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2024 Paris Olympics Kick Off with Spectacular Seine Ceremony

2/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2024 Paris Olympics opened with a Seine River ceremony where athletes paraded on boats, marking the event's unofficial start.
French judoka Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec lit the Olympic cauldron, which took the form of a hot air balloon.
The torch relay featured 11,000 torchbearers traveling across France.
The Olympic flame symbolizes the link between ancient and modern games.
The opening festivities conclude with the cauldron lighting.

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Story summary

The 2024 Paris Olympics opened with a Seine River ceremony where athletes paraded on boats, marking the event's unofficial start.
French judoka Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec lit the Olympic cauldron, which took the form of a hot air balloon.
The torch relay featured 11,000 torchbearers traveling across France.
The Olympic flame symbolizes the link between ancient and modern games.
The opening festivities conclude with the cauldron lighting.