The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony is set to be a grand and unforgettable event. Here’s what to look forward to:

1. **Spectacular Show**: The ceremony will feature a stunning display along the River Seine, showcasing the beauty of Paris and setting the stage for the Games.

2. **Athletes’ Parade**: Approximately 10,500 athletes, who have earned their spots through their impressive performances and dedication, will parade past. This will be a moment of celebration and recognition for their achievements.

3. **Olympic Flame**: The lighting of the Olympic cauldron in the Tuileries Garden will be a highlight of the evening, symbolizing the beginning of the Games and the spirit of competition.

The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of sport and culture, marking the start of what is expected to be an exhilarating Olympic Games in Paris.

The tradition of selecting a flag bearer for the Olympic Games has evolved to reflect a more inclusive and balanced representation. Here’s a summary of the recent changes:

1. **Prestigious Role**: Being chosen as a flag bearer is a significant honor, symbolizing the athlete’s role as a leader and representative of their nation during the opening ceremony.

2. **Historical Practice**: Traditionally, each country had only one flag bearer who carried the national flag alone, representing their nation’s pride and spirit.

3. **Recent Change**: Starting with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), a new tradition was established where each delegation selects both a woman and a man to share the role of flag bearer. This change aims to promote gender equality and inclusivity.

4. **Impact**: This approach allows for a broader representation of athletes and highlights the importance of both male and female competitors in the Olympic movement.

The shared flag bearer role adds a new dimension to the opening ceremony, celebrating the diverse contributions of athletes and enhancing the ceremonial experience.

When only one athlete is present for their nation at the Olympics, that individual will carry the flag solo. This year, six teams are in this situation. For example:

– **Belize**: The country’s flag will be carried by Shaun Gill, who is competing in the 100 meters. As Belize’s sole representative, Gill will have the honor of leading his nation’s delegation during the opening ceremony.

This scenario underscores the athlete’s role as a symbol of their country’s spirit and determination, even in the absence of a larger team.

Here’s a summary of the flag bearers for the upcoming Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony from various nations:

1. **Great Britain**:
– **Helen Glover**: Rowing, a two-time gold medalist in the coxless pair.
– **Tom Daley**: Diving, a Tokyo gold medalist in the 10-meter synchronized diving and holder of three Olympic bronze medals.

2. **United States**:
– **Coco Gauff**: Tennis, U.S. Open singles champion and French Open doubles champion.
– **LeBron James**: Basketball, a four-time NBA MVP, four-time NBA champion, and career scoring leader.

3. **Canada**:
– **Maude Charron**: Weightlifting, Tokyo gold medalist in the 64-kilogram category.
– **Andre de Grasse**: Athletics, Tokyo gold medalist in the 200 meters.

4. **China**:
– **Ma Long**: Table Tennis, a five-time gold medalist.
– **Feng Yu**: Artistic Swimming.

5. **Eritrea**:
– **Biniam Girmay**: Cycling.
– **Christina Rach**: Swimming.

6. **France**:
– **Melina Robert-Michon**: Athletics, specializing in the discus.
– **Florent Manaudou**: Swimming, London gold medalist in the 50-meter freestyle and three-time Olympic silver medalist.

These athletes are set to carry their national flags with pride, symbolizing their countries’ achievements and hopes for the Games.