PARIS: Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century on Friday with a rule-breaking opening ceremony studded with stars and fantasy, showcasing the city’s resilience as authorities dealt with suspected acts of sabotage that targeted France’s flagship high-speed rail network. Widespread travel disruptions triggered by what French officials said were coordinated arson attacks on high-speed rail lines and rain in Paris dampened the ceremony as global audiences tuned in for the opening spectacular got the 2024 Games. But the launch of the opening ceremony at 7:30 pm quickly lifted the mood.
The stakes for France were immense. Dozens of heads of state and government were in town and the world was watching as Paris turned itself into a giant open-air theater. Paris’ ceremony was unfurling along the River Seine, turning the city’s iconic monuments into stages for dancers, singers and other artists.
Rains that soaked spectators and athletes and travel chaos in Paris train stations highlighted the risks of Paris’ bold choices. The sprawling ceremony gave organizers bigger crowds to transport, organize and safeguard than would have been the case if they’d followed the example of previous Olympic host cities that opened with stadium shows. Still, as the show got underway, optimism soared that Paris - true to its motto that speaks of being unsinkable - might just win its gambles.
While evening rains forecast by n.