The Newest: The 2024 Paris Olympics opening rite is underway with Woman Gaga appearing, parades and extra. The rite got here hours after suspected acts of sabotage focused on trains. Apply AP’s reside protection.
PARIS (AP) — Celebrating its popularity as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer time Olympics in a century on Friday with a rain-soaked, rule-breaking opening rite studded with stars and fable alongside the Seine River. On-and-off showers — the primary rain at a Summer time Olympics’ opening rite in additional than 70 years — didn’t appear to abate the passion of the athletes. Some held umbrellas as they rode boats down the river in a show off of town’s resilience as government investigated suspected acts of sabotage focused on France’s high-speed rail community.Fashionable trip disruptions precipitated by means of what French officers known as coordinated arson assaults on high-speed rail strains in addition to the elements had dampened the temper forward of the rite. Nonetheless, crowds stuffed the Seine’s banks and bridges and watched from balconies, “oohing” and “aahing” as Olympic groups paraded in boats down the waterway that were given more and more uneven as the elements worsened.
Undeterred from the festivities, lots of the loads of 1000’s of spectators huddled below umbrellas, plastic ponchos or jackets because the rain intensified, others danced and sang, and a few dashed from their seats for refuge.
“The rain can’t prevent us,” stated U.S. basketball megastar LeBron James, carrying a plastic poncho at the side of the opposite American flag bearer, tennis participant Coco Gauff.The elements made for some unusual scenes on the display combining prerecorded and reside performances: a stiff upper-lipped pianist performed on whilst small puddles shaped on his grand piano. A breakdancer flipped her strikes at the sheen of a rain-drenched platform. Some athletes in Bermuda-style colourful shirts seemed dressed for the seashore, now not a deluge.
As international audiences tuned in, Paris put its absolute best foot ahead — reasonably actually, with a impressive Olympic release that lifted spirits and joyous French cancan dancers featured early on. A funny quick movie featured football icon Zinedine Zidane. Plumes of French blue, white and crimson smoke adopted.
Woman Gaga sang in a prerecorded efficiency, in French, with dancers shaking purple plumed pompoms, injecting a cabaret really feel. To near the display, Celine Dion, status below the Eiffel Tower, belted out her first reside efficiency for the reason that French-Canadian singer used to be identified stiff particular person syndrome, an extraordinary neurological dysfunction, on the finish of 2022.
French-Malian pop megastar Aya Nakamura, probably the most listened-to French-speaking artist on this planet, emerged from a pyrotechnic show in an all-gold out to sing her hit “Djadja” accompanied by means of a Republican guard band of the French military.Greater than 3 hours into the display, French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Video games open. In a gaffe in a while previously, the five-ring Olympic flag used to be raised the wrong way up on the Trocadero throughout from the Eiffel Tower. The general torch relay spanned landmarks just like the Louvre and incorporated sports activities legends like tennis greats Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal prior to French judo champ Teddy Riner and three-time Olympic champion runner Marie-Jose Perec lit the Olympic cauldron hooked up to an enormous balloon, which floated into the Paris evening.
The rite celebrated ladies, together with 10 golden statues of feminine pioneers that rose from massive pedestals alongside the river. Amongst them used to be Olympe de Gouges, who drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Ladies and the Feminine Citizen in 1791 all the way through the French Revolution. She campaigned for the abolition of slavery and used to be guillotined in 1793. The Paris Video games goal to be the primary with equivalent numbers of women and men competing.With the bold rite, the stakes for France had been immense. Dozens of heads of state and govt had been on the town, and the arena used to be looking at as Paris grew to become itself into an enormous open-air theater. Alongside the Seine, iconic monuments become phases for dancers, singers and different artists.Sofia Cohen, 20, looking at together with her father, known as the rite “electrical.” The Nicaraguan-American citizens stated the roar of applause given to the Ukrainian workforce used to be their favourite section.
“Each Olympics is other, and this one used to be very French. The rite began out very majestic and regal. And because the rain began pouring down and time went on, the whole lot were given a bit extra tense and a laugh,” she stated.The sprawling match gave organizers larger crowds to move, prepare and safeguard than would had been the case in the event that they’d adopted the instance of earlier Olympic host towns that opened with stadium displays.Nonetheless, because the display were given underway, optimism soared that Paris — true to its motto that speaks of being unsinkable — would possibly simply see its gambles repay. That’s regardless of the soggy climate — no different Summer time Olympics opening rite has had rain since Helsinki in 1952.Paris organizers stated 6,800 of the ten,500 athletes would attend prior to they embark at the subsequent 16 days of festival.
