By Ed Carruthers and Emily Cooper
Published: 16:30, 26 July 2024 | Updated: 00:39, 27 July 2024
Thanks for joining us!
By Ed Carruthers
Well, that just about wraps up what’s been an amazing evening. From men wearing blue to a hair-raising performance by Celine Dion, tonight’s opening ceremony was truly captivating and concluded with a sensational ending.
Emily and I will be wrapping up on here for the evening but if you’re looking for more reaction to this evening, head on over to Mail Sport’s home page for all the latest Olympics news and analysis.
The moment the cauldron was lit
By Ed Carruthers
Amazing scenes!
Our favourite pictures
By Ed Carruthers
Wondering what the Olympic cauldron looks like in daylight?
By Ed Carruthers
The hot air baloon was situated in the Tuileries Garden, just next to the Louvre.
The cauldron, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, is meant to be a symbol of Liberty – and embody the national slogan of ‘Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite’.
The ring is approximately seven metres in diameter and the balloon is 30 metres tall and 22 metres wide.
Andy Murray drinks in the atmosphere on Team GB’s boat
By Ed Carruthers
Andy Murray will compete in his final tennis tournament as a professional in Paris, with the British star and two-time Olympic champion set to partner up with Dan Evans in the men’s doubles.
Today, though, he seemed focused on enjoying the opening ceremony and was pictured taking it all in.
‘I’m loving it I always enjoyed coming to the opening ceremonies,’ he told BBC Sport as Team GB embarked their boat.
‘With this being my last tournament I want to make the most of it.
‘I’ve had amazing experiences at the Olympics the best weeks of my career and you want to make themost of it coming to the opening ceremonies and spending time with the other athletes. Work hard and enjoy yourself aswell.’
Your guide to the next two weeks!
By Ed Carruthers
So the Olympics is finally underway and what a fortnight we have coming our way!
While the games had already begun prior to today’s official opening ceremony, with rugby union, football, handball and archery all starting this week, there is plenty more sport coming your way. You’ll be able to take stock of all the action, commentary and reaction live on Mail Sport.
Check out our indefinite schedule guide to the 2024 Paris Olympics below!
Ignore the blue man and the rain, Paris triumphed with a sensational conclusion
By Ed Carruthers
We had thought that this ambitious opening ceremony was always going to be a tough one to get right. The first to not take place inside a stadium with the ceremony spread across almost the entirety of the city centre.
As the flotilla of athletes were confronted by a deluge of rain as they made their way down the River Seine, several displays and shows took place.
Many, though, were left scratching their heads at some of the performances, with Lady Gaga experiencing sound issues, a man painted blue appearing from a platter and organisers raising the Olympic flag upside down.
Yet, Paris did deliver. As the sun set on the iconic city, we got to marvel at dazzling light shows from the Eiffel Tower, a hair-raising performance from Celine Dion and a rather sensational ending that saw the Olympic cauldron, a hot air balloon, be lit and float into the sky.
It was a rather remarkable ending to a spectacular event.
Awkward moment commentator mistakes Serena Williams’ husband for an ‘umbrella holder’
By Emily Cooper
The opening ceremony took an awkward turn when a commentator referred to Serena Williams’ husband, Alex Ohanian, as her personal ‘umbrella holder.’
The Eurosport commentator said: ‘She looks absolutely incredible and she has got someone just behind her holding an umbrella.
‘Look, those are the kind of levels you aspire to – to have an actual umbrella holder behind you.’
But Ohanian is successful in his own right. He is the co-founder of a little known social media site called Reddit.
As of 2019, Forbes estimated Ohanian’s net worth as $70 million.
Lady Gaga fails to hit the mark
By Emily Cooper
While Celine Dion left fans too stunned to speak, Lady Gaga left fans speechless… for a different reason.
Many were unimpressed with her opening ceremony performance as she suffered sound issues during her rendition of Mon Truc en Plumes.
The Bad Romance star, 38, stunned in head-to-toe Dior as she graced the international stage.
But despite looking incredible, viewers couldn’t help but criticise the American star’s performance.
Flocking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans said her piece ‘must have been her worst ever’ and claimed she sang in ‘French adjacent’ as they slammed the broadcast’s audio.
One penned: ‘Great performance from Lady Gaga. Shame the French forgot to do a sound check beforehand.’
Spectators leave the opening ceremony early
By Ed Carruthers
Some spectators left the banks of the River Seine early as rain cascaded onto the French capital on Friday evening.
Thousands of fans donned ponchos and umbrellas, but for all their protective gear, some still were soaked through by the rain.
Even the athletes on the boats attempted to raise spirits in the deluge but by the end of the flotilla, many were soaked through by the rain.
The most unexpected moment of the night?
By Ed Carruthers
While there were a few things that left us scratching our heads, some fans online were left a little bewildered when a man who was painted blue, was unveiled on a platter of flowers.
The man was mean to symbolise the Greek god Dionysus, but some on social media were a little confused.
‘Er, I’m not sure Dionysus was a Smurf,’ one wrote.
Blue are you? Who is the most unusual star of the opening ceremony?
