The 2024 Olympics opened in Paris with a magnificent display as thousands of athletes glided along the River Seine, passing vibrant performers on bridges, riverbanks, and rooftops in a grand interpretation of an opening ceremony. In opening the 33rd Summer Olympics, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach told athletes they were now “part of an event that unites the world in peace”.
For the first time, exchanging a traditional stadium for a waterway to launch the “greatest show on Earth,” the nearly four-hour extravaganza culminated in a breathtaking finale. The day began with significant disruptions as the French train network faced arson attacks, and later in the evening, heavy rain thwarted the original plan by artistic director Thomas Jolly to utilise the Parisian sun to “make the water sparkle.”
Despite the pouring rain prompting athletes to include rain ponchos and umbrellas in their attire, it did not diminish the vibrant voyage through French history, art, and sport presented by around 2,000 musicians, dancers, and artists. Here are some of the performances that thrilled us at the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony:
Lady Gaga’s performance
Lady Gaga kicked off the stunning show by making a grand entrance from a massive golden staircase on the edge of Seine’, enveloped by pink pompoms and large pink feather fans. She delivered a high-energy cabaret rendition of France’s iconic 1960s music-hall hit “Mon Truc en plumes” by Zizi Jeanmaire.
Aya Nakamura with the France Republican Guard
@gabriel_attalIconique. Meilleur featuring. 🤩🇫🇷♬ son original – Gabriel Attal
Following Lady Gaga’s captivating performance, Aya Nakamura, renowned as the most-listened to French-speaking artist globally, took the stage. Collaborating with France’s Republican Guard, the ensemble displayed flawless precision on military drums. Nakamura showcased her talent by singing snippets of songs by the iconic French singer Charles Aznavour, along with her own chart-toppers “Pookie” and “Djadja.”
The Team Nigeria Parade
@ademolavictortv See how I screamed Naija when I saw Team Nigeria at the Olympics Boat Parade in Paris at the River Seine. They even tried throwing a Naija flag to me ❤️. Wishing out athletes the very best #Paris2024 #Olympics #TeamNaija #Sportytv ♬ original sound – Dr Ademola Victor
The parade of nations began, with teams entering the arena to the cheers of thousands of spectators as they passed landmarks like the Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais and Arc de Triomphe. When it was Nigeria’s turn, the atmosphere reached a new peak of excitement. Leading the team was the flag bearer, celebrated sprinter Tobi Amusan, and General Captain Anuoluwapo OpeyoriWith the Nigerian flag held high, its green and white stripes waving majestically, the team’s presence was both commanding and inspiring.
The Olympic flame race
Simultaneously, the live broadcast showed an enigmatic, unidentified individual moving swiftly across the city’s rooftops, carrying the Olympic flame. Finally, Charles Coste, aged 100 and the eldest French Olympic champion, received the flame from his wheelchair and passed it on to French judo legend Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec used the Olympic torch to light a cauldron that fueled a massive hot air balloon. The colossal, luminous balloon then soared above Paris, marking the commencement of the Olympics.
Celine Dion’s performance of “L’Hymne a’lamour”
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Céline Dion closed out the night by singing “L’Hymne à l’amour” from the base of the Eiffel Tower. It marked her first performance since she announced her diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome in 2022 drawing huge cheers from the crowd.
More than 10,500 athletes will compete across 32 sports at the Games, which will close on 11 August.
