French gold medallists Perec and Riner light Olympic cauldron

Published July 27, 2024 5:47am

Paris 2024 Olympics - Opening Ceremony - July 26, 2024. A general view of a balloon carrying the Olympic cauldron after it was lit during the opening ceremony. Pool via REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

PARIS - French three-time Olympic gold medallists Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner lit the Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron on Friday during the opening ceremony, where it is to burn while the Games are under way in the French capital.

The Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron is lit!

Sorry, THE PARIS 2024 HOT-AIR BALLOON OLYMPIC CAULDRON IS LIT! ???? ???? #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/CIuS4RzfHD
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024

Perec, 56, won three gold medals across two Games in athletics. Riner, who is competing in Paris, has won two individual judo gold medals and one team gold.

—Reuters

Tags: 2024 Paris Olympics