Paris, July 27 (UNI) In a historic shift from tradition, French President Emmanuel Macron officially opened the Paris Olympic Games on Friday.
For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony moved out of a stadium and into the heart of the host city, Paris, using the iconic River Seine as the main backdrop.
The 2024 Olympics marks the third occasion Paris has hosted the Summer Games, following the inaugural event in 1900 and a century later in 1924. The opening ceremony on Friday transformed Paris into a star-studded spectacle, showcasing an array of celebrities and political leaders amidst the city’s stunning landmarks.
Notable performers such as Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and French-Malian R&B star Aya Nakamura captivated audiences during the ceremony. Lady Gaga was seen practicing her routine on the steps leading down to the River Seine, adding to the anticipation of her performance.
Dignitaries from around the world attended, including newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who, despite travel challenges, made the journey to Paris by air. The Olympic torch relay added to the excitement, with rapper Snoop Dogg carrying the torch through the streets of Saint-Denis and singer Pharrell Williams joining in as the torch traversed the Parisian streets, bringing his signature joy to the event.
French football legend Thierry Henry was a crowd favorite as a torchbearer, joined by other icons like Zinedine Zidane, who helped maintain the momentum of the flame. The ceremony’s conclusion featured a star-studded relay, with American singer John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen, along with performers Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, and British actress Cynthia Erivo, gracing the red carpet at the Trocadero.
The ceremony also celebrated sporting excellence with former athlete Michael Johnson, track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, sprinter Carl Lewis, gymnast Nadia Comaneci, and tennis stars Serena Williams, Amelie Mauresmo, and Rafael Nadal participating in the torch relay. Basketball legends Tony Parker and Pau Gasol also made appearances, further elevating the event’s prestige.
Despite the inclement weather, which saw athletes, artists, and the public braving the elements, the ceremony remained a memorable spectacle. The absence of pop singer Rihanna, whose hit song “Umbrella” would have been fitting for the rainy conditions, was noted by many.
The Paris Olympic Games have officially begun, promising an exhilarating celebration of sports, culture, and unity in the City of Light.