By Emily Cooper
It’s safe to say this opening ceremony was a little in-Seine. It certainly generated more questions than answers.
Who was the masked man running on Parisian rooftops?
How did they manage to put the Olympic flag upside down?
And why did a blue Smurf suddenly appear on a silver platter?
Stop scratching your tête. The Mail’s Freya Barnes provides at least one answer…
A performance for the ages
By Ed Carruthers
Celine Dion provided a spectacular closing to the opening ceremony from the Eiffel Tower.
The Canadian singer, 56, is battling an incurable neurological disorder, but dazzled as she performed Dion belted Edith Piaf’s ‘Hymne à l’amour’.
She had also revealed that she was in Paris for the opening cermony, writing on X: ‘I’m so happy to be here with you this week!’
After the scarred pandemic Games in Tokyo, this was a fresh breath of life, writes OLIVER HOLT
By Ed Carruthers
Mail Sport’s Oliver Holt has been reflecting on tonight’s rather bizarre opening ceremony.
‘This Opening Ceremony was chaotic and surreal but forget the critics – not even the torrential downpour could douse the joy of the return of the Olympics,’ he writes.
MORE BELOW…
Rebecca Adlington: ‘It wasn’t my favourite opening ceremony’
By Ed Carruthers
Rebecca Adlington has stated that she prefers watching an Olympic opening ceremony inside a stadium, having watched tonight’s curtain raiser.
Its probably a different experience to when you’re watching it on telly to when you’re out there. The weather’s not helped. It has not stopped raining. I think being cold, and probably one of those that’s just tarnished the experience.It wasn’t my favourite opening ceremony, I have to admit. Just because I think it was so different and so ambitious, I’m probably stuck in my ways. I like the stadium, I like that you can see different things going off. But this just felt a little disjointed.
Biden shows his support from the White House
By Emily Cooper
Although he wasn’t getting drenched on the banks of the Seine, President Biden was spotted wearing a Team USA Olympics jacket on the South Lawn of the White House.
Michael Johnson: ‘There were some long periods where spectators in the stands weren’t really entertained’
By Ed Carruthers
Former American Sprinter Michael Johnson has given his verdict on the opening ceremony to the BBC stating that people he knew in the stands weren’t entertained for long periods.
It was different. I applaud the French. They went big. It’s ambitious to do that to have the athletes down the Seine instead of in a stadium. I think the athletes really enjoyed it. Lighting the cauldron was really, really different. I love a light show. The Eiffel Tower. We had an amazing view with just how it was lit up. I’m curious from fans who watched on television as opposed to those in the stands to see what their experience was. The messages I was getting from some people in the stands was that there were some long periods where they weren’t really entertained. And there were periods where they didn’t really get to see anything. But when you’re in the stadium you have that sound that live entertainment going in front of you. So I’m not sure what their experience was.
Celine Dion performs at the opening ceremony
By Emily Cooper
The moment many have been waiting for!
The lovely Celine Dion has returned to the stage with a performance of L’Hymne à l’amour.
This is her first performance since revealing she has been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.
Dion also performed at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Her voice will go on…
Breaking:The Olympic cauldron is lit!
By Ed Carruthers
We’ve just had our first glimpse of the Olympic cauldron which is situated in the Tuileries garden and it appears to have taken the form of a hot air ballon.
This is sensational. The cauldron is lit and the hot air ballon rises into the dark Parisian sky illuminating the City of Light.
An astonishing moment.
Let’s check in on the surfers again…
By Ed Carruthers
A stark contrast from the dreary scenes in Paris right now, the Olympic surfers out in French Polynesia were basking in sun earlier as they took part in their own opening ceremony.
Meanwhile, in Paris…
How Team GB have turned a high school into their performance lodge…
By Ed Carruthers
While we’re waiting to find out where the torch is off to, why not take a quick look behind the scenes at Team GB’s state-of-the-art perforamance centre, which has been fully kitted out to house the athletes over the next fortnight.
The facility, a refurbished high school, has been fitted with a raft of sleeping pods, a Costa Coffee machine and will also have it’s own weather woman!
Zizou carries the torch
By Ed Carruthers
The torch is on the move… again!
By Emily Cooper
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, has been handed the torch.
He subsequently took it on a speed boat where he passed it to Serena Williams (who we saw earlier) and Carl Lewis.
None of whom are French.
Greatness recognises greatness
By Ed Carruthers
Wow what a moment. Two icons of sport Rafael Nadal and Zinedine Zidane greet eachother on the stage.
The France World Cup winner had collected the the olympic orch from a masked figure on the stage, before handing the torch over to Nadal.
It seems the Spanish tennis star has sped away on the boat and down the River Seine with the torch, giving some echoes of David Beckham on the Thames in 2012.
I’m not entirely sure where they’re heading but it looks like the cauldron is not in the Jardin du Trocadero as we first thought
‘Welcome Olympians’
By Ed Carruthers
President of the International Olympic Committe, Thomas Bach has welcomed Olympians to Paris.
