The Paris 2024 Olympics Begin with Iconic Ceremony

The Paris 2024 Olympics with the motto “Games wide open,” marks the first time in 100 years that the French capital hosts the summer Games. Notably, the opening ceremony, set for Friday will feature a unique spectacle with boats carrying athletes and dignitaries along the River Seine watched by 300,000 spectators.

Furthermore, this Games achieves gender parity with equal numbers of male and female athletes. Despite concerns over water quality in the Seine and security issues, French President Emmanuel Macron assured that Paris is ready. Additionally, security measures include 5,000 police, soldiers and guards with restricted access requiring QR codes.

The Games’ estimated cost is €9 billion and organizers aim to make it the greenest Olympics ever. Moreover, events will take place at iconic venues like the Stade de France and Roland Garros. The Seine will host the swimming leg of the triathlon and open-water events with regular water quality tests. New additions to the Games include the debut of “breaking,” a dance style from New York.

In addition, some events like artistic synchronized swimming, now include men, though none are competing this year. The Games will also see the final Olympic appearances of athletes like Andy Murray and Max Whitlock. Simone Biles returns after her struggles in Tokyo and stars like Stephen Curry and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will compete as well.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete as Individual Neutral Athletes. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized the message of peace conveyed by the athletes living together in the Olympic Village.

Finally, the opening ceremony lasting just under four hours will air live on BBC One and other platforms. Rowers Helen Glover and diver Tom Daley will serve as flagbearers for Team GB. Early events in the Paris 2024 Olympics include men’s rugby sevens and football with Morocco’s football win over Argentina marked by crowd trouble.