Let the Games begin!
Published:Sunday | July 28, 2024 | 12:20 AMDaniel Wheeler/Gleaner Writer
Paris, France:
In an opening ceremony that was historic and unapologetically French, the 2024 Paris Olympics officially got underway yesterday with the pageantry of the occasion.
Athletes from the participating countries were paraded in boats along the banks of the Seine River, the first time that the opening ceremonies for the Games were not held inside a stadium.
Despite the inclement weather, patrons gathered along the river to wave to the various countries as they made their way down the six-kilometre journey, passing by famous French landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre museum.
Despite the rain which persisted throughout, Jamaica made their presence felt when they proceeded down the river, with two-time World Championship silver medallist Shaneika Ricketts and swimmer Josh Kirlew serving as flag-bearers.
The three-hour opening show featured performances from Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. Also featured were iconic French stalwarts such as 1998 World Cup Winner Zinedine Zidane, three-time judo champion Teddy Riner and three-time gold-winning sprinter Marie-José Pérec who lit the cauldron for Paris 2024.