The Paris 2024 Olympics officially got underway on Friday, with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, declaring the event open.
The parade of nations took place outside a stadium for the first time, with boats carrying athletes through the centre of Paris on the infamous River Seine.
French flag bearers Florent Manaudou and Mélina Robert-Michon took the Olympic Oath on behalf of all Paris 2024 athletes, a tradition that dates back to Antwerp 1920.
Football legend and former France international Zinedine Zidane starred in a video to tee up the arrival of the Olympic flame and appeared later on, handing the torch to 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who wil be representing Spain in the mens’ doubles in tennis.
Rafael Nadal raises the Olympic Flame into the Parisian night sky. 🔥
The Olympic Torch Relay is almost complete. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/XTHObVtImm
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
The Spaniard was eventually joined by fellow tennis great Serena Williams as well as Nadia Comaneci and Carl Lewis as they all took the flame down the Seine before heading on to light the cauldron.
The Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron is lit!
Sorry, THE PARIS 2024 HOT-AIR BALLOON OLYMPIC CAULDRON IS LIT! 🤯 🔥 #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/CIuS4RzfHD
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
The Nigerian contingent, led by flag bearer Tobi Amusan and captain Anuoluwapo Opeyori, was dressed in traditional green and white attire.
Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh, said, “Our outfit was unique and expressed our confidence as Nigerians; our strength is in our diversity.”.
“It reflects the power of Naija and all that we can achieve together as one indivisible country.”
Meanwhile, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, said at the event, “Let us celebrate this Olympic spirit of living life in peace, as the one and only humankind, united in all our diversity.”
Legendary singers Celine Dion and Lady Gaga were among the A-list celebrities who dazzled the thousands of spectators.
54 African participating countries sent participants to showcase the rich culture of various nations.
10,500 athletes representing 205 delegations, including the refugee team, are expected to take part in the multisport event.
