The Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony delivered a captivating blend of the anticipated and the unexpected, setting a memorable stage for the global event.

A Mysterious Start
A masked flame bearer, shrouded in mystery, danced across Paris' iconic landmarks before making a dramatic entrance on horseback down the Seine amidst a downpour. Speculation swirled about the figure's identity, with many anticipating a grand unmasking to reveal the athlete chosen to light the Olympic flame. However, this dramatic reveal never came. Instead, the torch was passed through a line of diverse sporting legends before finally reaching its destination.

The Torch Bearers

Zinedine Zidane
Kicking off the ceremony, Zidane, France’s beloved football icon, took the first hold of the flame. Though he never competed in the Olympics, his pivotal role in supporting Paris' Olympic bids made him a fitting choice to start the relay.

Rafael Nadal
In a nod to his dominance at Roland Garros, Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal was handed the flame next. His connection to Paris through his 14 French Open titles justified his selection despite his nationality.

Serena Williams, Nadia Comăneci, and Carl Lewis
American tennis legend Serena Williams, Romanian gymnastics icon Nadia Comăneci, and American sprinter Carl Lewis continued the journey on a boat down the Seine. Williams and Comăneci’s illustrious careers, coupled with Lewis’s Olympic legacy, highlighted the international spirit of the Games.

Amélie Mauresmo
Finally, a French athlete took over. Amélie Mauresmo, a former Wimbledon champion and current French Open director, carried the flame from des Tuileries, embodying the ceremony's French essence.

Tony Parker
Belgium-born French American basketball star Tony Parker joined Mauresmo briefly, representing both his NBA success and contributions to French basketball.

Alexis Hanquinquant and Nantenin Keïta
Triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant and sprinter Nantenin Keïta, two of France's most successful Paralympians, proudly carried the torch, underscoring the inclusive spirit of the Olympics.

Marie-Amélie Le Fur
Marie-Amélie Le Fur, a three-time Paralympic champion and current president of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, joined the relay, embodying resilience and leadership.

Michaël Guigou and Allison Pineau
Handball legends Michaël Guigou and Allison Pineau, both decorated Olympians, further enriched the flame’s journey with their participation.

An Array of Legends
The flame's path included numerous other luminaries:

• Jean-François Lamour, fencer and politician.
• Félicia Ballanger and Florian Rousseau, track cyclists.
• Émilie Le Pennec, the first French artistic gymnastics Olympic champion.
• David Douillet, judo heavyweight gold medallist turned politician.
• Clarisse Agbégnénou, competing in judo at these Games.
• Alain Bernard and Laure Manaudou, world-record-breaking swimmers.
• Renaud Lavillenie, pole vault gold medallist.
• Laura Flessel, France’s most decorated female Olympian and former Minister of Sports.

A Historic Moment
Charles Coste, France's oldest-living Olympic champion, born in 1924, the last time Paris hosted the Olympics, also held the torch, adding a poignant historical touch to the ceremony.

The Grand Finale
The honor of lighting the cauldron was fittingly given to two of France’s greatest athletes:

Marie-José Pérec
A three-time Olympic champion known for her 400m dominance, Pérec's illustrious career was recognized as she lit the flame.

Teddy Riner
The ceremony concluded with Teddy Riner, a towering figure in judo with three Olympic golds and 11 World Championships to his name, igniting the cauldron and symbolizing the strength and passion of the Games.

A Night to Remember
Paris’ opening ceremony, marked by its dramatic storytelling and star-studded torch relay, was a celebration of the city’s heritage, the global community, and the unifying power of sport. The rain-soaked city of lights once again demonstrated the profound value of the Olympic Games.