By REY C. LACHICA
PARIS – Wow! LeBron James!
A young girl screamed in delight while watching on TV the rain-hit opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics in one of the restaurants at the heart of the French capital.
She was with her family enjoying their dinner of pasta and pizza.
And they were all thrilled to see the LA Lakers superstar, who along with US Open champion Coco Gauff, was tasked to carry the flag of the United States during the unique parade of athletes on board a ship on the iconic River Seine with the Eiffel Tower providing a stunning backdrop.
In the adjacent bar, a group of young men was heard yelling to see the members of the powerhouse Team USA.
Some were even happier to see other NBA idols like Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics.
They were part of thousands, if not millions, of French people who failed to buy tickets that were so expensive it was equivalent to one good meal in a trendy restaurant.
But the biggest cheers, of course, belonged to the host nation.
Despite the continued rains – some spectators were even drenched – the spirit was ultra-high – even for those watching at the comfort of their homes and even those inside the bars.
And yes, other global stars also showed up as 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal of Spain and fellow tennis great American Selena Williams carried the Olympic torch.
American track legend Carl Lewis and Romanian gymnast Nadia Commaneci, best remembered for scoring the first perfect 10 at the 1976 Games, were part of the torch final journey.
Fittingly, the Olympic Cauldron was lit by one of French sporting icons – three-time Olympic champion judoka Teddy Riner.
Other stars who took part in the traditional grand show were retired NBA star Tony Parker and tennis Amelie Mauresmo – both French – and the legendary Celine Dion who performed right after the symbolic cauldron was lit.
Rain or shine, everybody enjoyed the once in a lifetime experience.
