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T he Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony was held in an outdoor setting for the first time on Friday, July 26. Among the star-studded athletes of over 200 countries, iconic legends like Rafael Nadal, Sarena Williams, and Zinedine Zidane too participated in the opening ceremony as they were part of the historic torch-lighting ceremony.
The one-of a kind opening ceremony began at the Pont d'Austerlitz bridge, covering six kilometers before reaching the Pont d'Iéna near the Eiffel Tower. The ceremony was concluded at Champions Park, a temporary stadium set up in front of the Trocadéro. Among many highlights of the opening ceremony, former football great, Zinedine Zidane was seen carrying the Olympic torch as it reached its final leg. Before handing it over to be lit and declare the Games open, Zidane, handed it to 14-time Roland Garros winner, Rafael Nadal. Not only this, the two greats of the game even shared a hug before passing it on ahead.
Watch Zinedine Zidane and Rafael Nadal share a hug during Paris Olympics torch relay:
As the customary process, Serena Williams, who was also in attendance and one of the torchbearers of the Paris Olympics 2024, was handed the torch from Nadal. The torch was then passed to former gymnast Nadia Comaneci, known for her perfect 10.0 score in gymnastics.
Speaking of Nadal, who is set to reportedly appear in his last Olympics, will be eyeing for a medal as he is set to compete in both, men's singles as well as men's doubles. In an interview with reporters in Paris, Rafael Nadal talked about how excited he was to work with Carlos Alcaraz, calling him “the best player in the world right now”.
Celine Dion concludes Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony with Hymne à l'Amour
The Paris Olympic 2024 ceremony concluded with Canadian singer Celine Dion's popular French song “Hymne à l'Amour,” which also marks her comeback after a health diagnosis. Later, French President Emmanuel Macron officially declared the Olympics open.
“Finally, the moment has arrived,” said Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee. “Welcome to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. My deepest thanks to our wonderful French hosts for their spectacular welcome. The Olympic flame will make Paris and all of France shine even brighter,” he added.
