Olympics 2024 opening ceremony live updates (2024)

Olympics 2024 opening ceremony live updates (1)Olympics 2024 opening ceremony live updates (2)

Luke Brown·Managing Editor, Global Live

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Olympics opening ceremony takes place in Paris

The 2024 Paris Olympics got underway on Friday with a unique opening ceremony on the river Seine which divided opinion on a chaotic day in France.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators braved heavy downpours to line the banks of the Seine for the first opening ceremony of a Games to take place outside of a stadium.

They were entertained by a flotilla of barges carrying more than 6,000 athletes and musical performances from the likes of Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, who gave her first public performance since revealing she is living with a rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome.

But the ceremony was overshadowed by a series of attacks on the country’s high-speed rail network earlier in the day. The state-owned railway operator SNCF said timetables would be severely impacted all weekend and has urged all travelers to postpone their journeys.

GO FURTHERA walk along the Seine for the Olympic opening ceremony, where the joy was back

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The top boats that took to the Seine for the ceremony

The boats are docked, the cauldron is lit and the 2024 Olympic Games are officially underway.

The opening ceremony was not held in a stadium for the first time in Olympic history, as the Seine entertained 85 boats.

Greece and France were the bookends of the floating parade. Greece is always the first nation to start the “parade of nations” in the Olympic opening ceremony as an ode to the country that created the Games.

The host then country closes out the procession.

All the boats passed under 24 of the 37 bridges along the River Seine, according to the NBC broadcast. Some were large, some were small. Some hauled hundreds of athletes while others held a handful.

Therefore, here were the most eye-catching cruisers of the opening ceremony.

GO FURTHERParis 2024 river parade: Top boats of the Olympic opening ceremony on the Seine

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July 26, 2024 at 6:55 PM EDTTess DeMeyer

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Post-ceremony job 1: correct the flag?

A real horse led by a rider dressed in a metallic Joan of Arc-inspired outfit, walked to deliver the folded Olympic flag to the Palace du Trocadero stage.

The flag was then hoisted above the Trocadero…although eagle-eyed fans noticed the flag was accidentally hung upside down.

GO FURTHERBest moments of 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony: Teddy Riner, Marie-José Pérec light the torch, Celine Dion and more
July 26, 2024 at 6:45 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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An iconic view over Paris

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Imagine conceiving this idea, and finally getting to see it in real life over the French capital’s skyline.

Here, the Olympic flame held aloft by a hot-air balloon is flanked by the Eiffel Tower to its left and the Arc de Triomphe to its right.

July 26, 2024 at 6:35 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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USA’s jeans, Mongolia’s deels and Canada’s red on red

Olympics 2024 opening ceremony live updates (30)

Still intrigued by some of the outfits you saw bobbing up and down on the River Seine earlier? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

This is good fun from the excellent Caoimhe O’Neill on the fashion show that was an 85-boat flotilla trundling through Paris. It’s all yours and may well inspire your next shopping trip. Maybe.

GO FURTHERParis 2024 Olympic opening ceremony outfits: USA’s jeans, Mongolia’s deels and Canada’s red on red
July 26, 2024 at 6:22 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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A walk along the Seine...where the joy was back

You will have seen updates in here from our own brilliant writer Matthew Futterman, as he stood and waited for the opening ceremony to unfold before him.

Well, he has written his piece. This is how it starts:

📝 PARIS — There was noise, the kind only a throng of humanity can sound.

How big a throng?

Four-miles-long-and-30-deep-on-both-sides-of-the-river big.

Hundreds of thousands lined the Seine, that river of rivers snaking through the French capital…as thousands of athletes floated by on boats and barges, waving flags and arms and clinging to each other in ways that conjured that dark memory of a time when none of this was possible.

I now want to read the rest of Matthew’s writing, and I’m sure you do too. Just follow the link below.

GO FURTHERA walk along the Seine for the Olympic opening ceremony, where the joy was back
July 26, 2024 at 6:10 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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The pick of the moments from the opening ceremony

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From the piano playing of Lady Gaga to a heavy metal Les Mis tribute, a horsewoman riding the Seine and a GOAT boat.

We saw it all through almost four hours of spectacle in the French capital, welcoming the 2024 Paris Olympics.

And you can catch up on all those remarkable moments, in this cracking piece from Tess DeMeyer below. Enjoy!

GO FURTHERBest moments of 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony: Teddy Riner, Marie-José Pérec light the torch, Celine Dion and more

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July 26, 2024 at 5:55 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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Now for the real deal

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If you thought the opening ceremony was fun, then wait until you start getting stuck into the actual sport.

In truth we’ve already seen some, with the soccer and rugby sevens among the sports providing a soft-launch to the Paris 2024 events. But with the Games now officially open, we get properly engrossed.

