Paris Olympics Marred by Opening Ceremony Chaos and Security Concerns
Jul 27, 2024
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The 2024 Paris Olympics, marking the return of the Games to Paris after a century, faced significant disruptions right from the beginning due to a series of unfortunate events at the opening ceremony.
On July 26th (local time), a series of fires suspected to be arson broke out along major railway lines, including the French High-Speed Train (TGV) routes. These fires damaged railway infrastructure and caused widespread power outages. The disruption affected local cities such as Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg, and severely impacted the transportation network linking Britain and Belgium. Although there were no casualties reported, many rail services were canceled, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.
The incident heightened tensions in Paris and across France, with concerns mounting about potential 'systematic terrorism' on the opening day of the Olympics. The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee canceled a planned press conference for the opening ceremony. Key figures, including Tony Estanguet, the chairman of the organizing committee, and Thierry LeBull, the event director, focused on managing the situation on-site rather than attending the conference.
French police have launched an investigation into the fires, deploying additional officers to major train stations. While there is no confirmation that the fires were a direct attack on the Olympics, French Transport Minister Patrice Bergreiet stated, "The evidence indicates a deliberate attack. The incendiary devices and the timing of the fires suggest arson." Sports Minister Amelie Udea Castera added that efforts are underway to ensure that athletes and delegations are transported to the stadium on time.
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Compounding the issues, the weather was unfavorable with rain throughout the day and temperatures dropping below 20°C. Despite these challenges, the opening ceremony proceeded as planned. Commissioner Estanguet had previously expressed confidence that the ceremony would continue even in adverse weather conditions, saying, "We have prepared for all scenarios, including extreme heat and rain."
The ceremony featured a historic first: an outdoor water parade. Instead of the traditional entry into the Olympic Stadium, athletes traveled by boat along the Seine River, passing iconic Paris landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower.
This year's Games are especially significant as France hosts the Olympics for the third time, following the 1900 and 1924 Games. The outdoor opening ceremony was a bold move, enthusiastically supported by President Emmanuel Macron, who initially considered it a daring idea but ultimately championed it as a unique celebration.
However, the ceremony was marred by a notable error. South Korean athletes were introduced incorrectly. The announcer mistakenly referred to South Korea as 'Republique populaire democratique de coree' in French and 'Democratic People's Republic of Korea' in English, both of which refer to North Korea. South Korea's correct designation should have been 'Republique de coree' in French and 'Republic of Korea' in English. The mistake led to confusion, with some viewers mistakenly believing that North Korea had been introduced twice. The Korean government and sports authorities lodged strong protests, and the organizing committee issued an apology.
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Another issue arose with the Nigerian women's basketball team, which was barred from boarding the parade boat due to what officials cited as 'overcapacity.' The team was unable to participate in the boat parade and had to return to the athletes' village, impacting their preparation and experience.
To add to the chaos, an Olympic flag was displayed upside down at Trocadero Square during the ceremony. These mishaps have raised concerns about the smooth execution of the Paris Olympics, casting a shadow over what was intended to be a grand celebration.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
