Paris, France – The city of lights and love, Paris, has once again etched its name in the annals of Olympic history with a spectacular opening ceremony that marked the commencement of the 33rd Olympic Games.
On a balmy summer evening, French President Emmanuel Macron officially inaugurated the Games, heralding a fortnight of athletic excellence and global unity.
The ceremony, hailed as one of the most magnificent in the city’s storied history, concluded with a mesmerizing performance by Celine Dion and other musical luminaries.
The evening’s highlight was the igniting of the Olympic flame, a powerful symbol of the Games’ spirit.
The flame’s journey culminated in an extraordinary display as it was carried by celebrated French athletes Marie-José Perec, a three-time Olympic champion, and judoka Teddy Riner, a ten-time world champion.
In a breathtaking finale, the duo lifted the flame into the sky with the help of a balloon, symbolizing the soaring ambitions and dreams of athletes worldwide.
Following the ceremonial proceedings, the Olympic flag was raised, and the traditional parade of nations unfolded in a novel and picturesque manner along the Seine River.
Athletes from 206 countries, alongside the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, showcased their national pride aboard boats that glided gracefully past iconic Parisian landmarks.
Representing Bulgaria, boxer Stanimira Petrova and swimmer Lyubomir Epitropov carried their nation’s flag with pride, adding to the vibrant and diverse tapestry of the evening.
Tony Estanguet, the president of the organizing committee, addressed the global audience with an inspiring speech that resonated deeply.
Speaking in both French and English, the three-time Olympic canoe slalom champion reflected on France’s deep-rooted connection with the Olympic movement, tracing its origins back to Pierre de Coubertin’s revival of the modern Games.
“Games lovers in France and around the world – Welcome to Paris! We’ve missed you! It’s a huge honor to welcome you here 100 years after we last hosted the Summer Games. It’s often said that France is the land of love. One thing I know is that when we love, there is a long love story between France and the Olympic Games.”
“This love story was born just a few kilometers from here, at the Pierre de Coubertin offers a revival of the Olympic games. And this love story has grown with the Games of Paris, Grenoble and the continuation of this legacy. So we put our hearts into it you’ve been courting the Games for 100 years for the chance to bring them back to Paris!” Estanguet declared.
He continued, addressing the athletes directly: “Dear athletes, we can’t wait to experience it all with you. The joy, the tears and the love you will put into every moment. Thank you for being here. You did it! Well done! I know what it means, I know what it has cost you. I know the path you followed to be here now. Paris is the city of love and for the next 16 days it is your city. Together with the mayor, we want every sport and every Olympian to make this city their own home. Welcome to Paris! Enjoy it! The world is on your side!”
IOC President Thomas Bach then took the stage, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the French hosts for their spectacular welcome. He highlighted Paris as the ideal venue for the Games, being the birthplace of Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics. Bach emphasized the unity and solidarity that the Games foster, particularly poignant in a world fraught with conflict.
“Finally, the moment has come! Welcome to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games! My heartfelt thanks to our gracious French hosts. Thank you for welcoming us in such a spectacular way. The Olympic flame will make Paris and all of France shine even brighter. What better place than Paris to share the magic of the Olympic Games with the whole world?
“Paris, the birthplace of our founder Pierre de Coubertin, to whom we owe everything. Paris, the city of light, where he created the modern Olympic Games. city ​​of love. Thank you, France, for this magical welcome! In a world torn by war and conflict, thanks to solidarity, we can all come together tonight, uniting the athletes of all 206 national Olympic committees and the refugee Olympic team of the IOC,” Bach proclaimed.
Bach concluded his speech by paraphrasing the iconic lyrics from John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Imagine,” urging everyone to be inspired by the joy of sports and to strive for peace and unity.
“Some may say that we in the Olympic world are dreamers. But we are not the only ones. And our dream becomes a reality tonight – everyone can see it. Olympians from all over the world who show us what greatness we are capable of. So I invite you all: like Olympic athletes, be inspired by the joy that only sports can give us, life in peace, as one humanity united in all its diversity.”
Bulgarian Athletes Set to Shine
As the festivities settled, focus turned to the athletes who will compete in the coming days. Today, July 27, marks the beginning of Bulgaria’s journey in the Paris 2024 Olympics, with ten athletes set to compete.
Rowers Kristiyan Vassilev and Desislava Angelova will start the day in the skiff discipline at 10:00 and 11:12 Bulgarian time (9:00 and 10:12 local time), respectively. Their performances will set the tone for Bulgaria’s campaign, showcasing their strength and determination.
At 15:00 Bulgarian time, the spotlight will shift to the badminton court where sisters Gabriela and Stefani Stoevi will compete in the women’s doubles. Known for their synergy and skill, the Stoevi sisters are expected to make a significant impact.
In sports shooting, Kiril Kirov and Antoineta Kostadinova will aim for precision and accuracy, with their qualifications scheduled at 11:30 and 13:30 respectively. Their expertise and composure under pressure will be crucial as they vie for Olympic glory.
Swimmer Petar Mitsin will take to the pool in the 400 m freestyle, with qualifications at 12:00 and the final at 21:42. Mitsin’s endurance and speed will be tested as he competes against the world’s best.
Gymnast Kevin Penev will participate in the gymnastics qualifiers from 21:00 to 23:30, demonstrating his agility and finesse on the global stage.
Tennis player Viktoriya Tomova faces a grueling day with two matches scheduled at 1 pm and 8 pm. Her stamina and resilience will be vital as she competes in this physically demanding sport.
Boxer Radoslav Rosenov will compete in the 1/16 finals at 18:06 and 22:36, showcasing his power and technique in the ring.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics commence, the hopes and dreams of Bulgarian athletes are poised to shine brightly. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, they are ready to make their mark on this grand stage. Good luck to all Bulgarian athletes!