The 2024 Paris Olympics kicked off with a grand opening ceremony that captivated audiences worldwide. For the first time in Olympic history, the ceremony unfolded outside a traditional stadium, showcasing the beauty and grandeur of Paris along the iconic Seine River.
A River Parade Like No Other
The ceremony, which began at 7:30 PM Paris time, will last for three hours and 45 minutes. This nearly four-hour event features a floating parade with 7,000 athletes from 205 countries and a refugee team. Starting from the Austerlitz Bridge, the athletes will travel in over 90 boats, passing by some of Paris’s most famous landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.
Organisers promised an unprecedented spectacle, and they delivered. Each boat represented a different country, celebrating a vibrant display of unity and diversity. As tradition dictates, the Greek team led the parade, followed by the refugee athletes who were warmly welcomed by the crowd.
Celebrating with Dignitaries and Stars
The event was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and over a hundred other dignitaries. Adding to the evening’s glamour, American singer Lady Gaga performed on a specially prepared set on the riverbank, delighting spectators with a rendition of the famous French ‘Can-Can’ cabaret music, accompanied by a troupe of 80 dancers.
Despite the rain that hit Paris hours before the parade, the spirit of the athletes and the enthusiasm of the spectators remained undampened. The parade, stretching six kilometres along the Seine, saw around 6,800 athletes making their way in boats, while some chose to skip the show due to their upcoming competitions.
Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams both carried Olympic torches Friday morning (26th July) in the final leg of the 2024 relay, which will soon culminate in the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremonies, signifying the beginning of the Paris Games.
Olympics 2024 | Some Important Facts
The first Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece, in 776 BC as a religious festival dedicated to Zeus. The modern Summer Olympic Games, which began in 1896, are held every four years. The first modern Olympics took place in Athens, Greece, thanks to the efforts of Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator who played a central role in the revival of the Olympic Games after nearly 1,500 years of abeyance. As of 2024, it has been 128 years since the inception of the modern Olympics. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will mark the 33rd edition of these games.
- Historic Return: The Olympics, starting today, 26 July 2024, and ending on 11 August 2024, were previously held in Paris in 1900 and 1924. Paris is hosting the Summer Olympics for the third time.
- Mascot: The official mascot is a Phrygian cap, symbolising freedom and the spirit of the French Revolution.
- Athlete Participation: Approximately 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries will compete in 329 events across 32 sports, including new additions like surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing, and breaking (breakdancing).
- Sustainability: The Paris Olympics aim to be the greenest in history, with 95% of the venues being existing or temporary, and a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions.
- Medals: The medals will be made from recycled materials, including metals extracted from electronic waste.
- Torch Relay: The Olympic Torch Relay will travel through various regions of France, highlighting cultural and historical landmarks.
- Security: Advanced security measures will be implemented, including the use of artificial intelligence and drones for surveillance and crowd management.
- Technology: Cutting-edge technology, including augmented reality and virtual reality applications, will be used to enhance the spectator experience.
Zinedine Zidane
The Olympic flame, carried by French football legend Zinedine Zidane, added a poignant touch to the ceremony. Zidane, who celebrated France’s 1998 World Cup victory, passed the torch to youngsters, symbolising the transfer of Olympic values to the next generation.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, Zidane played a heroic role in the ceremony. In a prologue video, he rescued the Olympic flame from the Stade de France and carried it to the Seine. Zidane’s appearance as the last torchbearer officially kicked off the Paris 2024 Olympics, with 206 nations unveiled on boats against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.
As the world turns its eyes to Paris for the 2024 Games, there is no doubt that this opening ceremony will deliver a unique and unforgettable Olympic experience of the highest calibre.
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