As Olympians, we care for each other. We do not only respect each other, we live in solidarity with each other. All of you have experienced this and benefitted from our Olympic solidarity on your long journey to finally becoming Olympians. This solidarity is made possible through the generous support of all our Media Rights Holders and top partners. All together, we thank them and everyone who supported you on your Olympic journey.In a world torn apart by wars and conflicts, it is thanks to this solidarity that we can all come together tonight, uniting the athletes from the territories of all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. Welcome to the best athletes of the world – welcome, Olympians.
They’ve only gone and raised the Olympic flag upside down!
By Ed Carruthers
It appears the organisers have gone and raised the Olympic flag upside down!
Umbrellas for Estanguet and Bach
By Emily Cooper
Tony Estanguet – President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee -made a speech at the Trocadero.
As did Thomas Bach – President of the International Olympic Committee.
Although both speeches were largely in French, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could still learn one key thing from these men. Perhaps bring an umbrella when you’re making a speech outside?
Paris 2024 president addresses the crowd
By Ed Carruthers
Three-time Olympic gold medallist Tony Estanguet, was the first to address the audence inside the arena.
France is often said to be the country of love. One thing I know is that here, when we love, we truly love. And between France and the Games, there has been a big love story.Clearly carrying on this legacy is a huge responsibility. So, we have put out whole hearts into it. To love the Games is to court the Games for 100 years, for the chance to bring them back to Paris.This evening, we can all be proud of what we have already achieved together. And of course, I would like to thank you, the athletes.What a sight it is to see you all parading together. What a rare and precious moment you have given us. And even though the Games cannot solve every problem, even though discrimination and conflicts are not about to disappear, tonight you have reminded us how beautiful humanity is when we come together.
Bad day to forget your brolly
By Ed Carruthers
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was looking a little sodden earlier today.
He was pictured wearing a poncho as he took in the sights and sounds of the opening ceremony on the River Seine.
Emmanuel Macron will make an address
By Ed Carruthers
The French President is due to make an address shortly, but has been seen enjoying tonight’s opening ceremony delivering several posts on X.
He wrote: ‘It is now. The world is watching us. Let’s open the Games wide!’
Siren interrupts the Olympic anthem
By Ed Carruthers
The second half of the opening ceremony is now underway.
Athletes, fans, dignatories and a knight in shining armour have aligned the Jardins du Trocadero for the commencement of the second half of the ceremony which begins with the Olympic anthem.
Yet, moments after the anthem began, a French emergency services siren could be overheard around the arena. Even so, the anthem continues with a choir sounding off with a huge crescendo.
Created by Greek opera composer Spyridon Samaras for the 1896 Games in Athens, the Olympic Anthem is the oldest property of the modern Games.
Horsing around? A silver horse gallops down the Seine
By Emily Cooper
Stranger things have happened.
A knight wearing the Olympic flag sits on top of a mechanical silver horse as it makes its way down the River Seine.
It’s headed towards the Eiffel Tower – where all the athletes are gathered.
So what happens next?
By Ed Carruthers
It’s getting darker here in Paris and the athletes have all now disembarked their boats.
We’ll now have a presentation and cresendo of the opening ceremony inside the Jardins du Trocadero behind the Eiffel Tower.
French President Emmanuel Macron is due to give an address, before the Olympic caulron is lit.
Meanwhile, a man riding a glowing horse is currently zooming down the River Seine towards the Trocadero.
Dionysus? Is that you?
By Emily Cooper
As darkness falls, the tempo of the ceremony has increased ten-fold.
The dancers have brought Euro Pop to life despite their drenched catwalk.
But what’s that? A partially naked man? Painted blue? Singing on a silver platter?
Apparently he is supposed to be Dionysus – god of wine-making.
Well, pour me a glass.
A message from President Obama
By Ed Carruthers
Earlier today, President Barack Obama delivered a message to the US team ahead of the opening ceremony.
The former US President wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘You represent the best of the best in our country — and your talent, hard work, and determination make us proud. I’ll be rooting for you all the way!Good luck to all the athletes representing@TeamUSA’
The French team are bringing the party
By Ed Carruthers
The lights turn to red, white and blue as France approach the Jardins du Trocadero and a huge cry goes out for the hosts.
Even Emmanuel Macron is on his feet!
They’ll have 572 athletes coming to the games this summer and will hope to beat their eighth-place finish in themedal table at Tokyo 2020.
And they have some sporting legends in their ranks, including rugby star Antoine DuPont and football coach Thierry Henry.
While we’ve already had heavy metal rock, French classical music and a piano player delivering a solo, the procession seems to have turned into a big dance party! Dancers are floating down the river to Gala – Freed From Desire and now Darude – Sandstorm!
You’re going to need a bigger boat (for Team USA)!
By Emily Cooper
Team USA were clinging to the sides of the boat as they made their way down the Seine.
From gymnastics legend Simone Biles (who is 4’8”) to the slightly taller LeBron James (6’9”), there are more than 600 athletes representing the USA at the Paris Olympics.
Here come Australia!
By Ed Carruthers
The Aussies have arrived! It came after some had feared they had been missed off earlier.
They’ll bring 460 athletes with them to the Games this summer!
French RAF fly over the Seine
By Emily Cooper
The French Air Force’s elite acrobatic flying team graced the grey skies with a performance, leaving behind a trail of red.
