Why the world's best athletes are ringing a huge bell at the end of their events at the Paris Olympics
- Rugby stars rung the bell after winning their gold medals
- Now track and field stars including Noah Lyles are having their turn
- The bell will become an iconic part of Olympic Games history
The Stade de France has been transformed from a rugby stadium to the home of track and field events at the Paris Olympics but still features a significant symbol: the large victory bell at one end of the field.
Initially used by rugby winners, the bell is now being rung by track and field gold medalists and is becoming a highlight of the 2024 Paris Games.
The bell, inscribed with 'Paris 2024,' is positioned on the edge of the track at the iconic venue.
Following the conclusion of the Games, the bell will be relocated to Notre Dame Cathedral as part of its ongoing renovation after it was almost destroyed by fire in 2019.
The blaze severely damaged the historic cathedral, causing the collapse of its spire and much of its roof.
Extensive restoration efforts were required to preserve the iconic structure.
Once the restoration is complete, the bell used at the Paris Games will be suspended in one of the cathedral's bell towers, allowing the sound of Olympic glory to be heard from Notre Dame for years to come.
Noah Lyles of the United States rings the bell after winning the men's 100m final in Paris
Rugby players were the first to ring the bell when the Stade de France was playing host to the Sevens competition before track and field took over at the famous venue
Notre Dame's bells have rung only twice since the fire: for the funeral of former French President Jacques Chirac in 2020 and to mark the first anniversary of the blaze.
'In a way, Paris 2024 is helping to rebuild Notre-Dame. A part of the Games and the Olympic spirit will remain in Notre-Dame for life,' said Stade de France manager Pierre-André Lacout.
During the rugby tournament, the bell became a photo staple for winners.
The French men's team rang it after capturing gold in the men's tournament, celebrating in front of nearly 70,000 fans.
The American women's team posed with the bell after their bronze medal win, also getting a chance to make it chime.
Gold medallist Yaroslava Mahuchikh also rang the bell, which will be moved to Notre Dame Cathedral after the Olympics
The bell had only been rung twice since the devastating Notre Dame fire of 2019 before athletes like Thea Lafond of Dominica got to ring it in victory
The tradition now continues with track athletes, with only gold medal winners having the honour of ringing the bell including 100m sprint star Noah Lyles and Ukraine high jump winner Yaroslava Mahuchikh.
The bell was crafted in Normandy at the Fonderie Cornille Havard in Villedieu-les-Poêles-Rouffigny.
Notre Dame typically has 10 church bells, with larger historic bells weighing between two and three tons.
The Olympic bell will join the smaller bells once the cathedral's spire is repaired.
Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organising committee, praised the bell-ringing as a way to engage supporters and incorporate Parisian culture into every venue.
'It's just for the gold medalists, and it's a great way for them to celebrate,' Estanguet said.
