Google’s latest Doodle shines a spotlight on sailing as part of its ongoing homage to the Paris Olympics 2024. The new animation, featured on the search engine’s homepage, depicts an endearing scene set at the Marseilles Marina. In the GIF, a bird is seen embarking on a sailing adventure, assisted by a dog pulling its boat towards the shore.
The charming animation is part of Google’s series honoring the Summer Games in Paris. Previous Doodles have celebrated a range of Olympic sports, including surfing, artistic gymnastics, and football. This edition captures the vibrant spirit of sailing against the picturesque backdrop of Marseilles.
Google’s August 2 Doodle is visible in over a hundred countries, with a special focus on those participating in the Paris Olympics 2024. The series continues to highlight various sports events leading up to the Games.
Sailing at the Summer Olympics
Sailing has been a part of the Olympic Games since their modern inception in Athens in 1896, although it was initially canceled due to weather conditions. The sport has generally been a staple, with exceptions in 1904 and 1916.
For the 2024 Summer Olympics, sailing kicked off on July 28 and continues till August 8 at the Marseille Marina. This year, the number of competitors will be reduced from 350 to 330, ensuring equal representation of male and female sailors. The event will feature 65 National Olympic Committees. However, India will not be participating in the sailing events. This year’s adjustments aim to promote gender equality and diversify the global representation in the sport.
Indian’s at Paris Olympics 2024
India’s Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan are set to compete in sailing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Nethra will represent India in the women’s dinghy event, while Vishnu, a bronze medalist from the 2023 Asian Games, will compete in the men’s dinghy.
Both athletes are making their second appearance at the Olympics. At Tokyo 2020, Nethra finished 35th, and Vishnu placed 20th. Alongside the men’s 49er pair of KC Ganapathy and Varun Thakkar, Nethra and Vishnu were part of India’s four-member sailing team in Tokyo.
The dinghy competitions at Paris 2024 will follow a similar format, starting with an opening series of 10 races spread over several days.
