The Paris 2024 Olympic Games opened amid significant challenges, including coordinated arson attacks that disrupted the high-speed rail network, causing chaos for travelers and threatening to overshadow the ceremony. Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at train stations, facing long waits and uncertainty about their travel plans as they attempted to reach the events. Despite these setbacks, the opening ceremony commenced with a historic parade along the Seine River, attended by over 300,000 spectators and set to be viewed by more than a billion worldwide. Notable performances by stars like Lady Gaga and Celine Dion were anticipated, while heavy rain was forecasted to add to the difficulties. Organizers faced criticism for poor communication regarding travel disruptions, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the innovative ceremony format that deviated from traditional stadium settings. Overall, the event showcased both the excitement of the Olympics and the logistical challenges posed by the sabotage incidents.