Paris is rolling out the red carpet (or should we say river waves?) for the 2024 Summer Olympics! IOC President Thomas Bach confirmed Wednesday that preparations are complete, calling it the first Games fully aligned with Olympic reforms. 🌟
Game Changer: Floating Parade Debut
Forget stadium seating—this year’s opening ceremony on July 26 will feature athletes floating down the Seine River! 🚣♀️ Inspired by Buenos Aires’ 2018 Youth Olympics, Bach pitched the idea to Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet, who initially called it 'very difficult' but later secured approvals. Talk about teamwork goals! 💪
By the Numbers
Over 10,500 athletes from 206 countries and regions will compete in 32 sports across 329 events until August 11. The bold river parade isn’t just photogenic—it’s a logistical triumph. Bach told Eurosport: 'There was great emotion [in Buenos Aires]… I imagined it in Paris.' Mission accomplished! 🏅
