The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics are here. Just three years after the Tokyo Games which were postponed from 2020 to the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic more than 10,000 athletes from more than 200 competing Olympic committees will spend 19 days chasing gold, silver and bronze in the City of Light.
Every Olympic year brings with it the tradition and spectacle of the Opening Ceremony, and the biggest change you might notice is that this year’s parade will be a boat parade along the Seine River in the heart of Paris. The river is also set to be used for some open-water swimming competitions a decision that has drawn some criticism due to pollution levels in the river.
For Team USA, it’ll be an accomplished Olympian in basketball icon LeBron James (two gold, one bronze) and first-time Olympian and tennis superstar Coco Gauff as the team’s two flag bearers.
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT
Location: Paris, France
Channel: NBC
Stream: Fubo, Peacock
Yahoo Sports has you covered with all the sights, sounds and pageantry from the 2024 Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Paris. Also, Yahoo Entertainment also will be following all the big moments and celebrities during the opening ceremony.
Team France and their 571 athletes were wearing uniforms that included sleeveless blazers for the women. The French are known for their fashion, but those long sleeveless bl vests may not catch on in the United States.
A post shared by LVMH (@lvmh)
The final three countries in the parade are Australia, Team USA and France, in that order. France finishes last as the host country; with the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Australia, those countries are getting honored as future hosts.
Team USA’s uniforms were designed by Ralph Lauren again, and these three women’s soccer stars show exactly how they should be worn.
More like Marslayyyyyyy pic.twitter.com/OAsyNTQkvZ
U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 26, 2024
Here they come, Team France, the host nation! And while we’re at it, let’s sail across the waters, to Tahiti, where the surfing competition will take place. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/P3U5McBRuR
The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Hope no one on Team USA is claustrophobic…that boat is jam-packed with American athletes!
Turkey is celebrating the 100th anniversary of their participation in the modern Olympics, and their uniforms pay tribute to their Olympic history. Though the red and white striped blazers for the men may be a divisive choice, because if you gave them little paper hats they’d look like they should be serving you ice cream from behind a cart.
A post shared by Vakko (@vakko)
Chinese Taipei, also known as Taiwan, may have the most stylish and forward-looking Opening Ceremony uniforms of all the countries. They’re wearing double-breasted suits in a denim-like fabric, and there are patches of texture everywhere.
These don’t look like Olympic uniforms. Chinese Taipei brought FASHION to Paris.
A post shared by JUST IN XX (@justinxx_official)
Slovakia’s uniforms may be the most bonkers we’ve seen today. White shirts with either red or blue squiggle patters? Bold! Weird! Perfect for the Opening Ceremony!
Our view of the fashion has been complicated by the torrential rain currently falling on the Seine. The athletes are either drenched or awkwardly wearing clear plastic ponchos to try and stay dry. Regardless, everyone is having a lot of fun out there on the boats
The people of Paris continue to welcome the world’s best athletes on the Seine. Who are you cheering? #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/tvCUJO9Tq8
The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Art. History. Sport. The delegations continue to travel across the Seine! #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/yTxdCGSQKt
The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
The best uniforms incorporate traditional details from the athletes’ home countries, and the Philippines understood the assignment.
A post shared by Philippine Olympic Committee (@olympic.ph)
The problem with trying to throw the biggest outdoor party in the history of Paris is that it sometimes rains.
Heavily, even.
From the base of the Eiffel Tower to the sidewalk cafes and public squares of this city, tourists, Olympic fans and Parisians alike had headed out into the heavily fortified streets Friday looking for a night of fun, of anticipation, of togetherness.
Three hundred thousand people were able to watch the first Opening Ceremony not held inside of a stadium, lining the banks of the Seine River. Many thousands more, however, were left outside the guarded gates.
The plan was to take in whatever they could. Maybe catch a few notes of a song. Maybe see the fireworks. Maybe watch the show on their phone, while enjoying a night out of a park bench.
By the Eiffel Tower, a group of Mexican and Brazilian fans playfully taunted each other. Some old men played Bocce. A couple shared a bottle of wine. A father bought some bread for his kids to feed the pigeons. Some women posed for pictures.
There was excitement, even among indifferent locals. With so many streets shut down, the city belonged to the people. The energy of the Olympics could seemingly be felt in the atmosphere. This was the start of something big, even if they couldnt see what was happening.
