Tuesday 26 July marked 12 months to go until the Olympic Games opening ceremony, while the Paralympics countdown officially begins on Wednesday 28 August.

For one night, Paralympians, Olympians and developing athletes put their training on hold to join coaches, local partners, and staff to celebrate the occasion with French music and cuisine.

With teams and athletes from Paddle Australia, Rowing Australia and Athletics Australia on site, it was the perfect opportunity to bring some French flair to Italy and hear about current preparations and the building excitement.

Canoeist and triple Paralympic gold medallist Curtis McGrath OAM spoke about his feelings around the lead up to Paris which will be his third consecutive Paralympics.

“I’m looking forward to having our friends and family on the sideline,” said McGrath.

“The Parisian people are going to put on an awesome games that everyone can participate in.”

Jamie Fernandez OLY, Rowing Australia Deputy Performance Manger and triple Olympian said the event gives their U19 rowing squad a taste of the games build up as they look towards LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

“We’re here immersed in it, and we’re here with Olympians and Paralympians, what a great opportunity. And to have a guy like Curtis here speaking, and reference the U19 kids - they’re pretty chuffed,” said Fernandez.

For many athletes, like sprinter Torrie Lewis, they are looking towards Paris to make their games debut.

"It's crazy to think that one year from now I could be about to compete at an Olympic Games," said the 18-year-old.

Lewis said that she was enjoying the opportunity to mix with athletes from other sports on the one year to go occasion.

"Even though we all do different events, we are all athletes working towards the same goal and it's really nice to experience that," said the reigning 100 and 200m National Champion.

ETC Lead, Fiona de Jong says that the proximity of the ETC to the games is invaluable and adds to the excitement on campus.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone getting into the spirit of the games and coming together as a team this evening. Paris 2024 will be here before we know it and the ETC is looking to support as many athletes and sports as possible with their preparations,” said Ms de Jong.

Over the next 12 months the ETC is already set to host over 500 athletes from across a range of sports including Athletics, Cycling, Football, Ice Hockey, Paddle/Canoe, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Skateboard (Street and Park), and Wheelchair Rugby.