As we watch in awe of the athleticism of the athletes in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, we want to take a moment to highlight an often overlooked yet critical contributor to the success of this global event: the oil and natural gas industry.

Here are six ways in which this industry plays an essential role in making the Olympics possible:

1. Infrastructure: The construction of Olympic venues, including stadiums, aquatic centers, and velodromes, relies heavily on materials such as steel, concrete, and asphalt, all of which are derived from oil and natural gas by-products.
   
2. Transportation: Efficient transportation is crucial for the movement of athletes, officials, and spectators. The oil and natural gas industry provides the fuel necessary for airplanes, buses, and cars.
   
3. Equipment: Much of the sports equipment is made from petrochemical products. For example, the lightweight and durable materials used in bicycles for track cycling events, and the synthetic turf for field hockey, are all derived from oil and natural gas. Essential equipment such as bike tires, helmets, volleyballs and swimming goggles contain rubbers and plastics derived from natural gas liquids (NGLs) like propane.
   
4. Uniforms and clothing: The high-performance fabrics like polyester, nylon and spandex that define athletes’ uniforms are made from from petrochemical products for their lightweight, durable, and water-resistant properties. 
   
5. Lighting and Heating: The oil and natural gas industry provides the energy needed to light up stadiums for night events and to maintain optimal temperatures in indoor arenas. Events like gymnastics and swimming rely on a consistent and reliable power supply to ensure athletes can perform under the best conditions and spectators can enjoy the events comfortably.
   
6. Broadcasting: The global broadcast of the Olympic Games is made possible through satellite technology and the energy required to power broadcasting equipment. This technology ensures that millions of viewers around the world can watch their favorite sports, such as gymnastics, athletics, and swimming, in real-time, bringing the excitement of the Olympics into their homes.

As you settle in to enjoy the athletic feats at the 2024 Paris Olympics, take a moment to appreciate how natural gas and oil byproducts have driven innovation and supported the dynamic world of athletic competition. Their role extends beyond mere materials to underpinning the very fabric of these globally celebrated games. Our country’s superhighway of underground pipelines provides the safe and efficient transportation of the petroleum and natural gas products that transport these essential energy products.

Learn more by visiting us at EnergyTransfer.com.
Special thanks to TXOGA for this post.