The team entrances featured rich and diverse artistic performances, creating a spectacle unlike any previous Olympic opening ceremony. In terms of the expansive outdoor setting and massive audience size, this was the largest Olympic opening ceremony ever staged.
Staging the ceremony along the picturesque Seine River, rather than in a stadium, must have provided a truly unique and memorable experience for both participants and spectators. This innovative approach set the 2024 Paris Olympics apart, and it will be fascinating to see if future host cities follow suit in experimenting with unconventional ceremony formats.
2. The live broadcast of the opening ceremony commenced with a captivating short film that seamlessly blended together emblematic French cultural elements - the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, the timeless novel Les Misérables, the renowned painting Liberty Leading the People, and the haunting spectre of a beheaded queen. This cinematic sequence then dramatically transitioned into a live operatic performance, as the powerful vocals of Carmen's aria "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Love is a Rebellious Bird) resonated across the waters of the Seine.
3. As the athletes from various nations marched into the stadium, they were accompanied by a troupe of dancers performing the iconic French can-can along the riverbank. The can-can is a classic dance that enjoyed immense popularity in 19th century France, and has since become a celebrated symbol of French culture.
4. The design concept of the female knight featured in the opening ceremony emphasizes bold innovation and sustainable development. Designer Jeanne Friot has incorporated environmentally-friendly elements into her creation, using recyclable materials and eco-friendly dyes. This aligns with the overarching sustainable ethos of these Olympic Games, embodying the harmonious coexistence of fashion and environmental protection.
5. The opening ceremony featured a pre-recorded performance by Lady Gaga, who rendered a rendition of the French song "Mon Truc en Plumes." This highly complex number combined cutting-edge stage technology with traditional dance elements, serving as a tribute to the legendary French ballerina and singer Zizi Jeanmaire.
6. The opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France featured a brief appearance by Arno Dorian, a character from the video game Assassin's Creed Unity. Arno made a cameo appearance during the ceremony.
7. One of the more embarrassing moments during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was when the five-ring Olympic flag was inadvertently raised upside down. As the flag was unfurled in the rain, the order of the five interlocking rings was reversed, shifting from the traditional "up, three, down, two" pattern to an "up, two, down, three" configuration. This mistake drew some chuckles from the crowd and was quickly corrected, but it was an unexpected slip-up during an otherwise meticulously planned event.
8. The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony took place in rainy conditions. The local weather forecast had predicted the likelihood of precipitation, but the organizing committee did not seem to implement many contingency measures. In the open-air media gallery, an extra tarp was placed on each table to protect laptops and other electronic equipment, but no raincoats or umbrellas were distributed to attendees. The only area with significant weather protection appears to have been the main grandstand where Olympic President Thomas Bach and French President Emmanuel Macron were seated. The rain was so heavy at times that staff had to clear the main performance stage and sweep away standing water to prevent slipping hazards before the ceremony could proceed.
9. For the 2024 Paris Olympics, luxury brand Louis Vuitton produced two specialized pieces of luggage. One was designed to securely store and transport the Olympic medals. The other was used to protect the Olympic flame during the torch relay. During the opening ceremony, a group of parkour athletes carried the torch from the rooftops to the LV factory, where they witnessed the final medal being placed into its custom Louis Vuitton suitcase.
10. As the finale to the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Canadian singer Celine Dion performed the French song "Hymn to Love" in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower and the illuminated Olympic rings. This was notable as Dion had been diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder "Stiff Person Syndrome" in 2022, raising questions about her ability to perform. However, she was able to take the stage and deliver an emotive rendition of the classic French ballad to cap off the ceremony.At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the delegation of Hong Kong, China entered the stadium led by fencer Cheung Ka-long and swimmer Siobhan Bernadette Haughey carrying the flag. The Hong Kong contingent in attendance included athletes and coaches from swimming, fencing, badminton, table tennis, and triathlon events. It's understood that due to competition and training schedules, most of the Hong Kong team members did not participate in the full opening ceremony proceedings.
The clothing worn by the Hong Kong athletes and coaches at the opening ceremony was sponsored by sportswear brand FILA. The uniforms were made from INNOTIER’s patented antibacterial fabric with features like antimicrobial, anti-dust mites, and high breathability. This specialized apparel was designed to protect the health of the athletes and minimize infection risk, allowing them to perform at their best and win the honor for Hong Kong.
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How heavy is Vivian Kong Man Wai's 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Individual Épée· Fencing gold medal?
RED CLUB x Cartier Young Leader Award 2024 in Singapore