Opening Ceremony key to Paris 2024 success, says London 2012 chief
With the Paris Olympics opening ceremony fast approaching, Hugh Robertson, who led the London 2012 Games, emphasises its importance, after telling AFP it “sets the tone” for the entire event.
Robertson says his top concern was keeping the “athletes’ parade on schedule.” Paris organisers, however, face a historic challenge with the first-ever waterborne opening ceremony, with the event taking place along the River Seine.
“The importance of the opening ceremony is one of the reasons why Paris 2024’s innovative decision to use the river Seine is so imaginative and striking,” Robertson said. The London 2012 opening ceremony famously showcased Queen Elizabeth II and Daniel Craig’s James Bond in a dramatic scene, but Robertson’s top priority was security.
“Security was and, I suspect, will always be the greatest concern,” said Robertson, head of the British Olympic Association (BOA). “Fortunately we have an excellent relationship with the French security forces which gives Team GB enormous confidence,” he added.
“It’s over a decade ago (London 2012) but I remember a combination of confidence in our plans and anxiety about the unexpected,” he said. “The opening ceremony is a huge event and one that, arguably, sets the tone for the next 17 days.
“But it is only one part of a massive global sports event. Olympic Games should be all about the sport and a successful opening ceremony both starts the Games in the right way and then allows you to concentrate subsequently on the athletes.”
Despite political uncertainty in France following President Emmanuel Macron’s inconclusive snap election, Robertson is confident the Olympics will open with an “exceptional” show.
“In many respects we head into this Olympic Games with fewer issues than we have seen in past editions, and with a clear focus on the sport,” he said. “We wish them well and look forward to what we think will be an exceptional Games.”
At the Paris 2024, around 10,500 athletes will compete in 32 sports from 26 July to 11 August. The Games will be hosted across various stunning venues, including the Stade de France for athletics and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Grand Palais for fencing, and the River Seine for the inaugural waterborne Opening Ceremony, among others.