The only thing missing from this ceremony is…
By Ed Carruthers
Ollie Holt has been giving his verdict on the floating procession and believes there is just one thing missing from a ceremony, that has had just about everything so far.
The rain keeps coming but the party goes on
By Ed Carruthers
Wondering why you haven’t seen Australia yet?
By Ed Carruthers
Some fans on social media have been left confused as to why they’ve not seen Australia yet floating down the River Seine.
The boat procession is said to be done in French alphabetical order and some Aussies had been left a little angry that they had mistakenly missed their country’s entrance.
‘Didn’t seen Australia on the French Olympic opening ceremony broadcast and they’re on Bs [countries starting with B] … did Aus get skipped??’ asked one.
‘What happened to Australia in the opening ceremony?!? I thought it was alphabetical in French,’ added another.
There is a reason though why Australia haven’t yet been spotted on the River Seine and there seems to be a method to the madness.
Because Australia will be hosting the 2032 Games, meaning they’ll travel down the river alongside the USA, who will host the 2028 Olympics, and France.
‘Stop the boats!’: Opening ceremony panned by viewers
By Emily Cooper
Over on social media, viewers have slammed the opening ceremony as ‘the worst’. Rain continues to hamper the audio and fans urge organisers to ‘Stop the boats’.
But 6,800 athletes covered in plastic ponchos are trying to keep spirits high as they travel down the river Seine.
The huge air exclusion zone over Paris
By Ed Carruthers
Wow this is pretty incredible. Right now air traffic around Europe is being diverted away from the centre of France and Paris.
It comes as a part of France’s huge security operation for the opening ceremony.
An approximate airspace of 93 miles around Paris is closed right now with all four airports, including Charles de Gaulle, being shut.
Ooh la la! Gaga dancer slips in the rain
By Emily Cooper
An eagle-eyed viewer has filmed the moment one of Lady Gaga’s dancers slipped and fell in the rain.
There are rumours that other dancers have had to simplify their choreography in order to avoid the same fate.
You have to feel for them. Weeks of rehearsal, for this weather? Maybe a strike wasn’t such a bad idea after all…
… and the surfers have been enjoying their own opening ceremony
By Ed Carruthers
It looks much, much drier in Tahiti than it does in Paris!
The surfers arrived for an opening ceremony parade on Friday afternoon in French Polynesia, with the sun shining down on the delegations.
It also looks like some of the surfers have been out to sample the waves in Tahiti too!
But where are all the surfers?!
By Ed Carruthers
While Olympians from around the world have been showing off their new digs in the athletes’ village, it may be the surfers who have landed themselves the coolest accommodation.
Surfing at this year’s Olympics is set to take place in Tahiti, some 15,600km west of Paris, in French Polynesia.
As there is limited accommodation options on this stunning tropical island, the athletes are being housed in a cruise ship, which will serve as their floating village for the games.
The boat, which typically houses around 230 passengers, is anchored in a lagoon about 10km from the venue of Teahupo’o.
On board there are 28 athletes from 19 delegations, with each landing their own single room and a double bed – a far cry from the cardboard beds some athletes in the Olympic village will be sleeping on this week.
Peru’s Sol Aguirre showcased what the accommodation and cruise ship looks like!
France pays tribute to 10 French heroines
By Ed Carruthers
Golden statutes also began to rise out of plinths on the banks of the River Seine.
Each of the 10 golden statutes pays tribute to one heroine from French history.
Meanwhile, an absolutely sensational rendition of the French national anthem, Le Marseillais, has also just taken place.
An iconic moment!
Wish you were here? Fans watch from (dry) London
By Emily Cooper
Those watching the opening ceremony from King’s Cross in London look warmer and drier than those sticking it out in the city of love.
Wish you were here?
Les miserables! The rain is only getting worse!
By Emily Cooper
As the countries keep rolling through, the athletes are being battered by the rain.
Seats for the opening ceremony (which cost up to £2,300) have been steadily emptying throughout the evening.
The Mail’s very own Mike Keegan has even spotted that a big screen has switched off due to the poor weather.
At least the Prime Minister looks in good spirits!
Team GB raise the roof!
By Ed Carruthers
The rain is pouring here but that was not dampening the spirits of Team GB!
Daily Mail readers react to Paris opening ceremony
By Ed Carruthers
Many have been left scratching their heads at today’s opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics, which has been, pretty bizarre.
Daily Mail readers have been sharing their thoughts in our Live Blog, and here’s what they’ve had to say!
Martin: ‘So far the boat parade is very odd. A grey Seine, a grey sky with modern grey apartment blocks in the background. No atmosphere whatsoever. It’s a bit depressing!’
Juno Moonfixer: ‘Certainly not living up to the hype. No atmosphere. Bring back the Stadium.’
RFASanchez: ‘So far, I am not impressed. The boat parade is very strange. As everyone is saying, it is very gray. Some of the athletes are holding on to the boat rails, looking a bit seasick. So far, there is no atmosphere whatsoever. The French will be getting Joseph-Ignace Guillotin ready for the people who suggested this show.’
creatagus:’I do hope it improves because so far it’s dreadful.’
sameday101: ‘This is so boring. They should have done it in a stadium.’