Then it rained. Heavily even.
The crowds began to scatter. Some crowded into corner bars to watch on television. Others just ducked under trees or headed home. Plenty held their ground, of course.
Their hair and clothes would dry. The Olympics wouldnt be back anytime soon.
Mongolia’s team uniforms have taken the internet by storm. Their traditional deels were completely hand embroidered. Each outfit took 20 hours to complete, but look at those results. They’re absolutely stunning.
A post shared by Michel&Amazonka (@michelamazonka)
More color from Team Mexico! Their jackets are pink, white, and black, and are actually stylish.
A post shared by Mens Fashion (@mensfashionoficial)
The 2024 Olympics started off with a bang on Friday, with an extravagant and memorable Opening Ceremony in Paris. The festivities, which honored the history of France and Paris, included some big names performing in the ceremony, which took place in and around the buildings along the Seine River.
The ceremony was headlined by Lady Gaga, who appeared on the banks of the Seine for a performance of Zizi Jeanmaire’s “Mon Truc En Plumes.” The performance was complete with plenty of plumes, pink feathers and a group of dancers.
Gaga oh la la!Excuse us as we pick our jaws off of the floor @ladygaga just blew us away with a dazzling French cabaret performance at the #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony! pic.twitter.com/oXBtU8wit3
The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Read the full story here.
Team Ireland’s togs, designed by Laura Weber, are very, very white. Maybe not ideal for the rain today…
TEAM IRELAND OPENING CEREMONY WEAR Irish designed, made, and worn for the @paris2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony in one week Team Ireland x Laura Weber #TeamIreland | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/J9rldrojx8
Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 19, 2024
Team Haiti’s uniforms, designed by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean, are absolutely gorgeous. Haiti’s Olympians could break out these outfits for their next wedding, party, or unorthodox business meeting. Definitely more useful than most bridesmaids dresses, that’s for sure.
A post shared by COMITE OLYMPIQUE HAITIEN (@coh_ht)
Great Britain’s uniforms, which were designed by Ben Sherman, are just a little boring, but lovely for being a tourist in Paris.
The conditions are not ideal a little over an hour into the Opening Ceremony
Puddles forming on the stage where something will be happening later pic.twitter.com/1XqFSGRyrJ
Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) July 26, 2024
And now one of the two big screens on one side of the seating area has gone out pic.twitter.com/Ntt0fYlbop
Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) July 26, 2024
Team Spain’s uniforms are a tribute to their country’s national flower, the red carnation.
A post shared by Joma Sport (@jomasport)
The Georgia delegation just flowed under my bridge. I gave em a loud GO DAWGS. No response from the boat or the crowd. Disappointing. pic.twitter.com/FbP8BRHFqx
Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) July 26, 2024
PARIS There is at least one place in Paris not swept up by Olympic fever.
At the same time as athletes paraded down the river Seine on Friday evening, dozens of shoppers perused Sephora’s 12,915-square-foot flagship store along the Champs Élysées. They sampled perfumes, compared lipstick colors and consulted with skincare experts, either oblivious to the show they were missing or indifferent to it.
The Sephora store was the exception along the Champs Élysées, not the norm. Many stores closed early on Friday. Foot traffic was modest along France’s most famous boulevard and restaurants were at best half full.
Was that a product of interest in the Opening Ceremony? Or was that a result of road closures and intermittent heavy rain? Time will tell.
Either way, it will be business as usual at Sephora.
Someone could buy Korea’s uniforms and wear them normally. They’re cool and breezy and just a little formal. Apparently they’re even good for fencing, judo, boxing, shooting, and other sports.
A post shared by 무신사 스탠다드 | musinsa standard (@musinsa_standard)
A post shared by 무신사 스탠다드 | musinsa standard (@musinsa_standard)
Aya Nakamura put on a show on the world stage as part of the stellar performances during this Opening Ceremony.
AYA NAKAMURA #ceremoniedouverture #OpeningCeremony #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Mc7V9EckBw
aya base. (@nakamura_base) July 26, 2024
The Phryge is pretty in pink at the Opening Ceremony. #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/1lb9NQpag9
NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 26, 2024
Heavy metal band Gojira rocked out before the program switched to opera.
A Paris Olympics wouldn’t be complete with a moment for Les Miserables
The last boat that came down the Seine contained the delegations from Canada and China, which was one giant sea of red.
