Paris 2024 Olympics: A Spectacular Blend of Sport, Culture & Celebrity

Imagine Celine Dion performing halfway up the Eiffel Tower, serenading the crowd with the beloved French classic Hymne à l'amour. Unbelievable, right? But that was just the beginning. The 16 days of the Paris 2024 Olympics offered more than just unforgettable performances; they encapsulated the essence of human drama, set against the backdrop of Paris's iconic and historic venues. The blend of sports and celebrity appearances we didn’t know we needed, accompanied by a soundtrack that united fans and athletes alike, made these Games truly remarkable. The Paris 2024 Olympics had it all—and then some.

So, where should we start? Perhaps with the subtle, rhythmic tap of les trois coups.

A Theatrical Start to the Games

In French classical theatre, les trois coups refer to three taps made on the stage floor before a performance begins, signalling to the audience that the curtain is about to rise. This dramatic tradition was creatively woven into the opening of various Olympic events across Paris, with sports legends as the tappers. Tony Hawk graced La Concorde for men’s skateboarding, former NBA star Carmelo Anthony introduced men’s basketball, Billie Jean King opened the proceedings at Roland Garros, and, in a unique twist, Snoop Dogg made a grand entrance for breaking’s Olympic debut.

And that’s where the Olympic “dog father” comes into play, but more on that later. With the audience’s attention firmly captured, the stage was set for a feast of sporting drama.

Leon Marchand: The Star of Paris 2024

French swimmer Leon Marchand faced enormous pressure, not only as the favourite in his events but also as the face of his home country's Olympics. Competing in six events at La Defense Arena, the 22-year-old handled it all with remarkable composure. Marchand went on to claim four gold medals and one bronze, becoming such a sensation that spectators across Paris paused other Olympic events to watch him compete on their phones. This phenomenon was something unique to Paris 2024.

The host nation’s first gold medal was secured on the very first day, thanks to rugby legend Antoine Dupont leading the rugby sevens team to a historic victory at Stade de France. The crowd’s impassioned rendition of La Marseillaise added to the electrifying atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Simone Biles made a triumphant return to artistic gymnastics, dazzling the audience at Bercy Arena, which included stars like Tom Cruise, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade also made history with her performances.

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