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Xtra Time Web Desk: The Paris Olympic 2024 torch-lighting event was a dazzling spectacle, featuring some of the world's most celebrated athletes. The event commenced with French football legend Zinedine Zidane carrying the flame, setting a jubilant tone as he passed it to Rafael Nadal. Though a Spaniard, Nadal holds a special place in French hearts, having won the French Open 14 times. The crowd erupted in cheers as Zidane handed over the torch.

Nadal then traveled across the Seine River by boat, delivering the torch to Serena Williams. Williams, an icon with four Olympic gold medals and 23 Grand Slam titles, passed the flame to Nadia Comaneci, a five-time Olympic gold medalist and the first gymnast to achieve a perfect 10.0 at the Olympics.

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On the boat with Serena and Nadal was Carl Lewis, the first athlete to win nine Olympic gold medals, one silver, and 10 World Championship medals. Upon returning to land, former World No.1 tennis player Amelie Mauresmo took over. Mauresmo, a two-time Grand Slam winner and former coach of Andy Murray, who will compete in men's doubles in Paris, carried the torch next.

Mauresmo jogged past the iconic Louvre and its pyramid, passing the flame to retired NBA player Tony Parker. The torch was then carried by several Paralympic athletes towards the Jardin des Tuileries. The final torchbearers were Marie-Jose Perec, a retired French sprinter with three Olympic gold medals, and Teddy Riner, a former judoka.

In a grand finale, Riner and Perec lit the cauldron in the Jardin des Tuileries, with a hot air balloon rising as they did so. The ceremony concluded with a powerful performance by Celine Dion, singing "Hymne A l’amour" (Hymn to Love), originally by Edith Piaf. Earlier in the evening, stars like Lady Gaga and Juliette Armanet performed during the Parade of the Nations.

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Following the opening ceremony's glitz and glamour, the competition begins on Saturday, July 27. French President Emmanuel Macron officially declared the Olympics open. The United States, with a record 1,179 medals, and China are among the top contenders expected to excel in the games.