The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was marred by inclement weather and mixed reactions, with athletes feeling the effects of rain while participating in a five-hour event that included unusual performances and a notable flag mishap. Team USA's flagbearers faced challenges as they waved the flag from boats instead of marching into a stadium, leading to viewer dissatisfaction regarding the ceremony's format. Security concerns are heightened for the upcoming Games, with threats from Islamist terrorists and recent arson attacks on the French rail network raising alarms about potential violence. The French authorities have ramped up security measures, including curfews for individuals deemed high-risk. Additionally, climate change is expected to impact this year's Olympics, with rising temperatures potentially hindering athletes' performances, marking this as one of the hottest Games on record. The combination of weather challenges, security threats, and climate issues casts a shadow over what is traditionally a celebration of athletic achievement.