The XXXIII Olympic Games in Paris have opened – and the international press is enthusiastic. “Seine-sational,” writes the British “Sun”.
Paris (dpa) –
France
“L’Equipe”: “Magnificent”
“Libération”: “Drum roll: Between the sabotage of railway facilities in the morning and rain in the evening, the opening day of the Olympic Games was chaotic, but ended with a grandiose ceremony along the Seine that exceeded all expectations.”
“Le Figaro”: “Fervour and emotion: the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, watched by more than a billion viewers, offered a magnificent spectacle despite the vagaries of the weather and sparked great enthusiasm among the public.”
“Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace”: “Paris put itself on stage in the most beautiful way. The ceremony (…) celebrated freedom, equality, fraternity and above all the diversity of a country that embraces its heritage and dares to face the future by uniting its cultures without complexes and with boldness (…).”
Great Britain
“The Sun”: “Seine-sational. Céline Dion kicks off the Olympics at a wet but impressive opening ceremony that sees soaked athletes sail down the Seine.”
“Daily Mail”: “Wet mistake. Opening ceremony disaster turns into farce as Olympic flag is flown the wrong way under the Eiffel Tower in front of guests of honour from around the world after storms hit the event, soaking stars and sending spectators scrambling for shelter.”
“Daily Telegraph”: “A dazzling laser show illuminating the Eiffel Tower tried its best to brighten the overcast skies over Paris. But two hours of relentless rain meant a wet start for the unparalleled opening ceremony at the Trocadero.”
Switzerland
“Neue Zürcher Zeitung”: “Olympia 2024: Pompous in the rain – the games in Paris begin with a spectacle on and along the Seine”
“Basler Zeitung”: “The Eiffel Tower shines, Céline Dion sings: The games have begun. The 33rd Summer Olympic Games begin in Paris on Saturday. The opening ceremony was a show like never before in history.”
Austria
“Krone”: “Mega show in Paris! Olympic Games open. The Summer Olympics in Paris began on Friday evening with an extraordinary celebration.”
“Der Standard”: “Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris opened with a boat parade on the Seine. Rainy marathon of water games, projections, performances and musical performances at the first Olympic opening ceremony outside a stadium.”
“Der Kurier”: “Parisian spectacle and sensational comeback: The Olympic Games have opened. The historic opening ceremony had a lot to offer, including the seriously ill Celine Dion performing for the first time in five years.”
Spain
“Marca”: “Paris concludes the best ceremony in the history of the Games. It rounds off an unprecedented four-hour show in which Rafa Nadal starred alongside Zidane, Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci, Serena Williams and the most important stars of French sport.”
“AS”: “Paris is already a party. An Olympic party, carried out on water, that brings together those who fly higher, run faster, are stronger and that could also be told by Ernest Hemingway.”
“Mundo Deportivo”: “The Eiffel Tower hypnotizes the rain. The Olympic Games have passed their baptism of fire and also their baptism of water.”
Italy
“La Repubblica”: “Games opened, brazier in the shape of a hot air balloon lit. The torch in the hands of Zidane, Nadal, Serena Williams, Comaneci and Carl Lewis.”
“Corriere dello Sport”: “After the prologue of the first competitions in recent days, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris were opened with a spectacular and unique opening ceremony, held on the Seine in pouring rain. Great enthusiasm for the Italian team, led by flag bearers Tamberi and Errigo and supported by a stoic President Mattarella.”
Netherlands
“De Telegraaf”: “Everything is perfect at the opening ceremony, except the weather. Olympic water ballet on the Seine.”
“AD”: “Big and graceful. Spectacular and sensitive. Paris opened the Olympic Games in a way that the French capital is known for. With a colorful boat parade on the Seine, accompanied by world stars like Lady Gaga. Even the organizers of the Super Bowl would be jealous of the artists. It was unique in all its grandeur.”
Source: Stern
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