The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday was marred by heavy rain, leaving athletes soaked for hours. Despite the challenging conditions, athletes from various countries paraded on boats in rain-soaked uniforms, with some making the most of the situation while others struggled to navigate the unexpected weather. The four-hour event on the Seine River featured a range of rain intensities, from light showers to intense downpours, creating less than ideal conditions for the athletes who were preparing to start intense competition across Paris. Some events had already begun before the ceremony, but much of the action was set to kick off on Saturday.
While standing in the rain and cold isn’t necessarily what makes people sick, prolonged exposure to such conditions can affect the immune system. Austrian marathon swimmer Jan Hercog revealed that he was taking vitamin C and other supplements to help him get through the ceremony. Athletes from some countries were unperturbed by the rain, grabbing umbrellas and ponchos to shield themselves from the elements and continuing with the show. Spain women’s basketball player Megan Gustafson noted that she waited to put on her poncho until later into the rain, resulting in her getting wet, but she still found the experience enjoyable.
Gustafson, who is set to make her Olympic debut, expressed that the rain was not a concern for her health, as the weather was relatively warm and the rain wasn’t too cold. She mentioned that none of her teammates seemed to be sick either, so they were all comfortable and ready for their opening match against China. However, not all athletes shared the same sentiment, as the United States women’s basketball team left the ceremony early to return to their hotel in Paris. WNBA star A’ja Wilson joked about the rainy weather being a factor in their decision to leave early, as she wasn’t as invested in the proceedings due to the rain.
The U.S. flag bearers, LeBron James and Coco Gauff, donned clear plastic ponchos to protect their outfits from the rain, but they ended up getting soaked despite their efforts. James described the experience as a phenomenal one, emphasizing the honor of representing the country alongside fellow Olympians. Other athletes, like Kevin Durant, also showcased their waterlogged outfits on social media, highlighting the challenges they faced during the ceremony. While some athletes, including U.S. men’s basketball coach Steve Kerr, missed the opening ceremony to avoid the rain, others embraced the experience as a memorable part of their Olympic journey.
