Amazing, Special Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024 Olympics

For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony was held outside the main stadium. 7,000 athletes took part. They were carried on 164 boats that paraded along a 6km route on the Seine River. The parade passed by famous Paris landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and Olympic venues. The parade ended near the Eiffel Tower, where French President Emmanuel Macron declared the event open.

During the whole ceremony, Paris landmarks and buildings were the backdrop. There were many impressive moments: A person in a hood and mask carrying the Olympic torch - honoring the "Phantom of the Opera" musical. Artists doing aerial performances over the Seine River to Louis Vuitton's workshop. A show celebrating French crafts at Notre Dame Cathedral. Interestingly, the Paris 2024 Olympic medals were made using material from the Eiffel Tower.

The boat carrying the Olympic torch and the Greek team led the parade. They were the first sports team. Vietnam's team in the parade had 6 athletes: Nguyen Thuy Linh, Le Duc Phat (badminton), Pham Thi Hue (rowing), Nguyen Thi That (cycling), Le Quoc Phong, Do Thi Anh Nguyet (archery).

Two athletes, Le Duc Phat (badminton) and Nguyen Thi That (cycling), had the honor of carrying the flag for Vietnam's team at the opening ceremony.

After the parade of teams from different countries, the host French team was on the last boat of the parade.

At the opening ceremony, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics will be a symbol of global unity and peace. For the first time in history, the Olympics will have an equal 50:50 ratio of male and female athletes competing.

"At the Paris 1900 Olympics - the first to include women, only 2.2% of athletes were women. That number has grown steadily, with women making up 48% of athletes at Tokyo 2020," said Thomas Bach.

After French President Emmanuel Macron declared the 2024 Olympics open, the lighting of the Olympic torch was very special. French football star Zidane got the torch from a mystery person, then passed it to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

The "King of Clay" went on a boat, passing the torch to sports stars like former track athlete Carl Lewis, tennis star Serena Williams, gymnastics star Nadia Comaneci, French tennis star Amelie Mauresmo, basketball star Tony Parker. Finally, the 2024 Olympic Flame was lit using a hot air balloon. Singer Celine Dion's performance on the Eiffel Tower with the song "Hymne à l'amour" also ended the Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony.

After the opening ceremony, the competitions will take place at historic sites around Paris, France.