See AP’s absolute best footage from the 2024 Paris Olympics
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Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec watch because the cauldron rises in a balloon in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David Goldman)
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A mild display is projected from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
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IOC President Thomas Bach speaks as Tony Estanguet, president of 2024 Paris Olympics appears on in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
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4 of 26 |
United States’ Coco Gauff and Lebron James take footage as they trip alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ashley Landis,Pool)
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A performer rides a mechanical horse alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Abbie Parr)
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6 of 26 |
The Olympic flag is carried onto the degree in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
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7 of 26 |
Egypt athletes jump whilst collaborating within the opening rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photograph/Andy Wong)
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8 of 26 |
Logan Edra, of the USA breakdancing workforce, dances as she travels at the side of teammates at the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ashley Landis, Pool)
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Athletes from the USA trip by means of boat down the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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A torchbearer carries the Olympic flame over a development alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Bernat Armangue, Pool)
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11 of 26 |
Ceremonial smoke within the colours of the France flag seem over the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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Athletes trip by means of boat alongside the Seine River all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ricardo Mazalan)
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13 of 26 |
Woman Gaga plays in Paris, France, forward of the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Luca Bruno)
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A performer sits on a bridge in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Athletes from Spain trip by means of boat down the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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16 of 26 |
The Eiffel Tower offers backdrop to athletes driving on boats alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Bernat Armangue, Pool)
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Staff Greece’s boat parades alongside the Seine river in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Luca Bruno)
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18 of 26 |
Guests are observed on a bridge forward of the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Zhang Yuwei/Pool Photograph by way of AP)
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Stephen Curry of the USA takes a photograph previous to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024.(Quinn Rooney/Photograph Photograph by way of AP)
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Spectators wave French nationwide flags whilst ready on the Seine river entrance in Paris, France, for the beginning of opening rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Andrew Medichini)
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Serena Williams arrives in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Natacha Pisarenko)
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Athletes of Israel take a selfie aboard a ship within the floating parade at the Seine River in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Nir Elias/Pool Photograph by way of AP)
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The boat wearing the Olympic Refugee workforce makes its means down the Seine in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Lindsey Wasson)
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Spectators stay up for the beginning of the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Thibault Camus)
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Safety patrol by means of boat in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Rebecca Blackwell)
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26 of 26 |
Entertainers Ariana Grande, proper, and Cynthia Erivo arrive in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Natacha Pisarenko)
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1 of 26 |
Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec watch because the cauldron rises in a balloon in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David Goldman)
Learn Extra
1 of 26
Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec watch because the cauldron rises in a balloon in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David Goldman)
Learn Extra
2 of 26 |
A mild display is projected from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
Learn Extra
2 of 26
A mild display is projected from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
Learn Extra
3 of 26 |
IOC President Thomas Bach speaks as Tony Estanguet, president of 2024 Paris Olympics appears on in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
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3 of 26
IOC President Thomas Bach speaks as Tony Estanguet, president of 2024 Paris Olympics appears on in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
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4 of 26 |
United States’ Coco Gauff and Lebron James take footage as they trip alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ashley Landis,Pool)
Learn Extra
4 of 26
United States’ Coco Gauff and Lebron James take footage as they trip alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ashley Landis,Pool)
Learn Extra
5 of 26 |
A performer rides a mechanical horse alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Abbie Parr)
Learn Extra
5 of 26
A performer rides a mechanical horse alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Abbie Parr)
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6 of 26 |
The Olympic flag is carried onto the degree in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
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6 of 26
The Olympic flag is carried onto the degree in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)
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7 of 26 |
Egypt athletes jump whilst collaborating within the opening rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photograph/Andy Wong)
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7 of 26
Egypt athletes jump whilst collaborating within the opening rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photograph/Andy Wong)
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8 of 26 |
Logan Edra, of the USA breakdancing workforce, dances as she travels at the side of teammates at the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ashley Landis, Pool)
Learn Extra
8 of 26
Logan Edra, of the USA breakdancing workforce, dances as she travels at the side of teammates at the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ashley Landis, Pool)
Learn Extra
9 of 26 |
Athletes from the USA trip by means of boat down the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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9 of 26
Athletes from the USA trip by means of boat down the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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10 of 26 |
A torchbearer carries the Olympic flame over a development alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Bernat Armangue, Pool)
Learn Extra
10 of 26
A torchbearer carries the Olympic flame over a development alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Bernat Armangue, Pool)
Learn Extra
11 of 26 |
Ceremonial smoke within the colours of the France flag seem over the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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11 of 26
Ceremonial smoke within the colours of the France flag seem over the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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12 of 26 |
Athletes trip by means of boat alongside the Seine River all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ricardo Mazalan)
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12 of 26
Athletes trip by means of boat alongside the Seine River all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Ricardo Mazalan)
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13 of 26 |
