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"contents": "<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292790\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162895142-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> US rapper, artist and designer Pharell Williams (L) and French actress Laetitia Casta hold the Olympic Torch as part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay, on the day of the opening ceremony, on July 26, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. (Photo by Stephane De Sakutin - Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292791\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162914929-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Spectators with various international flags cheer from balconies as photographed from Brazil's delegation boat sailing along the river Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Carl de Souza-Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292792\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162923352-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A torchbearer runs atop the Musee d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter Cziborra - Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292793\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162927251-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> French singer Axelle Saint-Cirel leaves after performing the \"Marseillaise\" on the roof of the Grand Palais during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Anne-Christine Poujoulat - Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292794\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162927457-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Aircraft make a heart out of smoke during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Eugene Hoshiko-Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292799\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163837869-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1614\" /> Planes fly with smoke during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292812\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163820130-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> Tightrope walker Nathan Paulin performs on a high rope during the athletes parade on the River Seine near the Supreme Court during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292805\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162980571-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> The Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Photo by Zhang Yuwei - POOL/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292806\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163779138-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> United Arab Emirates Police patrol's sniffer dog is seen in front of the Louvre ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292807\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163814312-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1563\" /> Smoke resembling the flag of Team France is shown over Pont d’Austerlitz during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292808\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163814402-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> Young Actors with the Olympic Torch are seen in front of the water curtain under the Austerlitz Bridge at the beginning of the athletes parade on the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292809\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163816383-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Caitlin Rooskrantz and Akani Simbine, Flagbearers of Team South Africa, wave their flag on the team boat during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292810\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163818122-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1649\" /> American Singer-Songwriter Lady Gaga performs at Square Barye during the athletes parade on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292811\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163818932-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1715\" /> Dancers perform on a roof during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292813\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163823096-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Reproductions of artworks from the Louvre Museum are installed on the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292814\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162934722-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A dancer performs on a floating platform on the river Seine during a live show celebrating urban sports during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by John MacDougall - Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292815\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162934829.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1908\" height=\"1270\" /> Aya Nakamura performs during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Esa Alexander-Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292828\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162955221-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A photograph taken from a helicopter shows an aerial view of a balloon attached to the cauldron (unseen) in the Tuileries garden during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure-Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292829\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162960732-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> A photograph taken from a helicopter on July 26, 2024 shows an aerial view of Opera Garnier during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure - Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292830\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163828306-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Team United States of America cruises on the River Seine during the athletes' parade during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292831\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163834661-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A general view of Members of Team Eswatini are seen on a boat as Mezzo-Soprano singer Axelle Saint-Cirel performs the French national anthem, The Marseillaise, on the roof of Grand-Palais during the athletes’ parade on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292838\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162941704.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"7900\" height=\"5267\" /> The Agitos, the symbol of the Paralympic Games on the Arc de Triomphe during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Luis Robayo-Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292841\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162948601.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"8121\" height=\"5396\" /> The Olympic flag is raised at the Place du Trocadero in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by François-Xavier Marit-Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292844\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163829219-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A general view of the Paris Skyline as boats are seen passing in front of the Conciergerie on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292845\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163833043-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1635\" /> Athletes of Team France pass under the Debilly Footbridge illuminated with the french flag colours during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292846\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163834137-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1726\" /> The Horsewoman, wearing the Flag of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is seen on a Metal Horse the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292851\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163841255-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> The Horsewoman, wearing the Flag of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is seen on a Metal Horse on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292849\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163838166.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"8065\" height=\"5379\" /> A general view as the Eiffel Tower is illuminated during a light show during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292839\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162942055-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1740\" /> Floriane Issert, a Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer of the National Gendarmerie, carries the Olympic flag as she rides on the Iena bridge during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephanie Lecocq - Pool/Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2292840\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162942130-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> Floriane Issert, a Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer of the National Gendarmerie, carries the Olympic flag past athletes during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. 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"name": "PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 26: Celine Dion performs on the Eiffel Tower at the conclusion of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)",
