Olympics begin with colourful Seine celebration

Picturesque scenes along the Seine.

- S KANNAN

This is what the world was waiting for as French President Emmanuel Macron and International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach hugged each other when the Paris 2024 Olympics began after much tension on Friday night.

The build-up to the Games was tense, and apprehension filled the air for weeks. Finally, the moment arrived as fans and the general public roared in unison as the Games opened. This was a very different opening ceremony. Instead of being cooped up inside a stadium, spectators enjoyed the event outdoors, watching nations and athletes from spots like the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero, as the Seine River became the hotspot of activity.

The spectacular procession stretched over six kilometres, commencing at the Austerlitz Bridge. A flotilla of 85 vessels transported over 6,800 athletes Jean-Pierre Farandou, who described them as “a premeditated, calculated, coordinated attack” indicating “a desire to seriously harm” the French people. The saboteurs chose locations that would have the most significant impact, with each fire cutting off two lines.