This is a live blog, updated as news comes in. To catch up on our previous coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics, click here.
12:00pm BST: The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost upon us. The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to take place at 8:00pm local time (7:00pm BST), and it promises to be a spectacular show. With just hours to go, here are some final thoughts on what to expect.
The ceremony will feature a cast of thousands, including dancers, musicians, and acrobats. There will also be appearances by French stars such as singer Matthieu Chedid and actor Lambert Wilson. The event’s artistic director is the acclaimed stage designer, Mark Ronson.
As we count down to the big moment, here are some other key developments from around the world of sport.
* The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the Paris 2024 Olympics will feature a new event: e-sports. This comes as no surprise given the growing popularity of competitive gaming, and it’s an opportunity for the IOC to engage with a whole new generation of fans.
* The United States have confirmed their team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, and there are some big names in action. Swimmers like Caeleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky will be among those looking to add to their medal hauls.
* Meanwhile, the rowing team has been announced for Great Britain, with some familiar faces back in action. There’s also news that British sprinter, Dina Asher-Smith, is set to miss out on the Olympics due to an injury.
And now, it’s time to get ready for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. We’ll be bringing you live updates throughout the night as the games officially get underway.
