Twenty-four French athletes were chosen as Olympic torchbearers, with football legend Zinedine Zidane kicking off the final leg of the torch’s journey. However, the honor of lighting the cauldron was given to a special duo – track star Marie-José Pérec and judoka Teddy Riner, both of whom have won three Olympic gold medals each. The duo lit their torches on a 100-foot hot-air balloon, symbolizing the first flight in a hydrogen balloon in 1783. Pérec, 56, achieved gold in the 400 meters at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and 1996 in Atlanta, as well as in the 200 meters in 1996, setting an Olympic record of 48.25 in the 400 meters. Riner, 35, has won gold in the men’s plus-100 kg division in 2012 and 2016, as well as in the mixed team competition in Tokyo, and holds 12 gold medals in world championships.
This year’s opening ceremony paid homage to French history, with nods to a headless Marie Antoinette and a controversial ménage à trois performance that received mixed reactions. The ceremony was greatly influenced by French culture, with the cauldron lighting carrying a special French flair. A unique touch was added by having Pérec and Riner light their torches on a hot-air balloon, reflecting the historic first hydrogen balloon flight in 1783. Notable figures like Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Nadia Comaneci, and Tony Parker also played roles as torchbearers in the lead-up to the official cauldron lighting. This year’s honorees marked the second consecutive time an athlete due to compete in the Olympics were chosen to light the cauldron, with Naomi Osaka carrying out the role in Tokyo in 2021.
The opening ceremony, which took place on a Friday, was followed by the commencement of events as early as Wednesday, including the United States’ women’s soccer victory over Zambia. This year’s Tokyo Olympics will feature the first medal events starting on Saturday, with athletes eagerly awaiting the opportunity to compete for glory. The anticipation is high as participants gear up for the exciting competition ahead, with sports fans eagerly following along with the action. Those following the Olympic Games can keep up with the latest updates through Fox News Digital’s sports coverage and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for in-depth reporting on the events and athletes during the Games.
Overall, the lighting of the cauldron by revered French athletes Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner added a significant and memorable moment to the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. Their achievement symbolized excellence, dedication, and the spirit of competition that embodies the Olympic Games. The ceremony itself, with its nods to French history and culture, set the stage for an exciting and spirited competition among athletes from around the world. As events kick off and medal pursuits begin, sports fans worldwide will be treated to thrilling performances, inspiring moments, and incredible displays of athleticism. The Tokyo Olympics promises to be a celebration of sport, unity, and the indomitable spirit of athletes striving to achieve their dreams on the world stage.
