The 2024 Paris Olympics officially commenced with an unprecedented opening ceremony along the Seine River, featuring nearly 7,000 athletes on 85 boats. LeBron James and Coco Gauff served as flag bearers for Team USA, marking historic firsts for both: Gauff as the youngest and first tennis player, and James as the first male basketball player in this role. Despite rain, the event was filled with enthusiasm, with James and Gauff expressing immense pride and excitement. Michael Johnson, however, questioned Gauff’s selection, suggesting a more traditional Olympic athlete like Simone Biles would have been more fitting. Team USA, with 592 athletes, aims to replicate their 2020 Tokyo success, where they won the highest number of medals. The ceremony also highlighted diverse cultural elements and significant public engagement, setting the stage for the global competition ahead.