I wonder what the PM makes of it all?
By Ed Carruthers
Sir Keir Starmer, sporting a Team GB jacket, watched on as the flotilla passed bye.
So far we’ve seen caberet dancers, a heavy metal band and minions.
I wonder what the Prime Minister makes of it all?
Reaction to the Team GB boat
By Emily Cooper
Brits were pleased to get a glimpse of Team GB on their TV screens.
The athletes were seen smiling despite the miserable weather conditions – although I suppose they are more used to it than the likes of Team Maldives!
Prime Minister Keir Starmer was spotted giving the British athletes a standing ovation from his (rather wet) spot in the crowd.
Supporters back home took to social media to express their best wishes to the sportsmen and women onboard.
Other fans were disappointed that Team GB didn’t rock up on HMS Victory…
Here come Team GB!
By Ed Carruthers
Team GB have just made their way past the television cameras! They’re making a huge racket on their boat and they look like they’re lapping up every moment of the ceremony, even if it is pouring with rain.
‘Near, far, wherever you are…’
By Ed Carruthers
Team GB are on the way!
The boats continue to roll through!
By Ed Carruthers
The rain is absolutely pouring down and some of the athletes are sporting ponchos and coats, but they are doing little to stop them from getting wet. Spain are the next boat coming through here on a ginormous boat that they are sharing with Estonia.
No sign of Team GB yet. Meanwhile, David Coverdale has given his verdict on proceedings so far…
‘The French can only save this if they get Daft Punk back together…’ writes Coverdale.
On a side note, who is the mysterious figure running around the river with an Olympic torch?
The unsinkable GB flagbearers
By Emily Cooper
While waiting for their turn to be announced as part of the opening ceremony, Helen Glover and Tom Daley share an intimate moment on deck.
Let’s hope the Team GB boat actually is unsinkable!
Some have been left scratching their heads…
By Ed Carruthers
It’s safe to say this opening ceremony has been a bit… bizarre.
From the performers along the River Seine, to a metalcore rock band blaring music across the river, it’s been an interesting celebration to the opening of the Olympic Games.
Some have been left scratching their heads over the opening ceremony, while others just want to skip the pagentry and get to the sports.
Riath Al-Samarrai wrote: ‘Please, I just want to watch the hop, skip and jump!’
One Daily Mail reader wrote in the comments of this Live Blog: ‘So far, I am not impressed. The boat parade is very strange. As everyone is saying, it is very gray. Some of the athletes are holding on to the boat rails, looking a bit seasick. So far, there is no atmosphere whatsoever. The French will be getting Joseph-Ignace Guillotin ready for the people who suggested this show.’
Another added: ‘Hurry up Emerdale!’
‘This is so boring. They should have done it in a stadium,’ Another added.
Not all smooth-sailing for the performers…
By Emily Cooper
Approximately 3,000 dancers, acrobats and actors are contribute to tonight’s opening ceremony, but as MailOnline reports, some are working for low wages – and even for free in some cases.
French trade unionists caused chaos a week out from the Olympics after dancers, signed up to perform, filed a strike notice citing that they were being unfairly paid.
A union representing the performers stated that some of the performers were working under ‘shameful conditions’.
We can-can’t hear! Sound issues plague the opening ceremony
By Emily Cooper
We’ve had the can-can as well as a selection of songs from Les Mis, the opera Carmen and even French heavy metal band Gojira.
But viewers can’t help but notice the overwhelming sound of the rain?
A nod to Notre Dame
By Ed Carruthers
So who is carrying the flag for their nation?
By Ed Carruthers
While all athletes will be treated to a primetime cruise down the Seine, two from each delegation will fly their nation’s flag.
Let’s take a look at a selected few who will be waving theirs later tonight:
- Team GB: Tom Daley and Helen Glover
They’ve both won gold medalists at previous Games and they’ll be on the hunt for glory once again. Daley is the first diver to get the honour while Glover becomes the first woman rower, following Olympic icons Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent.m d
- Team USA: LeBron James and Coco Gauff
Two sporting superstars will carry the Stars and Stripes in Paris after NBA legend James and tennis grand slam champion Gauff were named the Team USA flag bearers for the opening ceremony.
- France: Mélina Robert-Michon and Florent Manaudou
This year’s homegrown heroes are Robert-Michon, a French discus thrower who won silver at the Rio Games in 2016 and is a national record holder while Manaudou, a swimmer, won gold in the 50m freestyle in London 12 years ago.
- China: Ma Long and Feng Yu
Chinese table tennis player Ma Long and artistic swimmer Feng Yu will carry China’s flag in the French capital. Ma, who has claimed three team golds and two singles titles in previous Olympic Games, will be making his fourth Olympic appearance in Paris, while Feng lead the artistic swimming team to silver in Tokyo in 2020.
- Jamaica: Shanieka Ricketts and swimmer Josh Kirlew
The country has been blessed with rapid sprinters but triple jumper Shanieka Ricketts and swimmer Josh Kirlew will fly the Jamaican flag at the opening parade. Ricketts is a two-time world champion while London-born Kirlew is participating in his first Olympics.