Canada’s uniforms, designed by Vancouver-based athleisure brand Lululemon, are red on red, with jackets and shorts made using a intricately patterned fabric.
A post shared by Canadian Olympic Team (@teamcanada)
China’s outfits have sparked some controversy. There are red blazers for all, but the men wore white pants and the women had no choice but to wear a white and red skirt.
Leading the stars and stripes : @NBCOlympics & @peacock #ParisOlympics | #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/Yxcgph2rsj
Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 26, 2024
The next part of the torch relay takes us to Notre Dame, which should be fully refurbished by the end of the year after the awful fire five years ago. Back at the Seine, a group of dancers perform in puddles as musicians play from building windows.
Belgium’s athletes were decked out in the colors of their flag, making their delegation look like one enormous flag.
Bermuda’s outfits are wild as far as Olympic uniforms go. Pink Bermuda shorts for the men, and the women wore pink and white shift dresses. Colorful! Here’s a look at their uniforms, courtesy of the Bermuda Olympic Association Facebook page.
Gaga oh la la!Excuse us as we pick our jaws off of the floor @ladygaga just blew us away with a dazzling French cabaret performance at the #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony! pic.twitter.com/oXBtU8wit3
The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
PARIS The soundtrack to the Opening Ceremony wasn’t only Celine Dion and Lady Gaga.
The wail of police sirens also serenade those who watched from the banks of the iconic river Seine.
There was a massive police presence throughout Paris on Friday as the French government sought to keep the Opening Ceremony secure from any potential threats. Uniformed officers were everywhere on Friday morning, even in locations nowhere near the Seine.
By Friday evening, police imposed an airtight security perimeter around the Seine, barricaded streets to control the flow of traffic and escorted athletes and dignitaries through the chaos. The closer you got to the parade route or to the final destination of the Olympic flame, the more metal barriers, police vans and gun-toting officers you encountered.
The presence of up to 45,000 police was necessary because of the security risk this first-of-its-kind Opening Ceremony posed. Athletes didn’t walk around the perimeter of a stadium. They paraded down the Seine on boats.
Aside from the unprecedented boat parade, this Opening Ceremony seems to be taking a different approach than past events, with the team arrivals interspersed with the torch relay and performance(s).
Lady Gaga’s performance is giving us a chance to look at some of the uniforms from the first batch of Olympic arrivals.
Here’s what Greece was wearing: a clean off-white blazer and navy pants and shirts. Not terribly exciting, but absolutely comfortable. It’s summer in France, after all!
Antigoni Drisbioti and Giannis Antetokounmpo are ready for the Opening Ceremony in Paris.The Greek flag bearers will lead the athletes’ parade later tonight in Sein River. pic.twitter.com/cPr4McYomb
Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) July 26, 2024
Lady Gaga descends the steps near the river for a spirited performance alongside a band on the banks of the river.
Us when Lady Gaga came out pic.twitter.com/mT43fsaudw
Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 26, 2024
PARIS There are multiple helicopters in the air above the procession, and the red, white and blue smoke is still hanging in the air.
This is going to take awhile to get boats down the Seine.
While some teams have their own boat(s), some are sharing. It’s the Olympic spirit, after all.
The party on the river begins, with Greece’s team boat leading the way as usual.
The Opening Ceremony began with a video featuring Zinedine Zidane handing off the Olympic torch to three children, complete with a Phantom of the Opera reference. We’ll see where that takes us…
Its almost time for 85 boats to take to the Seine for the most unique Opening Ceremony in the history of the Olympic Games! The athletes are ready. Are you?Watch along right here: https://t.co/XzKcPINrgC#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/y32TWr5QLx
The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
PARIS About an hour before the start of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics, I approached one of the few dozen police officers stationed outside the Place de la Concorde.
“Parlez vous, English?” I asked in the world’s worst French accent.
“A little,” she responded with a smile.
My mission was to get as close as possible to the Tuileries Garden in front of the Louvre Museum. In March, the AFP News reported that’s where the Olympic flame would burn for the duration of the Games. More recently, photos began popping up on social media of a closely guarded sphere that looked suspiciously like it could contain a cauldron.
Right in front of Louvre, closely guarded from all directions. Cauldron most likely?? pic.twitter.com/Ctzq9JRTJ4
Vaibhav Manocha (@BeingMinchu) July 25, 2024
Normally, the walk from the Place de la Concorde to the Louvre might take 15 minutes, but this night was anything but normal. Police imposed a security perimeter along the banks of the Seine and barricaded many of the surrounding streets. Even if you had a ticket, it was challenging to find a clear path to your seating area.
