Paris Olympics showcase athletes who choose to train in Arizona’s heat, high altitude

PARIS - Olympic athletes are increasingly training in Arizona, utilizing the state's high-altitude and extreme heat environments to enhance their endurance and resilience for the Olympics

The bright yellow aspen trees north of Flagstaff are the idea backdrop for athletes who come to Arizona to train in high altitude. Many have gone on to become Olympians. (File photo by Payton Major/Cronkite News)

University of Arizona swimmer Sheikhalizadehkhanghah represents Azerbaijan in Paris Olympics

PARIS - University of Arizona swimmer Maryam Sheikhalizadehkhanghah made her second Olympic appearance in Paris, representing Azerbaijan in the 50-meter freestyle. Despite the challenges of the Games, she’s now focused on competing in the Big-12 conference as she returns to Arizona.

Mariam Sheikhalizadehkhanghah, center, reacts after competing in a heat of the women's 50-meter freestyle swimming event during the Paris Games. Sheikhalizadehkhanghah is excited to return to the University of Arizona and compete in the Big 12. (Photo by Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images)

A plunge into greatness: Arizona diver Delaney Schnell wraps up second Olympics

PARIS - Tucson native and former University of Arizona diver Delaney Schnell completed her second trip to the Olympics. After earning the silver medal at the Tokyo Games, she failed to medal in Paris but still found the experience memorable.

Tucson's Delaney Schnell competes in the women's 10-meter platform diving preliminary during the Paris Games. Although she didn't medal in her two events, she embraced her experience in Paris. (Photo by OLI Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

Action! Paris’ beauty translates to a city that serves as a backdrop to endless movies

PARIS - Paris has been one of the most popular cities for movie sets since 1895, with iconic films in every decade since. While delivering endless scenes, a challenge comes along with everyone wanting a piece of Paris.

An Amélie poster is displayed on the side of Au Marche De La Butte, a famous landmark from the movie, in Paris. The city is popular with filmakers because of its beauty. (Photo by Sydney Lovan/Special for Cronkite News)

As Paris Olympics comes to a close, gender equity, inclusivity discussions continue

PARIS - With Los Angeles 2028 approaching, the legacy of Paris 2024 will continue to spark conversations around inclusivity in sports, with “Salon” serving as a symbol for unity and diversity. This Olympics sculpture will offer a place for people of all backgrounds to come together.

Passersby flock around the Olympic statue, "Salon," to stop and take pictures or sit in one of its six chairs. The statue sends a strong message about inclusivity. (Photo by Melanie Hogue/Cronkite News)

Big events often hurt business, but Paris’ historic Le Sarah Bernhardt cafe perseveres during Olympics despite closure

PARIS - It may surprise some, but businesses often struggle during big events. The historic Le Sarah Bernhardt cafe had to close down for nine days during Paris Olympics security details.

The Paris Olympics have not been beneficial to many city restaurants, but Le Sarah Bernhardt cafe has persevered despite closure. (Photo by Doyal D'angelo/Courtesy of Cronkite News)

Soul food in Paris? Popular Gumbo YaYa attracts hip hop stars, loyal following during Olympics

PARIS - In the heart of Paris, Lionel Chauvel-Maga created the first soul food restaurant in the City of Light almost 10 years ago. Now, it's one of the most popular places, not just because of the famous chicken and waffles but also because of the culture surrounding it.

The front of the restaurant Gumbo YaYa Southern Kitchen in Paris, France, invites diners who want a different culinary experience in the City of Light. (Photo by Sydney Lovan/Special for Cronkite News)

Cardboard cutouts: ‘Stiff’ beds in Olympic Village receive mixed reviews as Paris Games wind down

PARIS - Athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics have mixed reactions to the eco-friendly cardboard beds in the Olympic Village, with some criticizing the lack of comfort. Despite the complaints, the Paris Olympic Committee defends the decision, emphasizing the environmental benefits.

A look at the beds and mattresses inside a mattress fitting room in the Athletes' Village ahead of the Paris Olympics showcases the cardboard frame. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

AR takes center stage at Paris Olympics, from interactive vending machines to immersive posters

PARIS - The Paris 2024 Olympics features over 15 immersive AR experiences through collaborations with Snap Inc. and Coca-Cola. Discover innovative ways to engage with the Games, from interactive Lenses to the world's first AR vending machine.

Station F, the largest startup campus in the world and home to 1,000 startups, houses Snap’s AR studio. (Photo by Melanie Hogue/Special to Cronkite News)

As closing ceremony nears, Paris drag community offers support of artistic Olympic celebrations

PARIS - The Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony celebrated the city’s diversity with drag queens, sparking a lively debate involving inclusivity and Christianity. Defended by performers from Madame Arthur and supported by Deputy Mayor Féréric Hocquad, the event showed Paris’s commitment to artistic freedom and inclusivity despite backlash.

Cabaret performer Maud Amour captivates the audience during one of the many shows put on at the popular Madame Arthur Cabaret Club in Paris. (Photo by Savannah Bowie/Special for Cronkite News)

Japan captures first breaking gold as new Olympic sport bring street culture to the world stage

PARIS - Team USA Breaking will make its Olympic debut in Paris. Dancers hope to inspire youth movement in the sport, even if it won’t return in Los Angeles.

U.S. Olympic team breaking athlete Sunny Choi laughs while answering questions during an open practice at the High Performance Center in Paris. (Photo by Sydney Lovan/Special for Cronkite News)

From hanging with Snoop to fangirling over athletes, the U.S. women’s basketball team seeks balance during Olympics

PARIS - The US. women’s basketball team has a very short time to build chemistry, but they are doing well so far. The talent on the team helps them come together. They also are taking some time to enjoy this Olympics outside of competition.

Snoop Dogg and the Team USA women's basketball team are seen onstage during "A Celebration of Olympic Basketball" presented by NBC Universal and NBA at Team USA House in Paris. (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for NBC Universal)