It’s time to say bonjour to the 2024 Olympic Games.
After all, the Opening Ceremony kicked off in Paris July 26, marking the official start to this year’s summer games. And it was an event to behold, becoming the first-ever waterborne ceremony in the Games’ history.
Indeed, Paris opted to forego the traditional stadium venue and instead send the 10,500 participating athletes in boats down the city’s Seine River.
Each country’s delegation was given its own boat equipped with individual cameras to allow for the close-up shots of athletes viewers at home have come to know and love.
And those viewers watching on NBC and Peacock were also treated to a ceremony hosted by Kelly Clarkson, NFL legend Peyton Manning and Sunday Night Football announcer Mike Tirico.
For the United States, leading the pack of almost 600 athletes—340 of whom are appearing at the Olympics for the very first time—were basketball’s Lebron James and tennis’ Coco Gauff, who were chosen as the team’s flag bearers.
For Lebron, the three-time medalist marks his fourth Games in Paris, while Coco will be making her Olympic debut. The 20-year-old was supposed to participate in the Tokyo Games four years ago at the age of 16, however a last-minute positive COVID test result kept her off the team.
For Coco, who became the first tennis player and youngest athlete to ever been given the honor, she only had one major concern ahead of the ceremony: the one-foot difference in their statures.
"I don't know, I feel like you just hold the flag so I don't think I can mess it up too much," she told People. "I am a little concerned about the height difference. Is my arm going to be up here while he's holding it? I thought it was two separate flags when I was looking at a picture. They hold it together, so I really don’t know.”
For some of the best moments from this year’s Opening Ceremony, keep reading.
Red, White and Blue
The Eiffel Tower and Opening Ceremony stands are illuminated with color in honor of the French flag.
Burning Bright
The Olympic Cauldron takes flight after being lit at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Iconic Night
Céline Dion closes out the show with a powerful performance atop the Eiffel Tower.
Comeback Moment
The singer beautifully belted out "Hymne A L'Amour" during her return to the stage.
The GOATs
Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci and Rafael Nadal light up the night with the Olympic torch.
Sporting Greats
French soccer star Zinedine Zidane passes the Olympic torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.
Laser Focus
The Eiffel Tower lights up the night.
Let the Games Begin
Athletes from around the world gather in front of the Eiffel Tower for Opening Ceremony.
Wave Your Banner
The mystery horse rider carries the Olympic flag to the Place du Trocadero.
Light Up the Night
The Parade of Nations travel along the Seine river.
The World Stage
Flags from countries competing in the Olympics fly high.
Sharing All the World
Pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet perform "Imagine" from a float on the Seine.
Athletic Spirit
The Refugee Olympic Team—which is made up of 37 athletes representing millions worldwide who have been forcibly displaced—share a loving message.
Play On
Musicians at the Opening Ceremony keep dry in their rain ponchos.
Race to the Finish Line
The Olympic flag is carried down the Seine on a galloping metal horse.
Scenes From the Seine
Team Australia is all-smiles as their boat passes by the Eiffel Tower.
Fanning the Flames
The masked torchbearer runs along the Musee d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony.
Can't Rain on Their Parade
Despite the wet weather, Team Spain marches forward to the Place du Trocadero.
Smile for the Camera
Team Italy's flag bearers Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi snap a selfie together.
Heart of Paris
The Eiffel Tower is decorated with the Olympic rings.
Hej!
Swedish athletes greet the crowd during the Parade of Nations.
Making Memories
Team Liberia captures all the sights and sounds from their boat.
The City of Lights
The Eiffel Tower awaits the arrival of the world's athletes.
Teamwork
Jordan's Rama Abo-Alrub and Saleh Elsharabaty bear their country's flag together.
Hometown Pride
The Bahamian flag waves atop the country's boat on the Seine river.
Ready for the Competition
Switzerland is ready to bring the heat to this summer's Games.
Here Come the Red, White and Blue
Team USA makes their debut on the Seine.
Raindrops Keep Falling on Their Heads
But that didn't stop these rooftop dancers from turning out a spectacular performance.
When It Rains it Pours
Yet the Cabo Verde Olympic team didn't let it dim their joy.
Fine Art
Reproductions of some of the most famous paintings from Paris' Louvre Museum decorate the River Seine.