The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, which takes place this Friday, July 26, has already revealed some secrets.
On Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m., the eyes of almost the entire world will be on the French capital, Paris, host of the 2024 Summer Olympics. For months and even years, the organizing committee has been promising many things and will have to live up to expectations. Questioned on Tuesday, July 23, President Emmanuel Macron kept saying that we will see why it was worth it.
Thomas Joly will be the master of ceremonies and will be surrounded by screenwriter Fanny Herrero, writer Leïla Slimani, historian Patrick Boucheron and playwright Damien Gabriac to provide the framework. Maud Le Pladec is responsible for coordinating the performances of 400 dancers, while more than 3,000 artists are expected to perform this Friday evening. Unless the latter go on strike, as some have been suggesting for several days now, due to certain conditions not being respected.
You will have to be present very early on the platforms
Information that will not leave anyone indifferent: to be able to attend the ceremony, the organization asks people to come 4 or 5 hours before the start of the ceremony. A security choice, but which could make this task difficult for many people.
Two security perimeters have been set up: one red around each of the competition sites located near the Seine, the other gray, on the banks of the river.
What kind of show?
BMX and skateboarding champions have been training for hours with the aim of performing their acrobatic tricks on floating platforms on the Seine this Friday. But beware of the rain, which could play tricks on this picture, because the weather is quite threatening in the capital this Friday. Dancers should also perform at altitude, on the roofs of monuments or buildings, suspended by a cable.
Which singers and artists?
Aya Nakamura should be there, it’s not really a surprise anymore. But it remains to be seen who will be there to accompany her. One name is now coming back insistently, that of Celine Dion. The singer arrived in France on Tuesday July 23 and the rumors about her presence at the ceremony are increasing by the minute. Emmanuel Macron himself has not denied her presence. She could perform “L’Hymne à l’amour” by Édith Piaf, according to information from Le Parisien. The Lady Gaga rumor has also been swelling for several hours.
A gigantic parade of athletes
In total, 206 nations will parade on stage aboard a hundred boats, for 10,500 athletes. While Greece will open this parade as tradition dictates, France will conclude the evening with Florent Manaudou and Melina Robert Michon as flag bearers.
Who will be the last torchbearer?
It is for the moment the best kept secret… Who will be the last to light the Olympic flame? Several names have been circulating for several weeks and one keeps coming back, that of Zinedine Zidane this time.
The 1998 world champion, absent in Marseille for the passage of the flame, is hoped for by many people, but does not fully represent the Olympic spirit. Another name therefore comes up insistently, that of Marie José Perec. The Olympic champion is perhaps the ultimate symbol of Olympism in France and should be honored on Friday.
Finally, some rumors speak of a completely different person. On images broadcast on France 2, we see a Zorro who will have to light the flame. “Zorro enters first, the bearer gives the flame to Zorro, he removes his mask… Zorro enters, the bearer is there, he comes towards him (he mimes a character who unmasks himself)” explains Thomas Joly. If the “Z” suggests Zinedine Zidane, others speak of a certain Jean Dujardin who will play the character in a series.
What time does the opening ceremony start?
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games officially begins at 7:30 p.m.
On which channel can you watch the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics?
To follow the show of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, two solutions are available to you with the Eurosport channel, but also on France 2, both official broadcasters of the Olympic Games.