Woman Gaga plays in Paris, France, forward of the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Luca Bruno)
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13 of 26
Woman Gaga plays in Paris, France, forward of the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Luca Bruno)
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14 of 26 |
A performer sits on a bridge in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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14 of 26
A performer sits on a bridge in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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15 of 26 |
Athletes from Spain trip by means of boat down the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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15 of 26
Athletes from Spain trip by means of boat down the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)
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16 of 26 |
The Eiffel Tower offers backdrop to athletes driving on boats alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Bernat Armangue, Pool)
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16 of 26
The Eiffel Tower offers backdrop to athletes driving on boats alongside the Seine River in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Bernat Armangue, Pool)
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17 of 26 |
Staff Greece’s boat parades alongside the Seine river in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Luca Bruno)
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17 of 26
Staff Greece’s boat parades alongside the Seine river in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Luca Bruno)
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18 of 26 |
Guests are observed on a bridge forward of the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Zhang Yuwei/Pool Photograph by way of AP)
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18 of 26
Guests are observed on a bridge forward of the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Zhang Yuwei/Pool Photograph by way of AP)
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19 of 26 |
Stephen Curry of the USA takes a photograph previous to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024.(Quinn Rooney/Photograph Photograph by way of AP)
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19 of 26
Stephen Curry of the USA takes a photograph previous to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024.(Quinn Rooney/Photograph Photograph by way of AP)
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Spectators wave French nationwide flags whilst ready on the Seine river entrance in Paris, France, for the beginning of opening rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Andrew Medichini)
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20 of 26
Spectators wave French nationwide flags whilst ready on the Seine river entrance in Paris, France, for the beginning of opening rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Andrew Medichini)
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21 of 26 |
Serena Williams arrives in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Natacha Pisarenko)
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21 of 26
Serena Williams arrives in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Natacha Pisarenko)
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22 of 26 |
Athletes of Israel take a selfie aboard a ship within the floating parade at the Seine River in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Nir Elias/Pool Photograph by way of AP)
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22 of 26
Athletes of Israel take a selfie aboard a ship within the floating parade at the Seine River in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite for the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Nir Elias/Pool Photograph by way of AP)
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23 of 26 |
The boat wearing the Olympic Refugee workforce makes its means down the Seine in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Lindsey Wasson)
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23 of 26
The boat wearing the Olympic Refugee workforce makes its means down the Seine in Paris, France, all the way through the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Lindsey Wasson)
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24 of 26 |
Spectators stay up for the beginning of the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Thibault Camus)
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24 of 26
Spectators stay up for the beginning of the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Thibault Camus)
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Safety patrol by means of boat in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Rebecca Blackwell)
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25 of 26
Safety patrol by means of boat in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Rebecca Blackwell)
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26 of 26 |
Entertainers Ariana Grande, proper, and Cynthia Erivo arrive in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Natacha Pisarenko)
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Entertainers Ariana Grande, proper, and Cynthia Erivo arrive in Paris, France, prior to the outlet rite of the 2024 Summer time Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Natacha Pisarenko)
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The boats wearing the Olympic groups began the parade by means of breaking thru curtains of water that cascaded down from Austerlitz Bridge, the beginning of the 6-kilometer (just about 4-mile) direction. The jetting waters had been a wink on the fountains of Versailles Palace, the venue for Olympic equestrian competitions.According to Olympic protocol, the primary boat carried athletes from Greece, birthplace of the traditional Video games. It used to be adopted by means of the Olympic workforce of refugee athletes after which, the opposite international locations in French alphabetical order.Generally all the way through Olympic opening ceremonies, the parade of athletes takes position all the way through a pause within the razzmatazz. However Paris shattered that custom by means of having the parade and pageantry on the identical time, mixing sports activities and creative expression.Some spectators who adopted organizers’ recommendation to reach neatly forward of time alongside the rite direction fumed over lengthy waits to get to their seats.“Paris has been nice, anything else to do with the Olympics and dissemination of data has been terrible,” stated Tony Gawne, a 54-year-old Texan who grew to become up six hours upfront along with his spouse.“While you spend $6,000 on two tickets, neatly, that’s a bit irritating,” he stated.However Paris had numerous aces up its sleeve. The Eiffel Tower, its head visual under the clouds, Notre Dame Cathedral — restored from the ashes of its 2019 fireplace — the Louvre Museum and different iconic monuments starred within the opening rite. Award-winning theater director Thomas Jolly, the display’s ingenious thoughts, used to be the use of the signature Paris cityscape of zinc-gray rooftops because the playground for his creativeness.His process: Inform the tale of France, its other people, their historical past and essence in some way that leaves an indelible imprint on Olympic audiences. Refresh the picture and self-confidence of the French capital that used to be many times struck by means of fatal extremist assaults in 2015. Seize how Paris could also be aiming to reboot the Olympics, with Summer time Video games it has labored to make extra interesting and sustainable.It’s a large ask. So Paris went giant, very giant. That is going for the protection, too. Massive fenced-off stretches of central Paris had been locked down to these with out passes and the skies all the way through the rite had been a no-fly zone for 150 kilometers (93 miles) round.All over the athletes’ waterborne journey, they handed historical landmarks which were briefly remodeled into arenas for Olympic sports activities.Concorde Plaza, the place French revolutionaries guillotined King Louis XVI and different royals, now webhosting skateboarding and different sports activities. The golden-domed resting position of Napoléon Bonaparte, the backdrop for Olympic archery, and the Eiffel Tower, which donated chunks of iron which were inlaid within the gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals. They’ll be gained within the 32 sports activities’ 329 medal occasions.Paris’ goal, stated Estanguet, is “to turn to the entire international and to the entire French that on this nation, we’re in a position to outstanding issues.”___AP reporters Jerome Pugmire, Hanna Arhirova, Stories Azzoni, Jocelyn Noveck, Debora Rey and Kristie Rieken and contributed from Paris. ___AP Olympics:
