Olympics Opening Ceremony 2024: Schedule, Performers and Flag Bearers

Erik BeastonJuly 24, 2024

CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The 2024 Summer Olympics kick off Friday in Paris with the Opening Ceremony, a celebration of the athletes and countries that will compete in this year’s games.

Some of the biggest performers from around the globe will descend upon France for the ceremony while the top athletes from each nation usher in the games for their respective countries as flag-bearers.

This year’s ceremony is unlike any in the history of the event, according to the official Olympic website:

“Taking on a new guise, the parade of athletes will be held on the Seine with boats for each national delegation. These boats will be equipped with cameras to allow television and online viewers to see the athletes up close. Winding their way from east to west, the 10,500 athletes will cross through the centre of Paris, the overall playing field for the Games on which these competitors will display their sporting prowess over the next 16 days. The parade will come to the end of its 6-kilometre route in front of the Trocadéro, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final shows will take place.”

Per NBC News, “Celine Dion and Lady Gaga have both arrived in Paris amid speculation that one or both of the pop icons will perform at the opening ceremony.” Two megastars in the world of music, their appearance on that international stage would only serve to add further intrigue and excitement to the festivities.

Who will represent the United States as its flag bearers, leading the way to what is hopefully a fruitful medal year for the Americans?

Find out with this preview of the extravaganza.

Date: Friday, July 26

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Location: The Seine between the Pont d’Austerlitz and the Pont d’Iéna.

TV: NBC

Streaming: Peacock

LeBron James, Coco Gauff Named Flag Bearers

LeBron James is the most recognizable American athlete in this year’s games and as someone who has never carried the flag for the United States, it makes sense that he would get the nod in what may well be his final Olympic games.

The face of USA Basketball, James has won two gold and one bronze medals and, at least on paper, is the leader of the best team in these games. The Americans have struggled through early play, narrowly escaping a massive upset loss to South Sudan with a 101-100 win.

The team fended off Germany, earning a 92-88 victory.

James will bring his experience and leadership to the team, with a chance to join Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant with three gold medals.

One of the most celebrated athletes in the history of American sports, he has earned the opportunity to represent his country in such a high-profile role.

Whereas the men’s flag bearer has been the face of his sport since his arrival in the NBA in 2003, women’s flag bearer Coco Gauff is a rising star in her own.

“I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is,” she told reporters.

The 2023 US Open winner is one of the bright young stars in women’s tennis and No. 2 in the world. She has a legitimate chance to medal in these Olympic games and will make history as the first woman from her sport to carry the stars and stripes into competition.

Gauff is expected to compete in singles and doubles at the games.