Britons buying more Olympic tickets than any country outside France

The Team GB effect has led to British fans snapping up more tickets for this summer’s Olympics than any other country outside France, Paris 2024 organisers have revealed.

So far Britons have bought 480,000 of the 7.6 million tickets already sold for the Games – significantly ahead of the US and Germany, who are the next closest.

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Speaking on a trip to the UK, the Paris 2024 chief executive, Étienne Thobois, attributed the huge interest to the lingering impact of London 2012 and the fact that the French capital is so close.

“Yes, Britain is the first market by far outside of France, with almost 500,000 tickets sold,” Thobois said. “We are very happy that Team GB is coming in force. And they will have great expectations. The British supporters are very close, it’s less than three hours away.

“London 2012 is still in the memories of everyone. It was an inspiring Games for us, too. We are more than happy to see the Brits come in force to cheer for the athletes of the world in Paris.

“We are looking forward to welcoming them to Paris. There are still tickets for the Olympics and Paralympics. We are waiting for you.”

Thobois also confirmed that 197 countries had now bought tickets for the Olympics, with 76% of the 10m seats available now sold. Of the remainder, most are in the football tournament, with fans waiting for the draw before buying tickets. However, Thobois admitted that he was disappointed that there would be no Great Britain women’s team after Sarina Wiegman’s side failed to qualify from their Nations League group.

“The British women’s football team would have been interesting competitors,” he said. “It will be an exciting tournament. The French. The USA should be there. Women’s football is picking up very nicely.”