Paris 2024: 'Games wide open' set to kick off with 'ambitious, historic, spectacular' ceremony

Football and Rugby Sevens kick off the sport at the Paris Olympics Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony, featuring a top French star and a huge police presence for Israel's first appearance. Meanwhile, a packed Stade de France will cheer on Antoine Dupont -- arguably the world's best rugby player and a pin-up of the Paris Games -- as the Rugby Sevens tournament starts. Preparations for Friday's historic opening ceremony were in full swing with an unprecedented security operation for the athlete's parade along the River Seine. As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games get underway, FRANCE 24's Stuart Norval is joined by Dr. Dikaia Chatziefstathiou, Author and Professor of Applied Olympic Studies.

[risinbison]

In the US. I wish France the best and hope the games go off without a problem and focus on athletes and sportsmanship. The world needs a break from its turmoil.

[matthewst]

Yea a boat parade is even slower then walking around the stadium but I guess try something new

[ofoufoutos]

BRAKEDANCING ... why not an eating contest ?? the "skate" joke of the pevious olympics didnt taught you anything ??