OLYMPIC fans have never Seine anything like it as the first ever opening ceremony took place on water last night.
A flotilla of 85 boats carried 6,800 athletes from 205 nations along the Paris river, as an array of dancers and singers performed along its banks.
Lady Gaga delighted the crowds by wearing a black basque for a stunning gig supported by burlesque-style dancers. About an hour into the ceremony the heavens opened, dumping the equivalent of 15 days of rainfall, 25mm, in three hours, and athletes and fans alike were drenched.
But that did not dilute the excitement of the evening as crowds were delighted by the various performers and antics of the teams.
Team GB flagbearers, Tom Daley, 30, and Helen Glover, 38, had them chuckling as they re-created the “flying” scene on their boat from 1992 movie Titanic, where Leonardo DiCaprio clasped Kate Winslet at the front of the stricken ship.
Diver Tom stuck his arms out over the bow while rower Helen grabbed him around the waist.
The athletes, many of them in waterproof ponchos, were cheered on by a host of celebrities, including Ariana Grande, Serena Williams, ex- Chelsea star Didier Drogba and basketball icon LeBron James. Also in the crowd were the likes of Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg, Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee and Charlize Theron.
Keir Starmer showed true British grit as he applauded our athletes with no waterproof clothing, while surrounded by poncho-wearers.
This story is from the July 27, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 27, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BARNES STORMER
A tale of two Harves: Sub before the break, a matchwinner after it as Toon wake from slumbers to go third in the table
GOING FOR BROOK
Harry's chance to shine against Aussies as stand-in for crocked captain Jos
BRITS ALL OVER NOW
GB miss out on final eight as Evans reveals he may quit Cúp for good
'Mission complete' for cashtronaut
Spacewalk billionaire Isaacman in safe splashdown off Florida coast
We've turned 100 together after 78 years of marriage
Couple met in a bar during WW2
KEIR'S NOT A BILLIONAIRE, HE REPRESENT OUR COUNTRY & VIC
Lammy's defence of donor
knew I was lucky I already Michael..when you know someone you can trust them
Davina McCall fronts a show where singletons' grownup kids help them find love with a stranger but her own approach to romance was the complete opposite.
WE WON'T BE BULLIED BY PUTIN
Lammy blasts 'shameless grandstanding' after Russian despot's war threats to Nató
John Torode: I felt I had 9 lives after horror horse fall
Presenters open up on double riding accident
Ruth's moving on...as Eamonn's on his hols
Loose Women star so proud to complete charity walk for dad