The opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games kicked off in spectacular fashion, despite a rainy atmosphere in the French capital, with a lineup of high-spirited activities. The ceremony did not disappoint despite a few hitches here and there.
The opening event showcased an outstanding blend of French culture, elegance and style submerged in an Olympic spirit. From surreal performances by surprise artists, and dramatic moments, to appearances by famous personalities, below are some highlights of the unforgettable opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
High-Speed Train Network Sabotaged
Hours before the event commenced, the French high-speed train networks were allegedly sabotaged by unknown persons, which led to the cancellation and diversion of trains that were heading towards Paris. According to reports, the signal substations and cables on key lines linking Paris to major cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg, were damaged. A separate attempt to sabotage the Paris-Marseille line was however thwarted.
Boat Parade
The event finally started with a plume of blue, white, and red smoke released in the atmosphere to represent the French flag, followed by a floating parade of nations, with boats carrying Olympians (athletes) and national delegates along the Seine River, cruising past several Olympic venues and Paris landmarks, including the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral and the Louvre. The team boats carried nearly 75,000 athletes from different countries, amidst lashing rains.
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Richard Pelham, Getty Images
The Woman in Shinning Armour
After a glittering metal horse galloped across the Seine, a female rider, wearing a shinning silver armour rode a real horse to deliver the official Olympic flag to be hoisted for the event. The horse rider, Floriane Issert, is a Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer. She was meant to be “the representation of the Olympic spirit and of Sequana,” the goddess of the Seine River. She concluded the majestic ride by delivering the flag, which was unfortunately hoisted upside down.
Let the games begin!🏅Sending love and luck to all competitors.
– Celine xx… #paris2024 #openingceremony pic.twitter.com/84aJP9AGjw— Celine Dion (@celinedion) July 26, 2024
Celine Dion performs at the opening of the #Olympic2024. This is the first time in four years since the icon was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.
This was breathtaking!#PARIS2024 #CelineDion pic.twitter.com/I9cxYEE5Qj
— The Accra Times (@theaccratimes) July 26, 2024
Celebrities and Athletes
Adding to the glamour of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, a star-studded lineup of celebrities attended the event. While some walked the red carpet along the Seine River, others played a more active role. Snoop Dogg, Zinedine Zidane, Serena Williams, Nadia Comaneci, and Carl Lewis were among the notable figures who carried the Olympic torch. Other celebrities in attendance included Shaun White, Nina Dobrev, Lindsey Vonn, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Tyla, Queen Latifah, Anna Wintour, LeBron James, Pharrell Williams, and many more.
This will remain one of the most memorable moments of 2024 #OpeningCeremony #Olympics pic.twitter.com/52JL2DHquU
— Velina Tchakarova (@vtchakarova) July 26, 2024
Surprise Performances
The show, attended by over 300,000 spectators, watching from the banks of the Seine River, featured a magical performance from the legendary Celine Dion, initially rumoured to be a surprise act. Adorned in a shimmering gown, the “Ashes” hitmaker thrilled the crowds from the top of the Eiffel Tower with a powerful rendition of Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne a l’amour in her first performance. Lady Gaga also performed Zizi Jeanmaire’s “Mon Truc En Plumes.” Throughout her French-inspired set, Lady Gaga danced and performed on the piano beside the Seine.
The Paris Olympics ceremony concluded with French Olympians Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec igniting the Olympic cauldron, a massive hot-air balloon-born ring, symbolizing liberty and paying homage to France’s pioneering balloon flight in 1783. This innovative design, crafted by Mathieu Lehanneur, soared into the sky, marking a memorable moment at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony.
