A Stunning Seine River Olympic Ceremony in Paris

Paris has kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century with a rain-soaked but enchanting opening ceremony along the Seine River. The evening was a blend of high-energy performances and iconic imagery, including a striking moment when a metallic horse galloped across the river, followed by Floriane Issert, a Gendarmerie officer, riding a real horse in silver armour while carrying the official Olympic flag. She represented the Olympic spirit and Sequana, the goddess of the Seine River. Despite a minor mishap with the flag being raised upside down, the spectacle set an exciting tone for the games.

Daphné Bürki, the director of design and costume for the ceremonies, shared insights on French television, revealing the enthusiasm of global stars like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga who participated in the event. “When we called Celine Dion one year ago, she said yes straight away,” Bürki mentioned. Lady Gaga, too, was eager, training for two months for her performance.

As the summer Olympics get into full swing across France, today’s schedule is packed with lots of events and numerous gold medals at stake. British athletes are in action, with Adam Peaty leading the charge in swimming events. In tennis, Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu are set to compete, bringing excitement to British fans. Their performances are eagerly anticipated as they take on the world’s best, aiming to bring home the gold.

The innovative and eco-friendly floating Olympic cauldron was another highlight. Paris 2024 organisers proudly announced that the cauldron’s flame is 100% electric, created from water and light, with no fuel, setting a new standard for sustainability.

With such a memorable start, the Paris 2024 Olympics have set a high bar, not just for sporting excellence but also for cultural and environmental innovation. The Los Angeles 2028 organisers will undoubtedly find it challenging to match the grandeur and creativity of Paris’ spectacular opening along the Seine.