Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century this morning with a rain-soaked, rule-breaking opening ceremony studded with stars and fantasy along the Seine River.
On-and-off showers — the first rain at a Summer Olympics' opening ceremony in more than 70 years — did not seem to hamper the enthusiasm of the athletes. Some held umbrellas as they rode boats down the river in a showcase of the city's resilience as authorities investigated suspected acts of
As global audiences tuned in, Paris put its best foot forward — quite literally, with a spectacular Olympic launch that lifted spirits and joyous French cancan dancers featured early on. A humorous short film featured soccer icon Zinedine Zidane. Plumes of French blue, white and red smoke followed. And Lady Gaga sang, in French, with dancers shaking pink plumed pompoms, adding a cabaret feel.
Sofia Cohen, 20, watching with her father, called the ceremony "electric". The Nicaraguan-Americans said the roar of applause given to the Ukrainian team was their favourite part. Rain falls on Madagascar athletes holding umbrellas during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France.
Usually during Olympic opening ceremonies, the parade of athletes takes place during a pause in the razzmatazz. But Paris shattered that tradition by having the parade and pageantry at the same time, blending sports and artistic expression. Smoke billows near windows as performers participate during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
River Seine still failing water quality tests one month before Paris OlympicsThe river Seine is still failing water quality tests one month before the Paris Olympics
Read more »
Paris prepares for Olympics opening ceremony spectacle along River SeineCity is to stage a ‘sporting Armada’ as games curtain-raiser will be the first to take place outside a stadium
Read more »
Paris mayor swims in Seine as river is cleaned up just in time for OlympicsAnne Hidalgo fulfils pledge after cleanup operation makes water quality safe enough to host events at Games
Read more »
Paris Olympics organisers announce open-water swimming reserve site amid River Seine concerns7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Parisian mayor swims in Seine River to prove its cleaniness days ahead of 2024 OlympicsDaily water quality tests in early June indicated unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria in the famous French river, before recent improvements.
Read more »
Paris 2024 Olympics: opening ceremony boats take teams down Seine as Lady Gaga performsJoin Martin Belam as the athletes, heads of government and sovereigns attend the opening ceremony parade on the Seine at the heart of Paris
Read more »