Olympic Opening Ceremony: Lady Gaga and stars kick start 2024 Paris Games

27 July 2024

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Image source, Reuters
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The opening ceremony for the Paris Olympic took place on 26 July, officially starting the 2024 Games. It was filled with lasers, Lady Gaga, and lots (and lots) of rain.
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First off, fireworks were set off on the Pont d’Austerlitz bridge over the River Seine, making the colours of the French flag.
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The River Seine was the main feature of the opening ceremony. Athletes from each country travelled in different boats along the water, displaying their flags and waving to people watching.
Image source, Reuters
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Team GB's flag bearers were rower Helen Glover and diver Tom Daley. The athletes had lots of wet weather to contend with but, speaking to the BBC, Tom said that "we're used to the rain as Brits!"
Image source, PA Media
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Popstar Lady Gaga greeted the crowd in French, performing with a troupe of dancers and their pink feather pompom routine.
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There were 2,000 musicians, dancers and other artists at the opening ceremony, including heavy metal band Gojira, who got to perform in this dramatic location.
Image source, EPA
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This orchestra even took to wearing ponchos to cope with the pouring rain, while a laser light show took place in front of the Eiffel Tower, decorated in the Olympic rings.
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Finally, two French athletes Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner were the lucky torchbearers who got to light the Olympic cauldron. It then rose into the sky suspended beneath a giant balloon, marking the start of the Paris competition. Let the Games begin!

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