"description": "[caption id=\"attachment_2292790\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292790\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162895142-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> US rapper, artist and designer Pharell Williams (L) and French actress Laetitia Casta hold the Olympic Torch as part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay, on the day of the opening ceremony, on July 26, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. (Photo by Stephane De Sakutin - Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292791\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292791\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162914929-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Spectators with various international flags cheer from balconies as photographed from Brazil's delegation boat sailing along the river Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Carl de Souza-Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292792\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292792\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162923352-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A torchbearer runs atop the Musee d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter Cziborra - Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292793\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292793\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162927251-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> French singer Axelle Saint-Cirel leaves after performing the \"Marseillaise\" on the roof of the Grand Palais during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Anne-Christine Poujoulat - Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292794\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292794\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162927457-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Aircraft make a heart out of smoke during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Eugene Hoshiko-Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292799\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292799\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163837869-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1614\" /> Planes fly with smoke during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292812\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292812\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163820130-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> Tightrope walker Nathan Paulin performs on a high rope during the athletes parade on the River Seine near the Supreme Court during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292805\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292805\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162980571-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> The Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Photo by Zhang Yuwei - POOL/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292806\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292806\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163779138-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> United Arab Emirates Police patrol's sniffer dog is seen in front of the Louvre ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292807\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292807\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163814312-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1563\" /> Smoke resembling the flag of Team France is shown over Pont d’Austerlitz during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292808\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292808\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163814402-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> Young Actors with the Olympic Torch are seen in front of the water curtain under the Austerlitz Bridge at the beginning of the athletes parade on the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292809\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292809\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163816383-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Caitlin Rooskrantz and Akani Simbine, Flagbearers of Team South Africa, wave their flag on the team boat during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292810\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292810\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163818122-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1649\" /> American Singer-Songwriter Lady Gaga performs at Square Barye during the athletes parade on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292811\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292811\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163818932-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1715\" /> Dancers perform on a roof during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292813\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292813\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163823096-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Reproductions of artworks from the Louvre Museum are installed on the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292814\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292814\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162934722-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A dancer performs on a floating platform on the river Seine during a live show celebrating urban sports during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by John MacDougall - Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292815\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1908\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292815\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162934829.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1908\" height=\"1270\" /> Aya Nakamura performs during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Esa Alexander-Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292828\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292828\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162955221-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A photograph taken from a helicopter shows an aerial view of a balloon attached to the cauldron (unseen) in the Tuileries garden during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure-Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292829\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292829\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162960732-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> A photograph taken from a helicopter on July 26, 2024 shows an aerial view of Opera Garnier during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure - Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292830\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292830\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163828306-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Team United States of America cruises on the River Seine during the athletes' parade during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292831\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292831\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163834661-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A general view of Members of Team Eswatini are seen on a boat as Mezzo-Soprano singer Axelle Saint-Cirel performs the French national anthem, The Marseillaise, on the roof of Grand-Palais during the athletes’ parade on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292838\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"7900\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292838\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162941704.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"7900\" height=\"5267\" /> The Agitos, the symbol of the Paralympic Games on the Arc de Triomphe during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Luis Robayo-Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292841\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"8121\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292841\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162948601.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"8121\" height=\"5396\" /> The Olympic flag is raised at the Place du Trocadero in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by François-Xavier Marit-Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292844\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292844\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163829219-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A general view of the Paris Skyline as boats are seen passing in front of the Conciergerie on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292845\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292845\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163833043-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1635\" /> Athletes of Team France pass under the Debilly Footbridge illuminated with the french flag colours during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292846\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292846\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163834137-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1726\" /> The Horsewoman, wearing the Flag of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is seen on a Metal Horse the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292851\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292851\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163841255-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> The Horsewoman, wearing the Flag of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is seen on a Metal Horse on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292849\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"8065\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292849\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163838166.