PARIS – The 2024 Paris Olympics are officially underway.
Thousands of spectators gathered along the River Seine in rainy conditions on Friday to welcome athletes from all over the world in an opening ceremony that was a true Paris showcase.
The event featured an incredible variety of performances: a tightrope walker braving the heights, a stunning fashion show, athletes parading on boats along the Seine, a spectacular light show, a memorable performance by the legendary singer Celine Dion, and the dramatic lighting of the Olympic cauldron, which ascended into the air aboard a hot air balloon.
Here are the highlights I witnessed during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony:
Athletes Riding on Boats on Seine
The United States boasted the largest national delegation at the opening ceremony, with 593 athletes in total. Naturally, they claimed a prominent and spacious boat. The flag bearers for Team USA were none other than basketball star LeBron James and tennis sensation Coco Gauff.
In total, more than 10,000 athletes from over 200 nations are set to compete in the Paris Olympics. Friday night was a spectacular event, but at its heart, it celebrated the athletes themselves – and what an entrance they made on the Seine!
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach addressed the athletes with words of encouragement: “Dear fellow athletes, this is the pinnacle of your journey. You have come to Paris as athletes. Now you’re Olympians.”
Paris Fashion Show
Paris is renowned as the fashion capital of the world, a reputation it has held since the 16th century. Thus, it was only fitting that the opening ceremony included a dazzling fashion show. With Paris Fashion Week set to begin in late September, spectators were treated to an exciting preview.
Eiffel Tower Light Show
The Eiffel Tower, standing at a towering 1,083 feet, is one of the most recognizable monuments globally. The opening ceremony featured a breathtaking light show at this iconic landmark, visible throughout Paris, further adding to the evening’s magic.
Unique Lighting of the Cauldron
The Olympic cauldron lighting was a unique and unforgettable event. Legendary athletes Teddy Riner, a three-time Olympic champion in judo, and Marie-Jose Perec, a three-time Olympic champion in track and field, had the honor of lighting the cauldron. Then, in a spectacular twist, the cauldron ascended into the air on a hot air balloon.
Céline Dion Performance
The opening ceremony reached an emotional peak with a performance by the world-famous singer Céline Dion. She delivered a heartfelt rendition of “L’Hymne à l’amour” from the Eiffel Tower, marking her first performance since sharing her diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome in 2022. It was a truly touching moment that resonated with everyone present.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper, and more.
