Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE: Opening Ceremony start time and updates as countdown begins to huge kick-off – latest
THE Paris 2024 Olympics officially kicks off with what stands to be a spectacular Opening Ceremony on Friday night!
History will be made with the stunning ceremony taking place on the River Seine instead of a stadium.
Though the action has already got underway with sports such as football and rugby sevens up and running before the big bash.
Across the 19 day sporting spectacle, athletes will be competing for 329 gold medals across 32 sports.
- Opening Ceremony start time: From 6.30pm BST/ 1.30pm ET
- TV channel: UK: Eurosport & BBC/US: NBC
- Live stream: UK: discovery+ & BBC iPlayer/US: Peacock
- What's on at the Olympics today?
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No guarantee of clean Games
Anti-drugs chiefs say they CANNOT guarantee Paris 2024 will be a clean Games, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
The World Anti-doping Agency has come under fire for clearing 23 Chinese swimmers to compete after they tested positive for a banned heart medication.
Team GB judo star Jade Jones was also given the green light after refusing a drugs test - although she DID give a sample later the same day - with athletes from other nations also under scrutiny.
And asked if he would repeat Seb Coe’s flawed claim that the 2012 London Games would be the cleanest ever, Wada boss Witold Banka said: “Our role is not to give the stamp of credibility to every every single athlete.
“It's obvious that you will never eliminate doping. You will always find someone who wants to cheat. So it's not a situation where we want to assure that every single athlete is clean. We don't know, actually.
“It's not our role to do that but to oversee the system, to make sure it is robust and that we’re using all the existing tools to test athletes properly.
“And not to tell you that the Games are going to be totally clean and you will not have even one single positive test. We cannot do that.”
Banka also put the armlock on US anti-doping boss Travis Tygart, who has publicly criticised the world body, by threatening that the 2028 Los Angeles Games could be stripped from the country unless they stopped criticising his body.
Josh takes medal bid to the Macs
Josh Tarling will reward himself with a McDonald’s if he wins Britain’s first Olympic medal in Paris, writes ROB MAUL.
The fresh-faced Welshman, 20, will challenge Italian speedster Filippo Ganna and Belgians Remco Evenepoel and Wout Van Aert in the road time trial on the streets of Paris on Saturday.
This is Team GB’s first real prospect to kickstart the medal rush on day one.
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Credit: AFP His craft was honed on the open roads of Wales between the ages of 12-16 and whenever he did well, his dad would treat him to a meal from the fast food chain.
Tarling, who rides for Ineos Grenadiers, joked: “There’s a McDonald’s by the hotel here. I think on Sunday I’ll be hitting that.
“As a kid, we’d finish the 10-mile time trial quite late and on the way back there was a Maccy D’s. I would be a lot skinnier if it wasn’t for that.
Tarling, who won a bronze medal at the 2023 Worlds in Glasgow, added: “The goal is to win it.
“The time trial is determined on how hard you go, so as long as you get everything out then I know that’s what I’ve got, but I’d like to win it.”
Megan, 16, more nervous with GCSE than Olympics
Schoolgirl archer Megan Havers launched Team GB’s medal quest and admitted: “I was more worried about my English GCSE,” writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Havers, 16, shot the opening arrow as the women's team completed by Bryony Pitman and pink-haired Penny Healey took part in the opening ranking round at Les Invalides in the heart of Paris.
Credit: Getty Despite golden starts for both Havers and Pitman, both finding the 12cm centre of the target from 70m away with their first shots, the British trio struggled with the sultry heat and shifting wins.
But Havers, who sat her exams just weeks ago at south Charnwood High School in Leicester, suggested sitting down in the gym had been more daunting than the ultimate sporting stage.
Havers said: “I was far more nervous doing my English GCSE. That took a lot more effort for me. I came onto this field today and I didn’t feel many nerves. I was calm and excited to shoot.
“It wasn’t the plan for me to be the first Team GB athlete to actually compete. But I do like to shoot the first arrow so I don’t get in my own head. So it’s a pretty cool thing to think about.”
Pitman, a former world number one, was the best of the three Brits, scoring 646 out of 720 for 41st place, with Havers firing 635 for 49th and Healey, also a recently-ranked top global archer, “disappointed” with her 52nd place score of 631.
