Team USA arrived in style ahead of their Opening Ceremony appearance along the River Seine in Paris.
As part of one of the most ambitious ceremonies in the history of the games, Team USA will complete a trip on boats down the famous river that cuts through the City of Lights.
Decked out in their special-made and controversial Ralph Lauren outfits, the Olympic athletes of the United States are set to make their way to the Trocadero where a temporary stadium has been built.
Among the athletes getting ready are Coco Gauff and LeBron James, the two flag bearers who have swapped their blue blazers for white coats signifying their responsibilities.
A number of athletes have posted snaps of themselves all decked out and ready for the games – including gold medal winning swimmer Katie Ledecky.
Coco Gauff and LeBron James wearing their white coats signifying their jobs as flag bearers
Katie Ledecky (L) shows off her outfit before the Opening Ceremonies begin in Paris
‘I think what’s differnt is always a new experience. A new group guys – some guys have never been Olympians before so you want them to see the whole moment of being here in Paris,’ James told Team USA on the boat.
‘It’s a great opportunity for myself to continue to inspire the next generation and I’m super excited to be here.
‘I’ve been a part of the Athens games, the Beijing games, the London games and now the Paris games, and they’re always special in their own right. It’s 2024 and it’s another special moment, not only for this country of France but also for us other Olympians who are here competing for the United States of America.’
The 20-year-old Gauff was the first American tennis player to carry the flag, three years after she was forced to miss the Tokyo Olympics when she tested positive for Covid.
In a heartwarming clip shared by Team USA on social media, men’s star Chris Eubanks announces that his teammate will be the female flagbearer in Paris to leave her completely stunned.
‘I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony,’ Gauff said in a statement.
‘I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is.’
Gauff and James earned their selections through a vote of their fellow US athletes.
The Lakers legend, 39, became the third basketball player — and the first men’s player — to carry the US flag at the start of an Olympics .
Basketball players have been flag bearers for the United States twice in the past – both being women.
Team USA passes through the Seine on a boat during the Opening Ceremonies in Paris
The United States has the largest delegation at the Olympics – with 592 total athletes
The US athletes on board the boat wave American flags as they sail on the Seine
Current University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was the first to do so at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.
At the last Summer Olympics in Tokyo, WNBA legend Sue Bird was one of two American flag bearers alongside baseball star Eddy Alvarez.
‘It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,’ James said.
‘For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.’
However, the opening ceremony was thrown in to chaos tonight as torrential downpours and grey skies marred the event, which is taking place along the River Seine in front of 320,000 soaked spectators.
France’s unique plan to hold the opening event outdoors rather than inside a stadium failed spectacularly this evening as Parisians, celebrities, politicians and royals from all over the world were forced to shelter from the horrendous rain.
The carefully choreographed open-air parade kicked off at 1:30pm ET, with an incredible performance from American superstar Lady Gaga who wowed crowds as she performed a stunning Folie Bergiere entirely in French.
France’s tricolour flag erupted from the Pont d’Austerlitz Bridge with 6,800 athletes covered in plastic ponchos attempting to keep spirits high as they travelled down the famed waterway in a huge flotilla of 85 boats.
American track star Sha;Carri Richardson shows off her star-spangled nails
The basketball icon wore his white blazer to distinguish him as a flagbearer for USA
Meteorologists who predicted the unusual rainy July weather would be a ‘disaster’ for the outdoor ceremony appear to have been proved right, as the heavy showers drowned out the music for those watching at home.
Meanwhile the screen at the Trocadéro where thousands of spectators are gathered appeared to suffer a blackout as a result of the dreary weather.
Instead of crowds wearing shorts and t-shirts to soak up the Parisian sun, streets were lined with umbrellas and spectators – including celebrities – turning to ponchos to protect from the rain.
The ceremony kicked off with a short film starring French football legend Zinedine Zidan carrying the Olympic torch before he passed it local children who emerged in real life on the river banks.
Those watching from the banks of the famous river – as well as from their armchairs all over the world – were then treated to a quintessential Parisian performance of the Can-can dance with dancers dressed in pink lighting up the grey sky.
Torrential rain in Paris has marred the opening ceremony with many spectators seen wearing ponchos and holding umbrellas
Lady Gaga’s opening performance narrowly avoided the rain before the heavens opened
Let the games begin! The Opening Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympics is officially underway
The ceremony has dwelled on many aspects of the city’s history. The flame passed through the workshop of world-renowned French bag designer Louis Vuitton before a dance made reference to the rebuilding of the Notre Dame fire of 2019.
A heavy metal band burst into song in reference to the violence of the French Revolution, while an ode was paid to Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserables and a ‘headless’ Marie Antoinette was seen along the route.
As the dance medley continues below on the banks of the river, the Olympic torch is being carried over the city’s stunning rooftops by a free-running athlete.
Meanwhile more than 600,000 people are attending the Opening Ceremony in the stadium including a huge string of famous faces, including pop star Arianna Grande, Tennis champion Serena Williams and Hollywood royalty Stephen Spielberg.