The unidentified torch bearer zips across the Seine
By Emily Cooper
The person lighting the Olympic cauldron has been running in-and-out of view – along Parisan roofs, through a stage version of Les Mis and even zip-lining across the Seine.
But who is it?
Team GB are on board and ready to go!
By Ed Carruthers
What do you make of the opening ceremony so far?
By Ed Carruthers
Here come the delegations! They’re starting to file down the River Seine with South Africa, Germany and the Refugee Olympic team all making their way down the river.
‘Wonder what Danny Boyle makes of all this…’ writes our reporter David Coverdale.
Meanwhile, Riath Al-Samarrai believes ‘all the feathers and interpretive dancing can get in the Seine!’
But what do you think of Paris’ grand opening ceremony so far? Let us know in the comments!
Follow Daily Mail’s live coverage of the opening ceremony below!
By Ed Carruthers
Follow along for Daily Mail’s live video coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Ceremony here:
[embedded content]
‘One of the greatest honours of my career’
By Ed Carruthers
When asked what being named as one of Team GB’s flagbearers meant to him, Daley said: ‘To be asked to be flag bearer is one of the greatest honours in my career.’
‘If my dad was around now, he would be so incredibly proud. He always said that you would know you have cemented your Olympic legacy if you are asked to be a flagbearer.’
A performance from Lady Gaga!
By Emily Cooper
The crowds have gone gaga for none other than Lady Gaga.
The American singer is performing Mon truc en plumes (in French!) on the bank of the River Seine alongside a host of well-dressed men carrying pink feather plumes.
What else did we expect?
Serena Williams watches on
By Emily Cooper
Tennis superstar Serena Williams – who has four Olympic gold medals herself – has been spotted watching the opening ceremony with her husband Alexis Ohanian.
The couple are joined by their fittingly-named daughter Olympia.
The refugee Olympic team comes next
By Ed Carruthers
The Refugee Olympic team is next out! The team will be competing for the third time at the Olympics having made their games debut in Rio in 2016.
The team represented 60million displaced people from around the world and according to the UN, that figure has since skyrocketed to over 100million.
The likes of Cindy Ngamba (boxing), Dorsa Yavarivafa (badminton) and Ramiro Mora (weightlifting) will represent the team, which is competing in events such as breaking, swimming and canoe sprint.
Meet the full team here!
Austerlitz bridge lit up with the French flag
By Emily Cooper
Pont d’Austerlitz has been lit up with the colours of the French tricolore.
Just in case you had any doubt as to where the Olympics are being held…
Here come the first of the athletes!
By Ed Carruthers
The first group of athletes are making their way through a shroud of smoke under the Pont d’Austerlitz bridge as fireworks pop off around them!
And it’s Greece! Greece are one of the teams who will have their own barge, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Antigoni Ntrismpioti flying the flag for the Greek team.
Emmanuel Macron and Thomas Bach have arrived to the VIP tent
By Emily Cooper
French president Emmanuel Macron has arrived to the VIP tent alongside International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.
And there is no leak in site…
So here we go the opening ceremony has begun!
By Ed Carruthers
Sir Keir Starmer in the house!
By Ed Carruthers
Sir Keir Starmer has taken his seat ahead of the opening ceremony!
The Prime Minister stated that we shouldn’t let travel disruption earlier today ‘overshadow’ the opening ceremony.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: ‘Obviously the situation is concerning, and like the statements you’ve seen from the French, it is also incredibly frustrating for people travelling to attend the Games and the Olympic ceremony.
‘The Prime Minister would urge people to continue to follow the travel advice and the statements from the travel operators.
‘The spokeswoman added: “Irrespective of this disruption, it is very clear that both in France, here and around the world, everyone is hugely excited and looking forward to what will be an incredibly successful Olympic Games, and we won’t let disruption overshadow that.’
ANDY MURRAY: ‘With this being my last tournament, I want to make the most of it’
By Ed Carruthers
Andy Murray will compete in his final tennis tournament at this summer’s Olympics and the three-time Grand Slam winner is looking to soak in every moment.
‘I’m loving it I always enjoyed coming to the opening ceremonies,’ he told BBC Sport as Team GB embarked their boat.
‘With this being my last tournament I want to make the most of it.
‘I’ve had amazing experiences at the Olympics the best weeks of my career and you want to make themost of it coming to the opening ceremonies and spending time with the other athletes. Work hard and enjoy yourself aswell.’
Who will light the Olympic cauldron?
By Emily Cooper
The individual with the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron is still unknown.
Several names have been flying about. Will it be footballer Kylian Mbappé or perhaps French president Emmanuel Macron himself?
Whoever it is will become one of 11,000 torch bearers who have helped to bring the Olympic flame to Paris tonight.
Carrying the torch in Saint-Denis this morning was US rapper Snoop who delighted crowds with his gold high-top trainers.
Pharell Williams also had a go with the flaming torch.
So if you need to be an American rapper to qualify for the role of cauldron lighter… my bets are on Drake or Cardi B.
The Olympic ring of steel: Paris steps up security measures ahead of the games
By Ed Carruthers
Emmanuel Macron has previously admitted that tonight’s ambitious opening ceremony does present some security risks, but organisers have stepped up security measures ahead of the games.
Around 300,000 spectators will turn out to watch tonight’s opening ceremony on the River Seine.
It seems there will be a large police presence in the French capital, throughout the games, with armed guards having been spotted patrolling the Parisian streets ahead of the games.
Metal barriers now line the Seine and 45,000 police officers have joined what is set to be a massive security operation.
Security forces will deploy drones, AI surveillance and helicopters after a surge in safety concerns for athletes, staff and members of the public.
Officers will be drafted in from 43 countries and 18,000 soldiers will also join the defence system.
And we’ve seen plenty of security forces around today ahead of tonight’s opening ceremony, with officers flying up and down the river in speed boats, while fans and spectators have had to undergo a rigorous security check prior to taking their seats.
We’re ready to go!
By Ed Carruthers
We’re T-minus 20 minutes until the start of the opening ceremony!
By Ed Carruthers
Celebs, Olympians, delegates and fans are all arriving on the banks of the River Seine.
Athletes are set to board their boats on the Seine at 6.30pm BST and embark on their trip up the river.
President Macron has also been spotted among the arrivals.
The good news is that the rain seems to have died down a little!
And here comes LeBron James!
By Ed Carruthers
LeBron James looked dapper in his Ralph Lauren jacket and tie. Alongside tennis icon Coco Gauff, the pair will carry the USA flag for tonight’s opening ceremony!
Incase you haven’t seen it, here’s the moment Gauff found out she was going to carry the flag for the USA at the opening ceremony – and her reaction is brilliant!
Here come the flag bearers!
By Ed Carruthers
I can’t believe it! It’s been a long time coming. It’s so exciting seeing all the teams dressed up. It’s going to be fun – Tom Daley The rest of Team GB will be right behind us and we’ll be proudly flying the flag – Helen Glover
So who is carrying the flag for Team GB tonight?
By Ed Carruthers
Gold medalists, Tom Daley and Helen Glover were selected to carry the British flag at tonight’s opening ceremony.
They will follow past olympic greats to have also held the honour including Sir Chris Hoy, Katie Howey, Andy Murray and Sir Matthew Pinsent.
The news was revealed on Wednesday that the pair had been selected following a reception at the British Embassy in Paris last night, which was attended by Princess Anne and Mick Jagger.
‘To be asked to be flag bearer is one of the greatest honours in my career,’ said 30-year-old Daley, who is competing in his fifth Games.
Glover, 38, who is rowing in her fourth Olympics, added: ‘This is probably the biggest honour of my life.’
The diver and rower have won three Olympic gold medals between them. Daley has won four Olympic medals – one gold and three bronzes. He is set to be in action first on Monday in the 10m synchronised platform event with Noah Williams.
Glover has won gold in the coxless pair at London 2012 and Rio 2016. She will be in action as part of the coxless four in Paris and can become the first British mother to win a rowing medal.
Leak in the VIP tent
By Emily Cooper
It looks as though a worker is attempting to fix a leak in the roof of the VIP tent.
One seat directly below the leak is reserved for Thomas Bach – President of the International Olympic Committee.
Let’s hope he doesn’t mind a soggy bottom!
Ariana Grande arrives in the rain
By Emily Cooper
A string of famous faces have started to arrive for the opening ceremony including popstar Ariana Grande.
Dressed in a baby pink dress with delicate white gloves, Grande is clealry pointing to her role as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked movie – based on the musical of the same name.
Her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, is also in attendance wearing an emerald green gown and matching boater hat.
The Olympic ceremony route!
By Ed Carruthers
Tonight’s ceremony is set to last approximately three-and-a-half hours and will work in two stages.
First is the flotilla, which will see athletes and Olympic delegates traverse down the River Seine for 6km.
They’ll board their boats and embark from the Austerlitz Bridge, which is located beside the Jardin des Planets.
The flotilla will then set sail and travel west along the iconic river passing by some of the French capital’s world-renowned landmarks.
They’ll pass by the two islands in the centre of the river, the Ile Saint Louis and the Ile de la Cite – home to the Notre Dame Cathedral – before travelling up the river past some of the official Games venues including the Place de la Concorde, the Esplanade des Invalides and the Grand Palais.
The floating parade will end in front of the Eifel Tower and stop at the Palais du Trocadero before the ceremony’s grand finale.
Several ceremonial procedures will take place at the palace, with French President Emmanuel Macron set to deliver the opening remarks.
But there’s been plenty of security activity on the River Seine already today…
The Olympic torch is nearly here!
By Ed Carruthers
The Olympic torch began its journey to Paris on April 16 and is close to wrapping up it’s epic journey to the French capital.
Along the way, a whopping 11,000 torch bearers have carried the Olympic flame, including none other than American rapper Snoop Dog!
French airport evacuated due to bomb scare
By Ed Carruthers
Amid the travel chaos that swept across the country earlier this morning, an airport located on the Swiss-French border was evacuated earlier today, following a bomb scare.
Basel-Mulhouse airport terminals were evacuated before being reopened, with flight operations ‘gradually restarting’.
