In a breathtaking ceremony on the River Seine, the 2024 Paris Olympics were officially inaugurated on Friday as Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner lit a magnificent cauldron. Unveiling a fitting tribute to aviation history, the cauldron took the form of a seven-meter-wide ring of flames topped by a 30-meter-tall hot-air balloon.

The symbolism behind the cauldron was a nod to the historic first flight in a hydrogen-filled gas balloon, which took place in Paris back in 1783. French inventors Jacques Charles and Nicolas-Louis Robert made history when they embarked on the first manned hot-air balloon flight from the Tuileries Gardens. And now, in the same gardens, the hot-air-balloon Olympic cauldron was set ablaze, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle amidst iconic landmarks like the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.

Marie-José Pérec, one of France's most celebrated Olympic athletes, proudly lit the base of the balloon. Pérec, a track and field star, claimed three gold medals in the 1992 and 1996 Games and was granted the esteemed Officer of the Legion of Honour, France's highest commendation, in 2013. Joining her was Teddy Riner, an imposing figure standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 290 pounds. Known as the "Teddy Bear," Riner dominated judo, securing three Olympic gold medals in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Games.

The events leading up to the cauldron lighting remained shrouded in secrecy. The Olympic torch was carried through various locations in France for over two months, with a mysterious torchbearer passing it through major landmarks such as the Louvre and atop buildings, including a Louis Vuitton workshop. The final leg of the relay saw soccer legend Zinedine Zidane and Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal carrying the flame, before it was transferred to a boat alongside Serena Williams, Nadia Comaneci, and Carl Lewis, making their way back up the Seine toward the Louvre.

Among the notable French athletes who were entrusted with the torch were Grand Slam winner Amelie Mauresmo, NBA champion Tony Parker, and finally, Pérec and Riner. Their joint effort culminated in the lighting of the base of the hot-air balloon, which gracefully ascended into the sky, proudly marking the beginning of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The cauldron's radiant flames will continue to illuminate the Parisian sky for the duration of the Games, symbolizing the everlasting spirit and determination of athletes from around the globe. With this remarkable display, Paris has set the stage for a memorable and inspiring Olympic extravaganza.