1. How would we, the accredited journalists, describe the experience? In one word: soaked
2. The athletes were virtually absent from a ceremony that was supposed to spotlight them rather than relegate them to background roles.
3. However, I appreciate the performance’s inclusivity and multiculturalism, especially since France needs both during its current political dark period.
Since yesterday, the opening ceremony of the Olympics has been the number one topic of discussion on the Greek internet. Opinions are many and chaotic, which has also sparked mixed feelings worldwide. How would we, the accredited journalists, describe the experience? In one word: soaked
Let’s start from the beginning: Using the event’s special buses, it took us nearly two hours to get from the Main Press Center to Trocadéro, with long lines and two very strict security checks.
All this to spend 6.5 hours in an open stand, enduring non-stop rain while watching Macron and others stay dry under a roof on the opposite side. The conditions were unacceptable for accredited journalists there to do their job. The only cover provided was a flimsy plastic sheet every two seats, which barely offered enough protection to avoid getting your laptop soaked and your back drenched. Luckily, I had brought a raincoat and watched the ceremony through a small gap between its buttons. Note: Broadcasters who paid millions for the rights, such as ERT, had to endure the same conditions for their coverage.
Additionally, due to rain-related issues, both the small screen in our seats and the large one across from us went dark. Additionally, the sound quality was abysmal, and everything seemed to be going wrong.
Unlike your typical stadium ceremony, at the Trocadéro, we only saw the last part in person. The rest of the event was viewed on screens as if we were watching TV. Additionally, due to rain-related issues, both the small screen in our seats and the large one across from us went dark. Additionally, the sound quality was abysmal, and everything seemed to be going wrong.
The ceremony began, and we proudly watched Greece enter first with its own boat on the Seine. However, our excitement faded quickly when the director barely showed the flag bearers. This was just one of many issues throughout the night. The only flag bearer who stood out to me was the Italian Gianmarco Tamberi, a well-known showman. He brought the unfortunate Arianna Errigo to the top of the boat and eagerly sought out the cameras to display his passion. And he succeeded. Meanwhile, the other flag bearers were virtually invisible in a ceremony that was supposed to spotlight the athletes rather than relegate them to background roles. Isn’t all of this about and for them?
It was a moment that marked French history and, by extension, world history. And it certainly left a more memorable impression than James Bond escorting a monarch in the 21st century (ahem – London 2012 – cough).
Meanwhile, the chapters of history began to unfold gradually. Somewhere between the decapitated Marie Antoinette at the window and the metal version of ‘Ça ira,’ water began seeping into my socks, and I felt more sans-culotte than ever. This particular act caused a global divide due to its harsh imagery. Personally, it was one of my favorites. It was a moment that marked French history and, by extension, world history. And it certainly left a more memorable impression than James Bond escorting a monarch in the 21st century (ahem – London 2012 – cough).
The French had some truly exceptional ideas and unique elements but missed opportunities to showcase even more of their culture. Including the Minions seemed unnecessary, and the same could be said for Lady Gaga, no matter how talented she is. It’s a shame for a culture as strong and independent as the French to resort to ‘borrowed’ elements. However, I do appreciate the inclusivity and multiculturalism in the performance, especially since France needs both elements during its current – political – dark period.
Just when pneumonia started flirting with us heavily, and our disappointment peaked, Zizou strolled in from one side as if he was about to order a double espresso from Bach, and everything changed. Then, Nadal appeared from the other side to take the torch and finish us off. From that point on, it was iconic.
First, the legendary Olympic gang of Nadal, Williams, Lewis, and Comăneci hung out on a boat toward the Louvre accompanied by a light show on the Eiffel Tower. Then, the final torchbearers, Teddy Riner (judo) and Marie-José Pérec (athletics), were a perfect choice, and finally, a floating altar burnt in the night sky over the Tuileries Gardens. Just as we were getting chills and feeling the emotion, we turned our heads to see a white silhouette illuminated on the tower. Celine? Is that you? With her iconic high-pitched vocals, Dion closed out a mediocre opening ceremony in a spectacular fashion, leaving us both confused and drenched.
The rain significantly impacted the ceremony’s legacy, which, unfortunately, can’t be altered with ‘what ifs.’ The idea of an open-air ceremony on the Seine was innovative, but its execution fell short. However, we’ll quickly move on, as the Olympic Games have just begun, and we have 16 days of exciting competition ahead. Enjoy the Games!
