |
Swimming 47% |
|
| Athletics 58% |
Swimming 51% |
Football 42% |
|
| Swimming 43% |
Artistic gymnastics 36% |
Basket-ball 35% |
Reading example: Among the French people questioned, 52% plan to follow athletics, 45% swimming and 44% football.
As the anticipation builds, new disciplines are set to captivate audiences worldwide. Among these additions, surfing (10%) and skateboarding (10%) pique the curiosity of respondents, closely followed by climbing (8%). Breaking, a dance style originating from the United States in the 1970s, garners the least attention with only 4% expressing interest in following this discipline.
Despite varying levels of interest in specific sports, the survey underscores a clear enthusiasm for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Remarkably, 50% of respondents plan to follow the events and results of the Paralympic competition, scheduled to commence on 28th August.
Methodology Note:
This survey was conducted via a quantitative online approach on our panel from 13th June to 15th June 2024. It involved 3,000 respondents aged 18 and over (600 per country), ensuring representation across genders and age groups reflective of each country's population.