That compared with Korean Lim Sihyeon’s stunning world record score of 694, which also smashed the 2021 olympic record by a staggering 14 points.
Healey, who had written “nothing to lose” on her bow hand, suggested Britain’s shooting position in the middle of the 32 target lanes might have been a factor, with the Korean having been in lane one.
Mentor 'condemns' Dujardin
Charlotte Dujardin's mentor 'universally condemned' the Team GB Olympian after shocking footage emerged of her whipping a horse 25 times, writes SUMMER RAEMASON.
Carl Hester supported action taken against the six-time Olympic medallist, including a provisional six-month ban and strip of funding amid the disturbing video clip.
The three-time British Olympic champion sensationally pulled out of Paris 2024 in disgrace this week after a whistleblower leaked the concerning clip filmed four years ago.
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Carl Hester supported action taken against the six-time Olympic medallistCredit: AP:Associated Press Dujardin said she was “deeply ashamed” by her “error of judgement” in a coaching session at a private stable.
Hester, who is set to compete at the Olympics in the team Dujardin was axed from, has since signed a letter condemning her actions.
A statement from the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) read: "The IDRC universally condemn the actions of Charlotte Dujardin as seen in the video footage.
"The Board members are resolute that equine welfare must always be placed uppermost and at all times.
Dujardin dropped out of the Paris Olympics before shocking footage was releasedCredit: Getty "The IDRC Board supports the actions taken by the FEI, the British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage to provisionally suspend Ms Dujardin."
It comes after Dujardin was dropped by one of her main sponsors in light of the disturbing video.
Charles Owen, a company that sells safety equipment for horse riders, revealed they were chopping their working relationship with the shamed equestrian.
Presidents to discuss racism row
The Enzo Fernandez racism row has gone to the very top — with an emergency summit between the French and Argentine presidents, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Tensions between the two nations are at breaking point over the racist chant aimed at French football stars.
![Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez is at the centre of a row following Argentina's Copa America winners belting out a racist chant](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 476 853"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez is at the centre of a row following Argentina's Copa America winners belting out a racist chantCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandez Argentine president Javier Milei jetted in on Thursday for talks with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to try to defuse the situation ahead of Friday's Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Argentina’s Olympic footballers were targeted with bottles and firecrackers during a defeat to Morocco in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.
And last night their country’s rugby sevens side walked into a “toxic” bear-pit of hate as they were edged out by Antoine Dupont and the hosts 26-14 in a quarter-final at Stade de France in Paris.
![French President Emmanuel Macron will meet his Argentinian counterpart](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 772 960"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
French President Emmanuel Macron will meet his Argentinian counterpartCredit: Rex The French football federation filed a legal complaint over the “unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks” in a video filmed by Fernandez.
The chant, sung by Argentina’s Copa America winners, was originally belted out by their fans ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.
Defending her country’s footballers, Milei’s deputy Victoria Villarruel has insisted Argentina would not tolerate criticism from a “colonialist” country.
Those comments further outraged the French while sports minister Julio Garro was sacked by Milei after asking for skipper Lionel Messi to apologise on behalf of the team.
![Argentinian president Javier Milei has flown into Paris](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 960 640"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Argentinian president Javier Milei has flown into ParisCredit: Getty Brits fly in chef due to shocking raw deal
Team GB have brought their own chef to the Olympics after complaints of raw meat being served in the athlete’s village.
British stars are now eating at a nearby performance base after organisers were accused of failing to prepare food properly amid a shortage of key items including eggs and chicken.
The British Olympic Association has hired a catering college to serve as a performance base. And it has now turned into the team’s main food hub, with specialist chefs flown out.
Team GB chief executive Andy Anson said: “At the beginning of every Games there’s usually two or three issues. The big one this time is the food in the village, which is not adequate.
“There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates. And then there is the quality of the food, with raw meat being served to athletes.
“They have got to improve it over the next couple of days dramatically.
“Our athletes have decided they would rather go and eat in our performance lodge in Clichy. So we are having to get another chef to come over as the demand is far exceeding what we thought it would be.
“The athletes are not going there just to eat their lunch, they are packing meals for their dinner as they don’t want to go into the athlete restaurant to eat.
“So we are trying to make sure our athletes have an advantage by having more food.”
Women’s football results
France 3-2 Colombia
USA 3-0 ZambiaMen’s Rugby Sevens – Australia 18-10 USA
The misfiring Americans are out as Australia reach the Olympic semi-finals for the first time ever.
