The 1924 Paris Olympic Games, the VIII Olympiad, marked a significant step in the evolution of the modern Games. Hosted in Paris for the second time, these Games saw a substantial increase in international participation, with 44 nations sending over 3,000 athletes. For the first time, all athletes were housed in an Olympic Village, fostering a greater sense of camaraderie.

These Games also introduced several enduring Olympic traditions. The closing ceremony as we know it today, featuring the raising of the flags of the IOC, the host nation, and the next host nation, made its debut. Furthermore, the Paris Olympics were the first to be broadcast live over the radio, significantly expanding their reach. Exclusive rights for photography and filming were also established, a financial model that continues to underpin the Games.

On the field, the "Flying Finns," Paavo Nurmi and Ville Ritola, dominated distance running. American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller won three gold medals before his Hollywood career as Tarzan. The British runners Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, whose achievements were immortalized in the film "Chariots of Fire," captured gold in the 100m and 400m respectively, with Liddell famously refusing to run the 100m due to his religious beliefs. The United States topped the medal table, followed by Finland and France.

Despite these successes, the Games were not without controversy. The boxing events were particularly chaotic, marked by biting, questionable refereeing decisions, and fan unrest. Additionally, the art competitions, while reaching their peak in terms of participation, also faced scrutiny, with no gold medal awarded in music due to the judges' assessment of the entries. Nevertheless, the 1924 Paris Olympics are remembered as a pivotal moment that solidified many of the traditions and the international appeal of the modern Olympic Games.