When I asked the police officer outside the Place de la Concorde how to get closer to the Louvre, she looked at me like I’d just asked her how to fly to Jupiter.
“That’s going to be complicated,” she said with a chuckle. “I don’t think it’s possible.”
For all the years-long buildup to the Olympic Games in Paris and all the overwhelming spectacle of the Opening Ceremony along the Seine River, theres one closely guarded secret at the heart of it all: Who will light the cauldron to begin the 2024 Summer Olympics?
The highest ceremonial honor a host nation can bestow, the cauldron lighter is traditionally an Olympic figure of the highest standing think Muhammad Ali in Atlanta in 1996, or Naomi Osaka in Japan in 2021. We already know Snoop Dogg will be carrying the torch for part of its final run, but Snoop not exactly a well-known French athlete likely wont be doing the final honors.
Here are 10 potential nominees for the role on Friday night.
The seven-time Olympic Gold medalist will be on the water tonight in the opening ceremony, and in the water on Saturday, looking for gold in her first event the 400m freestyle.
Here we go @USASwimming ️ #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Gow32VSvbx
Katie Ledecky (@katieledecky) July 26, 2024
It’s a bit drizzly in Paris, but the two flag bearers Coco Gauff and LeBron James are finding ways to keep themselves dry as they make their way to the ceremony.
No stopping Team USA flag bearers @CocoGauff and @KingJames : @NBCOlympics & @peacock #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/HJ2EXKcJ05
Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 26, 2024
The spectacle that is expected to be Friday’s Opening Ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympics could be affected by rain if Mother Nature has her way.
According to Météo-France, the French weather service says rain “will be continuous and sometimes moderate in intensity until the middle of the night” with temperatures near 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Olympic organizers have said that the Opening Ceremony will go on even if rain starts coming down.
The event was thought out so it can be held in the rain,” Paris Olympic chief organizer Tony Estanguet told France Inter radio.
It will perhaps be a bit different. We’ll adapt,” he added.
Read the full story here.
90 minutes out from the #OpeningCeremony and theres a light drizzle falling on Paris. No swimmers or sharks spotted in the Seine yet. pic.twitter.com/cZBp90WfEH
Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) July 26, 2024
If all goes as expected, the Olympic Opening Ceremony will end right here pic.twitter.com/y1bF9LOaKX
Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) July 26, 2024
Youre going to see a lot of Les Phryges over the next few weeks. Theyre cheerful wide-eyed triangles, puffy and red, and theyre the mascots of the 2024 Paris Games. Sure, they look like friendly Minion-esque scamps, but they carry deep connections to French history and culture. Oh, and theyre for sale in plush form, of course.
The first official Olympic mascot dates back to the 1968 Grenoble Games in France when “Shuss,” a big-headed fellow on skis, debuted. Later Games took the mascot creation more seriously, and their creations inspired everything from T-shirts to toys to cartoons.
The Phryges (pronounced FREE-jess, or, if youre leaning American, fridges) are the latest in the long line of mascots designed to embody both free-spirited joy and national pride.
Read more here.
PARIS Coco Gauffs bags were packed for Tokyo three years ago when the then-17-year-old American tennis star spit into the COVID-19 test that Olympic officials required every athlete to take before boarding their flight.
To her horror, the test came back positive.
When Gauff revealed the heartbreaking news, U.S. Olympic tennis coach Kathy Rinaldi told her to take another test to double check. That one came back positive too, meaning that Gauff had to pull out of the Olympics and delay a childhood dream.
It was very disappointing, Gauff recalled Thursday. I felt very sad, but it was out of my hands. I knew I wouldnt be the only athlete missing it unfortunately because of that.
Three years later, Gauff, 20, is making up for lost time. Not only has she arrived in Paris as a threat to win gold in the womens singles competition, shell also join LeBron James as the flag bearers for the U.S. Olympic team during Fridays first-of-their-kind Opening Ceremony on the iconic Seine River.
Read the full story here.
I just want to say thank you to my fellow team usa olympians/athletes for voting and choosing me for this incredible honor to be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony ️. Thank you so much. I am incredibly honored.
Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) July 24, 2024