Image source, François-Xavier Marit/AFP
Spectacular photos from the Paris 2024 opening ceremony
- Author, George Burke
- Role, BBC News
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The Olympic opening ceremony presents the host country with the opportunity to wow the world with a uniquely spectacular show.
The opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was just that – the organisers ditched the traditional ceremony, and became the first Games to hold the opening event within a city as a whole rather than in a stadium.
Thousands of athletes and performers paraded along the River Seine on a wet evening, before the night sky and the Eiffel Tower were lit up in dramatic technicolour, creating a hugely ambitious, one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Below are some of the most eye-catching photos from the night.
Image source, Paweł Kopczyński/Reuters
After a three-month journey from Greece to Paris, the Olympic torch was handed to former French footballer Zinedine Zidane, before being passed on to tennis stars Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams.
Image source, Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Image source, Evgenia Novozhenina/Reuters
In an epic climax, French judo great Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec used the Olympic torch to ignite a cauldron powering an enormous hot air balloon.
The giant, glowing balloon then flew over the city of Paris to signal the start of the greatest show on Earth.
Image source, Marko Đurica/Reuters
Image source, Miguel Tona/EPA
Image source, Jung Yeon-Je/AFP
The opening ceremony began with a stunning display of coloured smoke resembling the French flag rising over the Pont d’Austerlitz.
Image source, Lars Baron/Getty Images
Fans and spectators were in keen attendance, and – for the most part – were undeterred by the wet weather.
Image source, Tingshu Wang/Reuters
Image source, Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Image source, Oli Scarff/AFP
French President Emmanuel Macron was watching alongside President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach.
Image source, Martin Divíšek/EPA
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was also spotted watching the ceremony, seemingly well-prepared for the rain.
Image source, Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
Various celebrities attended the evening, including American singer Ariana Grande with her British Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo.
Image source, Christophe Petit-Tesson/PA Media
As expected there was a heightened security presence, with tens of thousands of police deployed across the city.
Image source, Franck Fife/AFP
Image source, Teresa Suarez/EPA
Throughout the event, a mystery masked torchbearer was running and parkour-ing their way through the city on riverside rooftops.
Image source, Bernat Armangué/Reuters
Image source, Peter Cziborra/Pool/Getty Images
Fleets of team boats, with countries from all around the world, sailed down the Seine, flying their flags with pride.
British diver Tom Daley and rower Helen Glover bore the flag for Team GB.
Image source, Naomi Baker/Reuters
Image source, Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
Image source, Aijaz Rahi/AP
Image source, Michael Reaves/Reuters
Image source, Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters
Image source, Steph Chambers/Getty Images
The event was interspersed with elaborate performances of all kinds, from Lady Gaga, cabaret performers, ballet dancers, acrobats to a finale from Celine Dion, a distant figure on stage halfway up the Eiffel Tower.
Image source, Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Image source, Wang Dongzhen/Getty Images
Image source, Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Image source, Bernat Armangué/AP
Image source, Pilar Olivares/Reuters
Image source, Ludovic Marin/AFP
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Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.