Tony Estanguet, an iconic French Olympian and current president of the Paris 2024 Olympic committee, stands as a symbol of athletic greatness, having clinched gold in three different Games—a feat unmatched in French history.
Reflecting on his Olympic journey, Estanguet, who led the Paris 2024 Olympic committee, reminisces about the 2008 Games in Beijing, the sole event where victory eluded him. Nevertheless, he proudly carried the French flag at the opening ceremony, a moment etched in his memory. Yet, it’s not the opening ceremony of the four he participated in that he holds most dear.
“I remember all four very well, but for me, the first one in Sydney at the Olympic Stadium for my initial games stands out strongly,” Estanguet shared from the sprawling Paris Games headquarters in Saint-Denis.
With Estanguet at the helm, the Paris Games are poised to deliver the most audacious opening statement in modern Olympic history.
Picture this: On July 26, a floating parade along the Seine River, covering 3.7 miles. Delegations from 200 countries will board 100 boats for a 45-minute journey, starting near the national library. The mesmerizing route will wind past landmarks like the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Louvre, traverse Paris’ famous gardens, and culminate at the Eiffel Tower.
Imagine global stars like LeBron James, Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Justin Thomas standing on the same boat, waving against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Anticipating 15,000 athletes, including stars from various sports, the Paris Games promise a grand spectacle—marking the first Summer Olympics to open outside a traditional stadium.
Spectators, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, will line the riverbanks, holding purchased tickets or secured through a lottery for free passes. Estanguet and his team meticulously crafted this innovative plan over 1.5 years, aiming to make the opening ceremony a signature moment for Paris 2024.
In the face of global challenges, including conflicts and the aftermath of terrorist attacks, the organizers are determined to showcase a new, audacious approach, celebrating the fusion of sport, culture, and the spirit of France.
The 2024 Games will open on the Seine River, a bold commitment backed by significant reassurance from authorities. Plans focus on the on-river ceremony, emphasizing a unique spectacle over traditional settings. The attendance target, initially quoted at 600,000 spectators, is under review, with organizers prepared for adjustments due to various reasons.
Security measures are robust, with private security guards and forces deployed in unprecedented numbers. Estanguet revealed that the 2024 opening ceremony will break the mold, starting with athletes floating down the river and performances interspersed along the parade route. The finale, at the Eiffel Tower, promises a breathtaking display, making it the signature of Paris 2024—a city embracing novelty, audacity, and the celebration of its rich history and landmarks.