KUALA LUMPUR – The Olympic Games are renowned for their grand opening ceremonies, typically featuring elaborate performances that showcase the host nation’s rich history, culture, and traditions.
However, France’s unique approach to this year’s ceremony has drawn harsh criticism from viewers around the world.
For the first time, the opening ceremony was held outside a stadium, right in the centre of Paris, with around 85 boats carrying thousands of Olympians along the famous River Seine.
While this typically offers a picturesque view, the experience was marred by rain, which cast a gloomy outlook on the City of Lights.
Social media users were quick to comment on the bold decision to hold the opening ceremony outdoors.
“Watching the first-ever Olympic Opening Ceremony held on a river, you begin to realise why no other Olympic Opening Ceremony has ever been held on a river,” remarked one user, @BarclayCard18.
Another user, @MaiForrester, found the ceremony boring and isolating, noting, “Having everyone split up, floating their own boats, is so isolating…and frankly, boring. There’s only so many seconds you can wave your flag before it gets old and you’re thinking, what’s next, and how long are we out here on this murky river?”
User @saturnsson2222 was highly critical of the ceremony, questioning why the organisers chose not to use a stadium in Paris.
“I’m sorry, but this is the worst opening ceremony ever. Stade de France is one of the best stadiums in the world, and they decided to do it in the river. And where’s the culture? Performances? A mess,” she said.
Another user, @dyzulll, expressed mixed feelings about the ceremony.
“The athlete’s parade on the Seine was unique but felt too slow. The heavy use of drag performances left me confused about its connection to the Games. I found Lady Gaga’s cabaret performance boring,” he commented.
British influencer Oli London also criticised the performances, suggesting they did not effectively represent France as a nation.
“Over 1 billion people around the world are watching the Olympics Opening Ceremony. And this is the best France could do. A man dressed as a Smurf surrounded by drag queens and a plus-sized woman with a giant crown,” he posted.
Concerns about the ceremony’s occurrence arose following an attack on France’s high-speed TGV rail network yesterday.
Fortunately, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, the Chef de Mission for the Malaysian contingent at the Paris Olympics, confirmed that the national athletes and officials were not affected and were ready for the Games. – July 27, 2024