The 2024 Summer Olympics are nearly here.The host city, Paris, will kick off the Games with an opening ceremony on Friday. A flotilla of boats will make its way down the city's river, the Seine.This is the first in a special 1A series we're bringing you this week about the Summer Olympics, called "Rings and Things."We'll take part of the show over the next four days to bring you the Olympics from a new angle. A different story embedded in this massive, international competition.We examine how Paris prepared and the challenges that could still remain for the city during the 16 days of competition. We also look at what sports and athletes you should keep an eye out for.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy