The opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris kicked off with frenzy and excitement amid heavy security on Friday, following threats of rain and potential sabotage attacks.
A fictional scenario in which the arrival of the Olympic flame goes awry is depicted ahead of an extravagant show on the river Seine that will kick off the summer Games.
French soccer superstar Zinedine Zidane was shown running across Paris to bring the flame, in a pre-recorded video that included him taking it onto the metro.
Moreover, just hours after a sabotage attack on the high-speed TGV rail network, a huge police force was on display in Paris. The attack caused travel chaos across France and put the spotlight on the security risks at a time when all eyes are on the country.
The ceremony will feature a fleet of barges taking nearly 7,000 athletes on the river, by some of Paris’ most famous landmarks.
A giant plume of blue, white and red smoke was sent high above a bridge over the river as the ceremony started.
More to follow…