Axios

The world's top athletes will float down the Seine Friday to officially commence the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Why it matters: Over 10,000 athletes representing more than 200 countries will show off their athletic prowess on the global stage over the next two weeks.

Salt Lake City will host the 2034 Winter Games, the International Olympic Committee formally announced Wednesday in Paris.

State of play: Thousands of fans waving flags with the Olympics symbol celebrated the news at a watch party in downtown Salt Lake that started around 3am MT.

Kayak cross is another new kid on the block at the Paris Olympics.

Why it matters: For the first time in Olympic history, athletes will compete in a sprint race combining kayak and canoe slalom disciplines.

Breaking is coming to the Paris Olympics and hip-hop culture will be on full display.

Why it matters: For the first time in Olympic history, 32 breakers (16 B-boys and 16 B-girls) will compete in one-on-one battles.

By 2050, a majority of the world will be too hot in the late summer to safely host the Olympics, according to an Axios analysis of data from CarbonPlan, a nonprofit climate research organization.

Why it matters: The Paris Olympics shines a spotlight on extreme heat, with Athletes raising concerns about scorching temperatures, which could not only affect the health of athletes and attendees, but also impact performance.

While all eyes will be on Paris when the Olympics kick off Friday, the City of Love this week resembles more of a ghost town.

Why it matters: A large swath of the city along the Seine River — home to the opening ceremony — is closed to all but those with permission or Olympic credentials.