The fireworks-filled Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony became the talk of the town, leaving attendees, including U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, in awe.
According to NBC LA, the resplendent affair set the stage for the 2024 Paris Olympics and sparked anticipation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The evening spectacle on July 27, 2024, despite the overcast and rainy skies, could not dampen the high spirits among the crowd. A flying cauldron and a zip-lining torchbearer added to the theatrical elements of the night, capped with a performance by Celine Dion atop the Eiffel Tower.
First Lady Jill Biden, a member of the U.S. official delegation, attended the ceremony alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA28's Casey Wasserman.
Their presence underlined the importance of this global sports festival, bridging cultures and heralding the future athletic spectacle in Los Angeles.
At a brunch following the ceremony, Jill Biden shared her awe and enthusiasm, reflecting on the grandeur of the evening:
So, last night, it was just spectacular. The rain did not dampen our spirits. Every step of the way, I was thinking to myself, ‘Oh my god, oh my god. How are we going to top this?
First Lady Jill Biden further commented on the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles:
So, okay. Paris has the Eiffel Tower, but we have Hollywood and the magic of Hollywood that makes all dreams come true. I think we’re going to be okay... It’s a city where new generations of dreamers shape our culture.
The 2028 Summer Olympics will mark Los Angeles's third occasion as host, having previously welcomed the global event in 1932 and 1984. Plans are underway to utilize historical venues alongside new ones, such as the Intuit Dome and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity.
The Venice Beach Pavilion has also been highlighted among potential venues, suggesting a broad diversification in the types of locations to be used, aimed at reflecting the vibrant culture and spirit of Los Angeles.
As part of the grand Closing Ceremony planned in Paris, a special segment will transition from celebrating the current Games to focusing on the future festivities in the U.S., symbolizing the passing of the Olympic torch across continents.
First Lady Jill Biden’s involvement emphasized American support for the Olympics and Los Angeles’s readiness to create a memorable event. Her reflections on the Paris Opening Ceremony underscore the high bar set for Los Angeles and a confident outlook toward meeting and surpassing expectations.
Los Angeles plans not just to host another Olympic event but to provide a canvas where "new generations of dreamers" can thrive and influence global culture. At the end of the 2028 Games, says Jill Biden, both Olympians and attendees will see their reflections in the diverse and dynamic panorama of Los Angeles.
The thrilling Opening Ceremony in Paris has set a formidable precedent for Los Angeles, which is gearing up to showcase its unique cultural flair and innovative spirit in 2028. The city promises an Olympic celebration that reflects its historic diversity and the ambitious vision of its people.
