The Opening Ceremonies for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games were nothing short of spectacular, embracing the City of Lights with grandeur and charm.
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The highlight of the night came with the ascent of the Olympic cauldron, which was carried aloft in a balloon above the Seine River—a striking image that captured the essence of Paris.
French Olympic legends Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec had the honor of lighting the cauldron, marking a poignant moment for the ceremony. Riner, a celebrated judoka with three Olympic gold medals, and Pérec, renowned for her remarkable achievements in athletics, including back-to-back golds in the 400-meter dash, together ignited the cauldron with their torches. This was followed by a moving performance from Celine Dion, who sang Edith Piaf’s iconic “Love Hymn” adding a touch of French musical heritage to the event.
The evening was further distinguished by an elaborate four-hour spectacle, featuring a relay of the Olympic flame that showcased a diverse array of sporting heroes. The parade included legendary figures such as Rafael Nadal from Spain, Serena Williams from the USA, and Carl Lewis, among others.
The choice of Riner and Pérec as the torchbearers was kept secret until the last moment, with the surprise element revealed when Charles Coste, the venerable 100-year-old French Olympic champion, lit their torches. This gesture underscored the rich history and continuity of Olympic tradition, connecting past and present in a moment of shared celebration
Dion closed out the ceremony with a performance of 'Hymne A L'Amour' on Friday night in Paris https://people.com/celine-dion-honored-full-of-joy-after-comeback-perfo…