Paris 2024 Olympic Games kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony that was unlike anything seen before. The event took place along the River Seine, with athletes and performers parading through the city amidst a stunning technicolour light show that lit up the Eiffel Tower. The torch was passed from legends like Zinedine Zidane to Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams before French greats Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec used it to ignite a massive hot air balloon, signaling the start of the games.
The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as well as celebrities like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Despite the rainy weather, fans and spectators turned out in force to witness the event, which featured performances by Lady Gaga, cabaret artists, ballet dancers, acrobats, and a finale by Celine Dion.
The event also saw a heightened security presence, with tens of thousands of police deployed throughout the city. Throughout the ceremony, a mystery torchbearer performed parkour stunts on riverside rooftops, adding to the excitement of the night. Team boats from countries around the world sailed down the Seine, proudly displaying their flags, with British athletes Tom Daley and Helen Glover carrying the flag for Team GB.
Overall, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony was a visually stunning and unique event that set the stage for the games to come.
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