The Aussies were comfortable 18-0 winners.
Turner and Toole notched first-half tries, before Longbottom added both a penalty and a try in the final minute of the second period.
Women’s football results latest – with 2 red cards
The USA are deep in stoppage time 3-0 up against 10-woman Zambia.
And Ramirez's 86th-minute red card for Colombia could have wrecked Colombia's push for a comeback draw from 3-0 down.
Latest:
France 3-2 Colombia
USA 3-0 Zambia
Australia vs USA in Rugby Sevens quarter-final
The US are 10-0 down as they keep making mistakes against the Aussies.
Corey Toole has just had what would have been his second try for Oz controversially ruled out after a review.
Corey Toole touches down for efficient AustraliaCredit: AFP Women's football latest - as Colombia roar back
The USA still appear to be cruising to victory.
But France are under threat - after Colombian netted twice in 10 minutes through Usme and Pavi to trail just 3-2.
Latest:
France 3-2 Colombia
USA 3-0 ZambiaMen’s Rugby Sevens – Fiji 19-15 France
Agony for the Irish as Fiji notched two quick tries for a comeback win.
The favourites are into the semi-finals after mesmeric moments in the second half.
Waisea Nacuqu celebrates his crucial tryCredit: AFP Chay Mullins's try double overturned Iosefo Masi's early score for Fiji.
And Zac Ward then extended Ireland's 11-7 half-time lead.
However, Selestino Ravutaumada overcame five Irish challenges in a stunnign long run to free Waisea Nacuqu for a try.
And Terio Tamani promptly completed the turnaround.
Ireland tried to keep the ball alive in the final minutes but fell just short.
Men’s Rugby Sevens – Argentina 14-26 France
The French hosts booked a semi-final against South Africa - after a dramatic finish.
Trailing 21-0 at half-time, Argentina roared back after France's Jordan Sepho was sin-binned.
And when France won a penalty deep in the opposition half, Antoine Dupont declined to kick into touch for safety with just seconds remaining.
Instead the legend burst clear to turn France's late scare into match-clinching flair with a special try.
HT scores in women's football
France 3-0 Colombia
USA 3-0 ZambiaWomen's football latest - as USA stun Zambia
Hosts France and the USA are off to storming starts in the women's football.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Aston Villa midfielder Kenza Dali put the French 2-0 up against Colombia inside 18 minutes before Katoto struck again shortly before the interval.
And the USA notched three goals in eight minutes to Stun Zambia
Skipper Lindsey Horan struck in 17 and 24 minutes.
And star striker Sophie Smith instantly made it 3-0.
Latest:
France 3-0 Colombia
USA 3-0 Zambia
Men's Rugby Sevens - New Zealand 7-14 South Africa
The Boks held on after leading 14-0 to reach the semi-finals.
Yet they had only come third in Pool A - which the Kiwis won!
Basketball fans excited by Durant recovery
Team USA basketball fans have been fired up by a video of Kevin Durant athletically dunking the ball in practice ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Durant's fitness for the Olympics has been in major doubt in recent weeks over a nagging calf injury.
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The knock means the Phoenix Suns forward was unable to play any of Team USA's Olympic warm-up games.
But the sight of Durant not only returning to practice but also showing off his athleticism by attacking the rim and dunking the ball has left fans inspired.
"Need to see KD back on the court vs Serbia," one fan said. "KD looks ready," another said.
"KD finishing strong like that can only mean good news for the squad," a third enthusiast noted.
Team USA's first game is against Serbia on Sunday.
And Durant is in a race against time to prove his fitness.
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USA in action in Men's Rugby Sevens
New Zealand against South Africa is the blockbuster opener this evening.
Then comes Argentina vs hosts France.
Fiji against Ireland should be a real cracker, third up.
And Australia vs the USA closes the action.
Men’s Rugby Sevens – Uruguay 14-19 Kenya (AET)
Kenya triumphed despite going into extra time with a yellow card.
Uruguay had nicked a scrum penalty with the final play of normal time to level.
But Kenya's former track-running hero Odongo clinched victory - and a place against Samo in the ninth-place final.
Eggs shortage panned by hungry Olympians
Athletes have been left fuming after the Olympics was hit by a food shortage one day before the opening ceremony.
