Eurostar has unveiled its first-ever Golden Train in celebration of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Promising customers and athletes a medal-worthy journey, the train’s first departure on Tuesday 25 June was christened by world-renowned Olympian Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, ParalympicsGB double gold medallist Maisie Summers-Newton, and former Team GB athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton.
The golden e320 trains, decorated in honour of the athletes, are set to transport competitors and customers on the way out to Paris, throughout the games and on a very special return. As the official travel partner for Team GB and ParalympicsGB for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Eurostar is gearing up to welcome over 2,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes on board from four teams: Team GB, Team Belgium, Team Netherlands, and Team Germany.
Between July and September, two million customers are expected to travel to the Games via Eurostar’s high-speed service, with peak travel days aligning with the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics—from 25 to 27 July and 10 to 12 August.
To mark this occasion, Eurostar invited Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Maisie Summers-Newton, and Perri Shakes-Drayton to St Pancras International to discuss their ambitions for this summer of sport.
Ahead of the launch, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill commented: “As we gear up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Eurostar’s Golden Train symbolises the journey towards excellence. It’s an honour to be part of this launch, and I wish all the athletes the best as they compete on the world stage as I pass the baton to talent such as Maisie.”
Excited at the prospect of taking gold home at this year’s Paralympics, Maisie Summers-Newton added: “Launching Eurostar’s Golden Train is an incredible experience. The Paralympic Games are a testament to resilience and determination, and I am excited to be part of an event that celebrates these values and can’t wait to compete in the Paris 2024 games.”
Perri Shakes-Drayton also shared her excitement: “The Golden Train is a fantastic initiative by Eurostar. It brings together athletes and supporters, highlighting the unity and spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have.”
Eurostar’s commitment to sustainability means that athletes travelling to Paris will reduce their carbon footprint significantly while travelling to the continent and back. According to a study by EcoRes (performed in 2023), the 2,000 athletes, Olympians, Paralympians, and their staff travelling to Paris with Eurostar will be cutting their CO2 emissions by up to 96% compared to air or coach travel.
Image credit: Eurostar