There is diving, fencing, road time-trial cycling, shooting, skateboard and swimming all on the bill for Saturday.

And even better news… You can follow all of it through The Athletic’s Olympics coverage right here (click 'follow' in the top right hand corner).

Let’s the real fun and Games begin!

July 26, 2024 at 5:46 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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A fully French affair as the cauldron is lit

So after weeks of secrecy and hours of anticipation during the opening ceremony, it was Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec revealed as the final co-torchbearers and honoree lighters of the Olympic cauldron.

A quintessential French choice to end a true extravaganza of an opening ceremony.

The flame was then lifted into the sky by a flying hot-air balloon, to mark the beginning of the 2024 Olympic Games.

You can read up on exactly how and why with the link below.

GO FURTHERTeddy Riner, Marie-José Pérec jointly light Olympic cauldron to kick off 2024 Summer Games
July 26, 2024 at 5:36 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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The ceremony closes, the iconic sights last

With the end of Celine Dion’s poignant performance and with tears in her eyes, that is the climax of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.

The hot-air balloon holding the Olympic flame in the Paris sky is a remarkable sight, with the shimmering Eiffel Tower a decent step back in the distance.

I can fully appreciate now why it took so long to get the torch back there.

The sight though… It is utterly spellbinding. What a brilliant piece of design and the sight you will see on all your media pages, social feeds and TV bulletins through the coming hours.

Well done, Paris. Well done.

July 26, 2024 at 5:32 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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The Brits knew it was coming

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...as shown on their boat earlier.

July 26, 2024 at 5:28 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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Where is Celine? You know where...

I forgot to say, Celine Dion is of course performing from under the Olympic rings plastered to the front of the Eiffel Tower.

But I reckon you’d probably guessed that was how it was happening.

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July 26, 2024 at 5:26 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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The moment arrives and it is beautiful

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Now then. Here we are. The oldest living French Olympian, 100-year-old Charles Coste, joins the group.

He passes the flame to three-time Olympic gold medaling judoka Teddy Riner and three-time Olympic track champion Marie-Jose Perec — both symbols of French sporting excellence — and they hand the flame to an incredible hot air balloon structure that takes the seven-meter-wide Olympic flame into the air.

This is truly an incredible sight, all playing out to the background music of Edith Piaf.

Simply spectacular. Beautifully French.

And then right on cue, Celine Dion signing in French. Et voila!

July 26, 2024 at 5:21 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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The torch guardians group grows and grows

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The accumulating crew of French athletes continues to grow, with handball star Allison Pineau the latest to lead the group — but in truth we’re picking up sports stars at an accelerating rate and it’s unlikely you’re all going to get a namecheck at this point. Sorry.

July 26, 2024 at 5:18 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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A whole new torch relay

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High fives to the crowd from Mauresmo as she carries the torch on land and back through and towards the Louvre.

The idea now seems to be to pass the torch through various French Olympians and Paralympians, as well as former NBA star and French-American, Tony Parker.

The jog through more French landmarks continues. But to where?

It’s a great question…

July 26, 2024 at 5:13 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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And so we wait

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Well, the lightshow and lasers are continuing from the Eiffel Tower, and the boat is still trundling down the Seine.

As has just been pointed out to me, Rafael Nadal is due on court tomorrow and as it stands, he and a lot of other athletes are going to be having a late night at this rate.

Not the ideal preparation. I’m sure this isn’t the first time I’ve written that tonight either.

Anyway, the boat has finally docked and Amelie Mauresmo is on hand to take on the torch.

July 26, 2024 at 5:08 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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One more show for the road — or rather, water

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We are on our final performance of the opening ceremony, by the looks of it.

Supernature from Cerrone plays out, with a sign language performance by Shaheem Sanchez.

Fortunately, our super boat quartet are still enjoying themselves in their classy outfits and required life jackets.

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July 26, 2024 at 5:06 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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Two more for the champion vessel

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Goodness me, you saw him earlier in this feed… Yes, Carl Lewis is also on this magic Olympic marvel of a boat — as well as Games icon, Nadia Comaneci.

A lot of sports titles weighing down that boat right now.

July 26, 2024 at 5:04 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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Serena gets the call and she is on the boat!

The Eiffel Tower glimmers in the Paris night. The crowd cheers to make up for the waiting.

Back to the Seine, as a motorboat trundles back down the river towards Palace du Tracadero.

Nadal is standing up in the boat, holding the torch and clinging to a pole that’s clearly there to help him stand up.

Nadal passes the torch to…

Serena Williams!

July 26, 2024 at 5:01 PM EDTMichael Bailey·Live Reporter

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The Eiffel Tower’s big moment

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Here come the iconic shots. The five Olympic lights are light on the Eiffel Tower, before lights and lasers stream from the Paris landmark.

Quite frankly, this looks epic.

