Tahiti Kicks Off Paris Olympics: Surf's Up Amidst Scenic Backdrop

Tahiti hosted the surfing events for the Paris Olympics, setting a relaxed tone with its natural beauty. Despite its distance from Paris, the island welcomed visitors with Olympic festivities. The surf break at Teahupo'o saw preparations and practice sessions for the competition. Locals and tourists remained mostly unaffected by the games' presence.

Tahiti welcomed the Paris Olympics in a subdued yet scenic fashion this Tuesday, as the French Polynesian island let its natural charm set the stage for surfing's second appearance in the Games.

Although located some 16,000km from Paris, Tahiti was chosen for its world-famous waves. Visitors at the capital airport were greeted with Olympic posters, songs, and music, but elsewhere, the Games' impact was low-key. Billboards along the road to Teahupo'o, the surfing venue, were outnumbered by local market stalls.

Graphic designer Meti Vukovic noted the event's significance while spending the day at the beach, though entry is restricted to those with passes. The surf break infrastructure includes checkpoints and tents amid local houses. Surfers practice in scheduled sessions, with competition conditions remaining unpredictable. Local favorites Vahine Fierro and Kauli Vaast are top medal hopes for France.

(With inputs from agencies.)