LeBron James, Steph Curry, Diana Taurasi, and more of the world’s best basketball players hit the hardwood at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But behind the scenes, it took another kind of “Dream Team” to have the sports floors ready for tip-off. Enter Junckers, a solid wood flooring manufacturer headquartered in Denmark, with local stock and offices in the United States.
Junckers was selected due to their long-term partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), for which they have served as the global supplier from 2021 to 2024. The company is no stranger to major tournaments, as they have provided the assist with flooring projects for the FIBA EuroBasket 2022, FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, 2019 Lima Pan American Games, 2016 Rio Olympics, 2014 Asian Games, and the EuroLeague Final Four in Berlin.
Thomas Bendixen, CEO of Junckers, says when compared to a standard sports floor at a school, the biggest difference with a marquee project like the Olympics lies in the timeframe and precision for installation.
“The group stage was played in Lille (Pierre-Mauroy Stadium), and as the tournament reached the playoffs, it took place in Paris (Bercy Arena) where the winner was decided,” explains Bendixen. “This distribution of events required a sports floor that is quick to install and dismantle, as well as strong project management to ensure everything ran smoothly. It was critical that everything worked perfectly.”
The floors were manufactured in Junckers’ Denmark factory. According to Thomas Flindt, manager of product development/technical support for Junckers, the assembly, painting, and finishing took about three weeks. Preparations are not a buzzer-beater, though; they began almost a year in advance.
with local stock and offices in the United States, was selected due to their long-term partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
“The design is directed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reflecting the Olympics’ theme,” shares Flindt. “FIBA sets the performance requirements, needing a FIBA Level 1 approved floor. We actively participated as advisors in the project, influencing decisions based on our extensive knowledge and experience. This collaboration ensures the flooring meets all technical and aesthetic requirements, supporting both the athletes’ performance and the visual impact of the games.”
“In Paris, the Bercy Arena was transformed from gymnastics to basketball in 16 hours. Things must be timed just right to achieve that, because the whole arena was stripped down and there was a whole new setup with our floors, referee tables, logos – you name it.”
— Thomas Flindt, manager of product development/technical support for Junckers
Flindt takes us through the details of the flooring, adding that Junckers’ Pro Complete 44 system was ideal for the job since it is quick to install and dismantle, highly durable, and offers excellent shock absorption.
“The floor is our Pro Complete 44 Portable Sports Floor system, consisting of 7/8” (22 mm) solid hardwood strips preassembled into lightweight, hand-carried panels,” he says. “For the tournament, the wood species was press-dried beech, which offers superior stability and resistance to wear. We provided two tournament floors and four warm-up courts, totaling just over 34,500 square feet. The finish used was Junckers HP800 Sport, a high-performance polyurethane lacquer approved and officially certified by FIBA.”
To help ensure a successful installation, both Bendixen and Flindt traveled to Paris. They brought along drawings of the court and a plan that included details such as where to place the benches for substitutions and television cameras.
“The organizers need to make sure the subfloors meet our requirements and specs, and then there’s the whole timing of it,” shares Flindt. “In Paris, the Bercy Arena was transformed from gymnastics to basketball in 16 hours. Things must be timed just right to achieve that, because the whole arena was stripped down and there was a whole new setup with our floors, referee tables, logos – you name it.”
Junckers had a team of technicians onsite in Paris throughout the games in case any maintenance needs arose. Fortunately, Flindt says nothing came up and the floors performed exactly as they should.
“It was a fantastic experience seeing our floors receive such positive feedback and perform flawlessly,” he recalls. “The professionalism and dedication of everyone involved in the Paris Olympics created a supportive and upbeat atmosphere, even under pressure. During the night when we transformed the Bercy Arena, people were still positive and hardworking at 3:00 a.m.”
As you might expect, the Olympic flooring ignited enthusiasm throughout the Junckers team while they worked to make this project a slam dunk.
“Seeing the Olympic rings on our products evokes tremendous emotion. It makes you realize that this is more than a floor – it’s the stage for one of the most anticipated tournaments of the Olympics,” says Bendixen. “The finished product is not only a testament to our technical capabilities, but also reflects our commitment to excellence and our strategic focus on sports. Naturally, there’s a huge sense of pride associated with that.”
A gold medal experience for all involved, including Team USA’s men’s and women’s basketball teams.
