Shirtless Climber Scales Eiffel Tower, Disrupting Paris Olympics Closing Preparations

On Sunday afternoon, just hours before the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, a daring individual caused a commotion by scaling the Eiffel Tower shirtless.

The stunt, which involved the climber ascending the 330-meter landmark, took place amidst the tower’s temporary adornment with the blue ring of the Olympics logo. This dramatic event unfolded as the city was gearing up for the grand conclusion of the Summer Games.

The incident forced French police to take immediate action, resulting in the evacuation of the area surrounding the Eiffel Tower. As a result, tourists and visitors were escorted away from the site, with some even being temporarily stuck on the second viewing deck for about 30 minutes.

The precise starting point of the climber’s ascent remains unclear, but his climb was observed as he gained significant height near the tower’s first viewing deck.

The Eiffel Tower has played a prominent role throughout the Paris Summer Games, serving not only as a stunning backdrop but also as the site for some of the event’s activities.

A temporary stadium was constructed beneath the tower for beach volleyball matches, and the iconic structure was prominently featured during the opening ceremony, including Celine Dion’s notable performance from one of its viewing platforms.

In preparation for the high-profile events, including the closing ceremony, French authorities had bolstered security measures. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin had announced a substantial deployment of law enforcement, with 3,000 officers stationed at the Stade de France and an additional 20,000 officers spread throughout Paris.

This heightened security posture was partly influenced by recent security threats, including a foiled terror plot targeting Taylor Swift’s tour in Austria.

The Eiffel Tower’s unexpected climb and the ensuing security response highlight both the tower’s central role in the Olympics and the heightened vigilance surrounding major international events. The climber’s stunt, while dramatic, underscored the significant efforts made by French authorities to ensure public safety during the high-profile Summer Games.