Olympics 2024 opening ceremony live updates (2024)

FAQs

How to watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics 2024? ›

The ceremony will be available to stream on NBC, Peacock and NBC Olympics. (NBC News shares a parent company with those entities, NBCUniversal.) Viewers can also watch on their local NBC channel. Full TV listings for the ceremony can be found on the NBC Olympics schedule page.

What country has the most Olympic medals in 2024? ›

The USA topped the medal tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics with 126 medals. Sportstar takes a look at how the country's performance compares to other Olympic table toppers throughout the years.

Who sang at the Olympic closing ceremony? ›

Performing from California, we heard from the Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish as well as Snoop Dogg, who is in Paris for the Games. Then, to close the event was Yseult with a rendition of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way', which is based on the French song 'Comme d'habitude'.

Where will the Winter Olympics be held in 2024? ›

The 2024 Olympics in Paris is now officially over, and the countdown clock to Los Angeles 2028 has already begun. The L.A. Games marks the first time since 1996 that the United States has served as host of the Summer Olympics when the Games were held in Atlanta.

How to watch the Olympic closing ceremony live? ›

How do I watch the Closing Ceremony if I missed it or want to see it again? The Closing Ceremony will replay on NBC, Peacock and streaming on NBCOlympics.com this evening. Viewers can watch the Closing Ceremony live on NBC in your local market based on your time zone: 7 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. CT, 6 p.m. MT, 7 p.m. PT.

Will the Olympic closing ceremony be televised? ›

The Olympics Closing Ceremony will broadcast on NBC and stream live on Peacock, the official streaming home to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Which is the largest country to never win an Olympic medal? ›

With an approximate population of 170 million, Bangladesh is the most populous country in the world that has never won an Olympic medal. In 2008, Bangladesh Olympic Association head Wali Ullah has stated that Bangladesh's weak economy and massive corruption accounts for its poor results in sports.

What country has won the most Olympic gold medals of all time? ›

Here's a look at the top 10 countries in the all-time Summer Olympics gold medal count: United States - 1,061. Soviet Union - 395. Great Britain - 284.

Which country holds the all time gold medals in the Winter Olympics? ›

Norway leads with 148 gold medals overall, dominating in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and biathlon. Not only that, the top three most decorated Winter Olympians in history are all from Norway. With 15 medals, including eight gold, cross-country skier Marit Bjørgen ranks first overall.

Who sang with Snoop Dogg at the Olympic closing ceremony? ›

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre helped celebrate the end of the Olympics with a rare performance of their biggest hit. Toward the end of the Olympic Games' closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11, the Long Beach native kicked off the hype for the Los Angeles summer games in 2028 by performing a couple of his greatest songs.

Who was the guitarist in the Olympic closing ceremony? ›

Now French guitarist Noé Efira appears to have been confirmed as the man behind the mask – and the player behind a searing solo that came right after Cambodian rapper Vann Da's performance of Time to Rise [at about 10.50 in the clip below].

Who sang the US Anthem at the closing ceremony? ›

Vallejo's H.E.R. sings national anthem at Olympics closing ceremony.

Who is speaking at the Olympic closing ceremony? ›

Closing Ceremony: Tony Estanguet to deliver speech

President of the Organising Committee for Paris 2024, the three-time canoe Olympic champion Tony Estanguet, will deliver his closing speech next. He is joined up on stage by six athletes, representing the five continents and the Refugee Olympic Team.

Which city will host both Summer and Winter Olympics in 2024? ›

The agreement was ratified by the full IOC membership at the IOC Session in Lima on 13 September, confirming that Paris will host the Olympic Games 2024, and that Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games 2028.

Who is performing at the Olympics closing ceremony in 2024? ›

Variety reported that the segment, titled the LA28 Handover Celebration, would feature performances by American artists and Los Angeles County natives Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, H.E.R., and Billie Eilish, and include a live stadium appearance by American actor Tom Cruise.

How can I watch the closing ceremony? ›

The closing ceremony will air on NBC.
  1. It will also stream on Peacock and NBC Olympic platforms, which include NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC app and the NBC Olympics app.
  2. See NBC's schedule here.
Aug 12, 2024

How can I stream the Olympic ceremony? ›

In the US, you can watch the Closing Ceremony live on channels like NBC, USA, and MSNBC. If you have cut the cord with cable TV, you can catch the event on NBC's streaming service Peacock, whose subscription starts at $7.99 a month.

What time is the 2024 Olympics closing ceremony? ›

When and where is the closing ceremony? The closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, 11 August at 9pm local time (8pm BST) at the Stade de France, Paris.

Who has the broadcasting rights to Olympics 2024? ›

Warner Bros. Discovery and the BBC plan to provide live and on-demand Olympics coverage on their main channels. In 2015, Discovery (as it then was) secured exclusive multimedia rights to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris across 50 European countries, including the UK.

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