The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris is set to be a spectacular event that will be unlike any other in the history of the Games. Instead of taking place in a stadium, the ceremony will be held along the famous River Seine, covering a 6km route starting at Austerlitz bridge and ending at Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower.
More than 100 boats will carry over 10,000 athletes and dignitaries, passing by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame cathedral and Pont Neuf. The ceremony will not only feature a parade of athletes but also showcase the rich history and culture of Paris and France through artistic performances.
The artistic director of the ceremony, Thomas Jolly, has expressed his desire to highlight the diversity of France and its cultural influences throughout history. The performers and specific details of the ceremony have been kept under wraps, adding to the anticipation of the event.
The ceremony will culminate in the official opening of the Games by French President Emmanuel Macron and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The event is scheduled to begin at 19:30 local time on July 26 and is expected to last around four hours, coinciding with the sunset in Paris.
As per tradition, Greece will be the first nation to be introduced during the ceremony, with NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo serving as one of their flagbearers. The Refugee Olympic Team will follow, and France will be the last to be presented. Athletes from Russia and Belarus competing as individuals due to their countries’ involvement in the conflict in Ukraine will not participate.
For those unable to attend the ceremony in person, the event will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app starting at 17:45 BST. Radio coverage will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 19:00 BST, with live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
Overall, the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris promises to be a visually stunning and culturally rich event that will set the stage for an exciting and memorable Games.