It only comes every four years — maybe five or three if a global pandemic interferes — but the summer Olympics are finally back. And this time, the Games are being held in Paris, with more than 10,000 athletes gearing up to bring the heat and compete for gold, silver and bronze medals across hundreds of different sporting events.
But while the two-plus-week festivities have already technically kicked off with events starting on Wednesday (July 24), they’ll get fully underway this Friday — with a spectacular opening ceremony on the Seine, marking the first time in history that the summer event’s kickoff doesn’t take place in a stadium. The international celebration will be complete with the traditional torch-lighting ceremony following a months-long relay across France, plus rumored performances from some of the world’s biggest stars.
And though athleticism is certainly at the heart of the Olympics, the Games are also sure to be a booming hub for pop culture in 2024. Several different celebrities are on board to provide commentary on site, while others will likely flock to the City of Love to cheer on their home countries and support their favorite team members — including USA’s Simone Biles, Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Katie Ledecky, Diana Taurasi and Steph Curry.
As the wait for the Games gets smaller and smaller, Billboard is rounding up the top highlights we can’t wait to see play out in Paris this summer. From A-list commentators to celebrity appearances and Swiftie gymnastic routines — plus the inauguration of a brand new Olympic sport — keep reading to see which moments we’re most looking forward to below.
https://www.billboard.com/lists/2024-olympics-10-things-looking-forward-to-paris/