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"8065\" height=\"5379\" /> A general view as the Eiffel Tower is illuminated during a light show during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292839\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292839\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162942055-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1740\" /> Floriane Issert, a Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer of the National Gendarmerie, carries the Olympic flag as she rides on the Iena bridge during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephanie Lecocq - Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292840\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292840\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162942130-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> Floriane Issert, a Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer of the National Gendarmerie, carries the Olympic flag past athletes during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Loic Venance - Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292850\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292850\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163839958-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Mysterious Torchbearer holds the Olympic Torch during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292979\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292979\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163843770-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Shaheem Sanchez, A Deaf Dancer who pioneered American Sign Language (ASL) dancing, perform during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292848\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292848\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163838091-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1718\" /> Zinedine Zidane, former French football player and manager, hands the Olympic Torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292853\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292853\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163842549-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Tennis Player Rafael Nadal of Team Spain, 14 Time French Open Winner, carries the torch on a boat on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292856\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292856\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163843339-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1725\" /> A general view of Torch bearers approaching to the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292854\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292854\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163842585-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" /> A detailed view of the Olympic Cauldron in the sky with the Lourve in foreground after being lit by Torchbearers French Athlete Marie-Jose Perec and French Judoka Teddy Riner (not pictured) during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292855\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292855\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163843290-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> A general view of a balloon carrying the Olympic Cauldron rises to conclude the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292842\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292842\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162960320-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> The cauldron, with the Olympic flame lit, lifts off while attached to a balloon during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien De Rosa-Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292843\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292843\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162960615-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> The cauldron, with the Olympic flame lit, lifts off while attached to a balloon during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ricardo Mazalan-Pool/Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292951\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2163\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292951\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2162966980.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2163\" height=\"1297\" /> This handout released by the Olympic Broadcasting Services, shows a view of singer Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2292952\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2292952\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-2163840808-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> Celine Dion performs on the Eiffel Tower at the conclusion of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) <strong>DM</strong>[/caption]",
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"summary": "For a little over four hours the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, with 10,500 athletes from around the world, traveled six kilometers down the Seine under a pouring rain. Here is a selection of images from a memorable spectacle. ",
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US rapper, artist and designer Pharell Williams (L) and French actress Laetitia Casta hold the Olympic Torch as part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay, on the day of the opening ceremony, on July 26, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. (Photo by Stephane De Sakutin - Pool/Getty Images)
Spectators with various international flags cheer from balconies as photographed from Brazil's delegation boat sailing along the river Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Carl de Souza-Pool/Getty Images)
A torchbearer runs atop the Musee d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter Cziborra - Pool/Getty Images)
French singer Axelle Saint-Cirel leaves after performing the "Marseillaise" on the roof of the Grand Palais during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Anne-Christine Poujoulat - Pool/Getty Images)
Aircraft make a heart out of smoke during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Eugene Hoshiko-Pool/Getty Images)
Planes fly with smoke during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Tightrope walker Nathan Paulin performs on a high rope during the athletes parade on the River Seine near the Supreme Court during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Photo by Zhang Yuwei - POOL/Getty Images)
United Arab Emirates Police patrol's sniffer dog is seen in front of the Louvre ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Smoke resembling the flag of Team France is shown over Pont d’Austerlitz during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Young Actors with the Olympic Torch are seen in front of the water curtain under the Austerlitz Bridge at the beginning of the athletes parade on the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Caitlin Rooskrantz and Akani Simbine, Flagbearers of Team South Africa, wave their flag on the team boat during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
American Singer-Songwriter Lady Gaga performs at Square Barye during the athletes parade on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Dancers perform on a roof during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Reproductions of artworks from the Louvre Museum are installed on the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
A dancer performs on a floating platform on the river Seine during a live show celebrating urban sports during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by John MacDougall - Pool/Getty Images)
Aya Nakamura performs during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Esa Alexander-Pool/Getty Images)
A photograph taken from a helicopter shows an aerial view of a balloon attached to the cauldron (unseen) in the Tuileries garden during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure-Pool/Getty Images)
A photograph taken from a helicopter on July 26, 2024 shows an aerial view of Opera Garnier during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure - Pool/Getty Images)
Team United States of America cruises on the River Seine during the athletes' parade during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
A general view of Members of Team Eswatini are seen on a boat as Mezzo-Soprano singer Axelle Saint-Cirel performs the French national anthem, The Marseillaise, on the roof of Grand-Palais during the athletes’ parade on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Agitos, the symbol of the Paralympic Games on the Arc de Triomphe during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Luis Robayo-Pool/Getty Images)
The Olympic flag is raised at the Place du Trocadero in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by François-Xavier Marit-Pool/Getty Images)
A general view of the Paris Skyline as boats are seen passing in front of the Conciergerie on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Athletes of Team France pass under the Debilly Footbridge illuminated with the french flag colours during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
The Horsewoman, wearing the Flag of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is seen on a Metal Horse the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
The Horsewoman, wearing the Flag of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is seen on a Metal Horse on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
A general view as the Eiffel Tower is illuminated during a light show during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Floriane Issert, a Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer of the National Gendarmerie, carries the Olympic flag as she rides on the Iena bridge during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephanie Lecocq - Pool/Getty Images)
Floriane Issert, a Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer of the National Gendarmerie, carries the Olympic flag past athletes during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Loic Venance - Pool/Getty Images)
Mysterious Torchbearer holds the Olympic Torch during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Shaheem Sanchez, A Deaf Dancer who pioneered American Sign Language (ASL) dancing, perform during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane, former French football player and manager, hands the Olympic Torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Tennis Player Rafael Nadal of Team Spain, 14 Time French Open Winner, carries the torch on a boat on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
A general view of Torch bearers approaching to the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
A detailed view of the Olympic Cauldron in the sky with the Lourve in foreground after being lit by Torchbearers French Athlete Marie-Jose Perec and French Judoka Teddy Riner (not pictured) during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
A general view of a balloon carrying the Olympic Cauldron rises to conclude the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The cauldron, with the Olympic flame lit, lifts off while attached to a balloon during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien De Rosa-Pool/Getty Images)
The cauldron, with the Olympic flame lit, lifts off while attached to a balloon during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ricardo Mazalan-Pool/Getty Images)
This handout released by the Olympic Broadcasting Services, shows a view of singer Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images)
Celine Dion performs on the Eiffel Tower at the conclusion of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) DM