The Paris Olympics are off to a rocky start, with the weather turning into a major headache on the very first day of medal events. A fresh downpour hit the city, causing delays and cancellations across various sports.
Tennis matches involving top players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz were interrupted, and the men’s street skateboarding competition had to be pushed to Monday due to the relentless rain.
The deluge has brought back the sea of umbrellas and rain ponchos, with long queues forming outside the Olympic venues.
On Saturday morning, only two courts at Roland Garros were usable thanks to their roofs.
Former Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek managed to play her match after the roof was closed, winning the first set 6-2 in front of a crowd relieved to finally be free of their rain gear.
The Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics has been marred by controversy.
A Catholic Bishop criticized the event for what he described as a “gross mockery” of Christianity, pointing to a segment that seemed to riff on Leonardo da Vinci’s *The Last Supper*. Bishop Robert Barron expressed his dismay, accusing the organizers of disrespecting a central Christian moment.
He questioned whether such a parody would have been acceptable if it targeted Islam instead.
Adding to the discontent, the ceremony faced technical difficulties.
Rain and poor audio quality affected performances, including those by Lady Gaga and a vast array of dancers and acrobats.
Critics dubbed it “the worst Olympic opening ceremony in memory,” citing awkward moments like a headless Marie Antoinette and a mislabeling of South Korea as North Korea during the parade of athletes.
Despite the negative feedback, some aspects of the ceremony received praise.
The closing performance by Canadian singer Celine Dion was a highlight, marking her first public appearance since revealing her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome.
Dion’s emotional rendition of Edith Piaf’s *L’Hymne A L’Amour* from the Eiffel Tower provided a memorable end to a tumultuous evening.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to improve, with sunshine and warmer temperatures predicted.
This could offer a welcome break from the rain and boost spirits as the Olympics continue.
However, the unconventional decision to hold the ceremony on boats along the Seine River has divided opinions.
Some fans found it innovative, while others felt it lacked the excitement of previous ceremonies.
Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The response on social media has been a mix of bewilderment and criticism.
Many viewers compared the ceremony to a bizarre mix of various themes and criticized the lack of crowd engagement.
The rain and technical issues added to the frustration, with some joking about the need for better weather or more engaging commentary.
In summary, while the Paris Olympics have faced their share of challenges and controversies, there’s hope that the weather will clear up and that the remaining events will run more smoothly.