Olympic Opening Ceremony: Wet and wild river party in Paris as Aussie team go loud and proud on the Seine
![Jessica Fox and Eddie Ockenden, Flagbearers of Team Australia, poses for a photo with the illuminated Eiffel Tower while cruising on the River Seine during the athletes’ parade during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris.](https://images.thenightly.com.au/publication/C-15492959/5639635d028f54c4906f879a15f0422c66df41a5-16x9-x0y313w6000h3375.jpg?imwidth=810)
Jessica Fox and Eddie Ockenden led Australia in a new-look Opening Ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as dozens of boats cruised down the River Seine through the city.
It was the first time in Olympic history the Opening Ceremony was conducted outside of a stadium, with the heartbeat of the city of love playing host to the proceedings.
A boat representing a total of 460 athletes carried team Australia along the canal, under a neon-lit city surrounded by thousands of ceremony goers.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Ockenden and Jessica Fox led 256 women - the highest percentage of an Australia team ever - and 204 men who will compete throughout the two-week tournament.
Dressed in their traditional dark green blazer with gold trimming, the boisterous Aussie battler waved the nation’s flag high in the air along the event-filled 6km stretch of canal.
Medal hope and world tennis top 10 Alex De Minaur joined coach and Australian tennis legend coach Lleyton Hewitt on board the vessel.
Australian-born Queen Mary of Denmark proved her loyalties may still lie with Australia after she was spotted greeting the Aussies in the Olympic Village before the Opening Ceremony.