L’Equipe say vital grub including eggs and grilled meats had to be rationed at breakfast in the Olympic Village on Wednesday.
Athletes need to be well-fed to fuel their performance throughout the fortnight - and some lodged complaints about the offering.
The Olympic Village has been hit by a shortage of food, namely eggsCredit: Splash It’s claimed the egg shortage was particularly galling, with the popular food forming a huge part of most athletes’ diets. Eggs contain high protein and good fats, as well as various nutrients and minerals.
The Olympic Village’s official catering partner has now vowed to up the quantity of eggs and other sought-after items this week.
Sodexo Live confirmed: “There’s a very high demand (for products) and volumes will be increased to satisfy the needs of the athletes.”
Meanwhile, Carrefour Group – who supply fresh products to the Village – added: “It was requested to revise upwards the quantities initially planned, which the group will be able to satisfy.”
In total, Olympic chiefs are having to feed 15,000 athletes from 208 countries several times per day.
Athletes are up in arms over the lack of the high-protein superfoodCredit: Getty Dujardin could face police probe
EXCLUSIVE: Charlotte Dujardin could face a police probe after a whistleblower leaked a video of the Team GB equestrian rider whipping a horse, writes HARRY GOODWIN.
Dujardin has pulled out of the Paris Olympics after a clip showed her beating the horse 25 times in one minute with a long whip.
![Charlotte Dujardin has pulled out of the Olympics after a clip showed her whipping a horse](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 960 563"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Charlotte Dujardin has pulled out of the Olympics after a clip showed her whipping a horse The video was passed to the FEI, the governing body of horse sports including dressage.
Now the RSPCA has said it is "ready to provide any support" to the authorities probing the footage.
The RSPCA can investigate and privately prosecute allegations of animal cruelty.
The FEI also has the power to prepare case files and pass them on - potentially leading to police probes.
The body has not ruled out passing a file on the Dujardin clip to the police.
![Dujardin stood to become Britain's most successful female Olympian](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 960 692"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Dujardin stood to become Britain's most successful female OlympianCredit: PA
Men's Rugby Sevens - Samoa 42-7 Japan
The first placement match for teams fighting over ninth to 12th spots is over.
And Olympic sevens' debutants Samoa notched a heavy win over Japan - putting them in the "final" for ninth place.
The Samoans notched four of their five tries after the break.
Full boxing draw for Team GB
Team GB coach Dave Alloway called the draw a "mixed bag" - and says his boxers are just itching for Saturday's start.
Alloway told the BBC: "It is always going to be tough but it is a mixed bag. They are all prepared for it.
"They knew what was coming because of the seeds were already announced. It is what it is. It is the luck of the draw.
"They just want to get in the ring. They are ready to go. They have had great preparation and are bedded in."
How it looks for British fighters:
54kg Charley Davison v Turkey's Hatice Akbas
66kg Rosie Eccles v Poland’s Aneta Rygielska
75kg Chantelle Reid v Morocco’s Khadija Mardi
71kg Lewis Richardson v bye
92kg Patrick Brown v Italy's Keno Machado
92kg + Delicious Orie v Armenia Davit ChaloyanNoah one has ever done better
USA sprinter Noah Lyles hopes to be the first man to win four track golds at the same Olympics.
The Florida sprinter, 27, is eying glory in the 100m and 200m, plus 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
Credit: AFP Lyles won gold in the first three at the 2023 World Championships - and has added the 4x400m to his target list after debuting in it at the indoor Worlds.
He also dreams of taking Usain Bolt's world records at 100m and 200m.
Last month Lyles equalled his personal best of 9.83s in the shorter event - compared to the icon's astonishing mark of 9.58.
And his US record 200m mark of 19.31 means he could be even closer to the Jamaican in that event - Bolt having run 19.19.
The now retired, eight-time Olympic gold medallist, 37, set both his individual records at the 2009 world championship.
Tennis loses another top seed
Another big name has dropped out of the Olympic tennis.
Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, the women's third seed, explained she got bronchitis shortly after competing at Wimbledon.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 960 656"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Credit: AP The 2022 Wimbledon champion says doctors have "strictly forbidden" her from playing in Paris.
Italian men's world number one Jannik Sinner and Denmark's Holger Rune withdrew yesterday due to illness and injury respectively.
