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| The torch-bearers French former sprinter Marie-Jose Perec and French judoka Teddy Riner arrive to light the Olympic cauldron.Mohd Rasfan—AFP/Getty Images |
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Performers on Pont au Change near the Conciergerie during the opening ceremony. Adnan Abidi—Reuters |
The world's gaze was fixed on Paris July 26, as the 2024 Summer Olympics kicked off with a breathtaking Opening Ceremony like no other.
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Torch-bearer Rafael Nadal of Spain is seen during the opening ceremony. Stephanie Lecocq—Pool/AFP/Getty Images |
For the first time in history, the parade of athletes took place not in a stadium, but on the iconic Seine River, as over 10,500 competitors from 206 nations cruised through the heart of the French capital.
Spectacle and star power were in abundance, with a dazzling display of French culture, music and fashion.
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| Floriane Issert, a non-commissioned officer of the National Gendarmerie, rides on a metal horse up the Seine river past the Cassation Court and Conciergerie, during the opening ceremony.Kirill Kudryavtsev—AFP/Getty Images |
American singer Lady Gaga delivered a surprise performance on the banks of the Seine, singing a classic French cabaret song. The ceremony also featured a poignant rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" by French artist Juliette Armanet. Iconic Celine Dione also performed at the ceremony, among others.
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| French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron stood alongside International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Anushree Fadnavis—Reuters |
Amidst the festivities, a galaxy of celebrities and VIPs graced the occasion. Tennis legend Serena Williams, fashion icon Emma Chamberlain, and a host of other famous faces were spotted among the 326,000 spectators lining the river.
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| Team Nigeria cheer from their boat |
Despite the rainy weather, the atmosphere was electric as the athletes waved to the crowds from their boats.
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| French Paralympic Marie-Amelie Le Fur holds the Olympics torch during the opening ceremony.David Gray—AFP/Getty Images |
The parade began with Greece, as per Olympic tradition, followed by the Refugee Olympic Team to thunderous applause.
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| Team Cameroon, Team Canada, Team Central African, Team Central African Republic, Team Chile and Team People's Republic of China cruise during the athletes’ parade during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.Richard Heathcote—Getty Images |
Giant jets of water erupted from the Seine as the boats passed by iconic Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
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| Flag-bearers enter the Trocadero during the opening ceremony.Edgar Su—Reuters |
The ceremony culminated at the Trocadéro, where French President Emmanuel Macron officially declared the Games open.
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| Overview of the Trocadero venue, raindrops cover the lens, during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.Francois-Xavier Marit—AFP/Getty Images |
As the Olympic cauldron was lit, the world celebrated the start of 16 days of sporting excellence and the triumph of the human spirit.
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| Carl Lewis, Rafael Nadal, Nadia Comaneci and Serena Williams travel with the Olympic Flame down the Seine River at the 2024 Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony. | Olympics/Screengrab () |
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