In a disappointing start to the Paris Olympics 2024, the opening ceremony held on July 26th was heavily criticized by both viewers and critics alike. The near-torrential rain that plagued the event caused poor audio quality, leading some to dub it as the "worst Olympic opening ceremony in memory."

One particular incident during the ceremony drew widespread attention. As a long line of boats filled with athletes made its way down the Seine River, announcers mistakenly labeled the South Korean delegation as North Korea. The South Korean team was introduced with the official name for North Korea, 'Republique populaire democratique de Coree' in French, and 'Democratic People's Republic of Korea' in English. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued an apology for the error, stating their regret for the mistake in introducing the South Korean team during the broadcast.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered to witness the grand event. 6,800 athletes, all donned in plastic ponchos, braved the rain as they sailed down the river Seine in a spectacular flotilla consisting of 85 boats. The atmosphere was further enlivened with performances from world-renowned artists including Lady Gaga, along with 3,000 talented dancers, acrobats, and actors.

However, the heavy rain made it difficult for viewers to fully enjoy the performances, as the sound was drowned out by the downpour. Many expressed their disappointment on social media, labeling the opening ceremony as the "worst ever" in Olympic history.

On a more positive note, tennis superstar Serena Williams brought a moment of joy to the spectators, as she laughed and appeared happy while being handed the Olympic torch during the ceremony. Her jubilant expression radiated the spirit of the Games, serving as a symbol of unity and determination.

The ceremony took place on a bridge over the Seine River, with a unique stage setting. Models, dancers, fashion icons, and drag queens from the host nation were present, creating a vibrant and colorful ambiance. The central figure was a woman positioned in front of DJ equipment, adorned with a dazzling halo-style crown, surrounded by drag queens, dancers, and performers.

Although the opening ceremony faced challenges due to inclement weather, the determination and resilience of the athletes and participants shone through. The Paris Olympics 2024 is set to continue with exciting sporting events, and the organizers are expected to learn from the feedback received to make the upcoming ceremonies more memorable.

Despite the initial setbacks, the Olympics spirit remains high and millions around the world eagerly await the extraordinary feats of athleticism that will unfold in the coming days.