Paris Olympics 2024: Who were the masked figures that stole the show at the Olympics

The Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony, held on July 26, was a groundbreaking event along the River Seine, marking the first time in Olympic history that the opening ceremony took place outside a stadium.

The ceremony featured a parade of 85 boats carrying nearly 7,000 athletes from 205 countries along a 6-km stretch of the Seine. This historic procession passed by iconic Parisian landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Grand Palais.

Unforgettable Performances and Tributes

The opening ceremony began with a performance by Lady Gaga, paying tribute to French culture, history, and sport. Athletes paraded along the Seine, receiving enthusiastic applause, especially for the Greek boat, the first to appear by tradition, and the refugees' team, which received even bigger cheers.

The Mysterious Torchbearer
A key highlight was a mysterious torchbearer, clad in a black cloak and mask, who leapt across Paris rooftops and monuments. The identity of this torchbearer remained a secret throughout the ceremony. The torchbearer met French football legend Zinedine Zidane at the end of the procession, handing the torch back before disappearing into the night.

The Caped Rider's Grand Entrance
Another standout moment was Floriane Issert, a non-commissioned officer in the Gendarmerie Nationale, who rode a motorized horse down the Seine. Clad in silver armor and a cape with the Olympic rings, Issert carried the Olympic flag from the Pont d'Iena to the Place du Trocadero. As she passed under bridges, she unfurled dove wings, adding a dramatic flair to the event.

Star-Studded Appearances
The ceremony included appearances by various celebrities. French sporting heroes Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec, along with Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, also carried the Olympic torch. The cauldron, attached to a hot air balloon, rose into the sky as Celine Dion performed "L'hymne à l'amour" from the Eiffel Tower balcony. This marked Dion's return to the live stage after a hiatus due to a neurological disorder.

A Visual Feast
Spectators were treated to a visual spectacle with fountains throwing up jets of water in the middle of the Seine, a giant plume of blue, white, and red smoke, and a cancan line performed by Moulin Rouge dancers on the banks. The athletes' parade, the main attraction, saw participants waving at the crowds amid a significant police presence.

An Event to Remember
Despite the rain, the Olympic spirit prevailed, and the event was celebrated with full fervor by 320,000 spectators along the Seine and millions watching around the world. The ceremony, produced by director Thomas Jolly, also included unexpected elements like The Minions, adding a touch of whimsy to the grand occasion.

Background and Extra Information
This opening ceremony was held after a sabotage attack on the high-speed rail networks caused travel chaos across France just hours before the event. The ceremony, which started at 1:30 p.m. E.T., was filled with iconic moments and stellar performances by artists like Aja Nakamura, Juliet Armanet, and the French band Gojira.

The mysterious torchbearer first appeared in a boat to the music of the Phantom of the Opera, walking across Paris' rooftops in a style reminiscent of the Assassin's Creed game. The appearance sparked much speculation on social networks, with some users guessing it might be Céline Dion or Snoop Dogg. Louis Vuitton even tweeted about the torchbearer's crossing of the roofs and ateliers of the Maison at Pont Neuf, adding to the mystery.

The opening ceremony was a blend of tradition and innovation, setting the stage for an exciting and memorable Paris Olympics 2024.