Opening Ceremony Kicks Off 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics are underway after a memorable opening ceremony on Friday (July 26).

The city's iconic landmarks were featured prominently as athletes from 206 different countries traveled by boats east to west across Paris from the Pont d'Austerlitz to the Trocadero before the Olympic flag was raised at Champions Park with the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. A unique hot air balloon Olympic cauldron was lit at by several legendary French athletes at the Louvre's Jardin des Tuileries, which was followed by a performance by Celine Dion.

The opening ceremony included several performances including pianist Sofianne Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet performing John Lennon's iconic song 'Imagine.'

USA Basketball forward LeBron James and tennis star Coco Grauff served as the flag bearers for the United States.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said in a Team USA statement obtained by NBC. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”

Paris previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1900 and 1924. The opening ceremony took place in spite of France's high-speed train lines being targeted by multiple "coordinated acts of malice," including arson, hours prior, the French state railway company SNCF announced on its X account earlier in the day.

"Due to coordinated acts of malice in France, affecting several high speed lines, several high speed trains are being diverted or cancelled. Our teams are fully mobilised in stations, in the call centers, and onboard to ensure that all passengers are informed and can reach their destination. Customers are being informed via email, SMS or on our website," the company wrote. "They can cancel their journey free of charge, be refunded, or modify their journey free of charge."

SNCF said "a large number of trains were diverted or canceled" and advised "all travelers who can to postpone their trip and not go to the station" in an update shared hours before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal referred to the attacks as "acts of sabotage" which were committed "in a planned and coordinated manner" in a translated post shared to his X account.

Officials confirmed that the opening ceremony would go on as originally scheduled amid the reported attacks. iHeartMedia is providing 24/7 coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics broadcasting live on NBC Olympics Radio Plus and play-by-play action during live premium events on NBC Olympics Radio.