‘For safety reasons, the terminal had to be evacuated and is currently closed,’ the Basel-Mulhouse EuroAirport said on its website.
Some Parisians have now shared their embarrassment following what’s been a chaotic Olympics opening day.
Hermance Bonjasson, 42, who spoke to MailOnline as she waited for a replacement train to take her to the Vendee on the Atlantic coast, said: ‘I’m embarrassed that the world see us like this. This should be a very proud day for France, not a day for sadness and annoyance.’
France’s rail network comes to a halt after ‘massive arson attack’
By Ed Carruthers
A chaotic morning has unfolded here in Paris after a ‘massive arson attack’ on Frances’ rail network last night.
Fires were started at key installations bringing trains to a halt with around 800,000 passengers affected by the disruption.
The Gare du Nord – the main Eurostar station in Paris where some Team GB athletes arrived last week – was hit by the attacks on the rail network according to a spokesperson for SNCF – France’s rail operator.
Services have been cancelled or delayed causing havoc among those looking to get to tonight’s opening ceremony – with 300,000 spectators expected as well as members of the public.
It comes after a 40-year-old man was charged with working ‘with a foreign power to try and incite hostilities in France earlier this week.
Transport minister Patrice Vergriete said that there had been a series of ‘coordinated malicious acts’ on Friday morning in the run up to the opening ceremony.
Is Macron’s audacious Olympic ceremony set to be a damp squib?
By Ed Carruthers
It’s been a bit of a chaotic morning in Paris.
While this is set to be one of the biggest events in Olympic history – and notably the first opening ceremony to be held outside of a stadium – travel chaos earlier today has threatened to cause several hiccups to the curtain raiser.
Meanwhile, showers and an ominous forecast are threatening to cast a dampener on tonight’s parade, with France’s meteorological office having just issued a flood warning.
Breaking:Flood warning issued to france
By Ed Carruthers
We start off with a breaking bit of news this afternoon that could spell ‘disaster’ for the opening ceremony.
The French meteorological office, Meteo-France, is predicting ‘flooding rains’ on Friday evening, just as the opening ceremony is set to commence along the River Seine. The show is still set to go on as planned.
According to L’Equpe, the office issued a yellow alert and that flooding could take place from 8pm tonight.
Grey skies have been seen over Paris today, with light intermittent drizzle falling – but temperatures are expected to stay warm throughout the evening.
Approximately 25mm of rain is expected to fall between 6pm and midnight, which could spell a washout for Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious opening ceremony.
‘It’s going to be a disaster for these few hours,’ Marliere, the head of independent weather forecaster Agate Meteo, said on RMC radio.
‘I’ve been running models for two hours, going full circle, comparing all weather models, but unfortunately, everything is confirming this trend for the start and the end of this evening. We won’t be able to avoid it.’
A world first!
By Ed Carruthers
The magnitude, logistics and sheer size of this event is truly extraordinary.
This will be the largest Olympic opening ceremony in the history of the games, with Olympic chiefs hoping to honour the City of Light through tonight’s ceremony.
It’s also set to be one busy evening too!
As I mentioned above, this will be the first time an opening ceremony at the games will take place outside a closed stadium with 160 boats set to make their way along the River Seine and stop outside the Palais du Trocadero.
Each national delegation will send their athletes in the boats along the river, with approximately 94 of the boats set to transport competitors along the 6km stretch of the Seine.
The remainder of the boats are set to host Olympic delegates and those who have paid for the privilege of sailing with the Olympians.
We’ll also be able to get a good glimpse of all the competitors on the flotilla, with each boat set to be fitted with television cameras, too!
Good afternoon and welcome!
By Ed Carruthers
Well, it’s finally here! The Olympic flame has arrived in Paris and we’re ready for a fortnight of sporting action!
While the Olympic Games are set to officially commence tonight following this evening’s opening ceremony, a host of events have already begun, including football, rugby sevens, archery and handball.
A total of 10,500 athletes from 206 countries around the world are due to attend tonight’s unique opening ceremony, which will take place on the River Seine.
This will be a first for the Olympics, with tonight’s curtain raiser being the first time an opening ceremony has been held outside of a stadium.
The event is due to commence at 6.30pm BST (7.30pm local time), but we’ll have all the latest updates, commentary and key talking points live here on Mail Sport.
Join the conversationKey Updates
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- Celine Dion performs at the opening ceremony
- The Olympic cauldron is lit!
- The torch is on the move… again!
- They’ve only gone and raised the Olympic flag upside down!
- A message from President Obama
- The huge air exclusion zone over Paris
- Ooh la la! Gaga dancer slips in the rain
- But where are all the surfers?!
- Here come Team GB!
- A performance from Lady Gaga!
- Austerlitz bridge lit up with the French flag
- Sir Keir Starmer in the house!
- ANDY MURRAY: ‘With this being my last tournament, I want to make the most of it’
- The Olympic ring of steel: Paris steps up security measures ahead of the games
- Leak in the VIP tent
- The Olympic ceremony route!
- French airport evacuated due to bomb scare
- France’s rail network comes to a halt after ‘massive arson attack’
- Flood warning issued to france
- A world first!
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