The Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony dazzled with a stunning twist. A masked individual handed the Olympic torch to French football legend Zinedine Zidane. Just as Zidane appeared ready to light the cauldron, he surprised everyone by passing the torch to Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal.
Our champ, smiling broadly, carried the torch towards the Seine. There, he boarded a boat with American tennis icon Serena Williams, track legend Carl Lewis, and gymnastics star Nadia Comăneci. Together, they traveled up the Seine River, the torch’s flame illuminating Paris’s nightscape.
This symbolic relay celebrated unity and the Olympic spirit, making it an unforgettable start to the Games.
What a moment for our champ!
Well deserved❤️❤️❤️
It’s nice to see that Paris really loves Rafa after all! I was so delighted to see him as part of the torch pass. I wonder if Amélie Mauresmo had a part in that (after all they never honoured him at this year’s French Open because he didn’t want them to “maybe not my last French Open”). And he passed the torch to her. Anyways it was wonderful. And as a Canadian I was so moved by Celine Dion’s performance, I was in tears watching her – especially after her struggles of the last couple of years. It was a great ceremony!!
Maybe it helps makeup for the fact they didn’t give Rafa a chance at Roland Garrus placing him against Zverev..
It was almost as speechless as I was and grateful for Celine Dion being back. What a fabulous opening ceremony!!
Don’t quit Rafa!!!
Phenomenal!
I am speechless!
Such an incredible honour for Rafa, who has achieved so much in Paris. Very happy for him.
Wow! That was so cool to see Rafa involved in the Opening Ceremonies of the Paris Olympics!! Incredible!!!
I was speechless! I never expected it, but it was such an incredible honor! Rafa so deserved it, but I worry how he will feel tomorrow. It was still worth it!
Indeed it was a highlight of the ceremony. Unfortunate that he got wet and had to endure a bit of a choppy boat ride but it wasn’t too strenuous. He should be good to go for this evening’s doubles match. Sending great vibes to Nadalcaraz. ¡VAMOS!
An unforgettable day for Rafa and all of us!
Bravo, Rafael Nadal. A great moment 🥰
They kept that quiet! I got so excited when I saw him 😀.