Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec

During the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, French legends Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner lit the Olympic cauldron, which will remain alight throughout the Games. The ceremony featured a vibrant parade of nearly 7,000 athletes on the Seine and performances from stars like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. Perec, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in athletics, and Riner, a two-time judo gold medalist, were honored as the final torchbearers after a handoff involving numerous iconic athletes, including Zinedine Zidane and Serena Williams. This year's ceremony marked a significant departure from tradition, taking place outside a stadium in the heart of Paris, showcasing the city's landmarks. The 2024 Games are particularly historic as they return to Paris for the first time since 1924, making it the third time the city has hosted the Summer Olympics.