Serena Williams didn't miss her shot to bring daughter Olympia Ohanian to the event the 6-year-old is practically named after.
Hence, for the July 26 Opening Ceremony at the 2024 Olympics, the tennis great and husband Alexis Ohanian had their eldest daughter in tow for her first Summer Games. (Olympia's 11-month-old little sister Adira River will have to wait for 2028 in Los Angeles.)
"The Olympics in Paris is really incredible," Serena, who also happens to be a four-time gold medalist, told NBC Sports before they took their seats at the venue set up outside the Eiffel Tower, the Parade of Nations making its way by boats along the River Seine this year instead of unfolding inside a stadium. (See all the Opening Ceremony photos right here.)
And when Olympia was asked what she was looking forward to at the Olympics?
"Every one of them," she sweetly answered.
Well, that makes two of us, kid—we can't wait for all the Olympics.
Though Serena, repping one of Team USA's colors in a fitted red dress, admitted she was "a little jealous" that this year's tennis would be played on the clay at Roland Garros, the site of her five French Open wins.
"I did do the London-Wimbledon combination [in 2012]," she added, laughing, "but I was a little jealous of here."
The 42-year-old champion also called the selection of 2023 U.S. Open winner Coco Gauff to be one of Team USA's flagbearers (alongside LeBron James) a great choice. "I am so excited to see her tonight," Serena added. "I'm just so happy for her, I love it."
Serena started making the Paris scene July 25 at the Prelude to the Olympics at Fondation Louis Vuitton, where the couture was haute and the star sightings plentiful.
But the Games have only just begun! Check out more fabulous photos from the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony right here:
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.