Security Breach and Star Appearances Mark Tumultuous Start to Paris 2024 Olympics

France's high-speed train network faced sabotage hours before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, causing significant disruption. Despite the chaos, the ceremony will proceed with noteworthy celebrity appearances. Weather concerns loom, and several key athletes have already withdrawn due to illness or injury. Canada's soccer team faces a spying scandal.

France's high-speed train network faced unprecedented sabotage just hours before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, causing significant travel chaos and exposing major security gaps. The disruptions affected over 800,000 travelers and forced Eurostar to reroute services onto slower lines.

Despite the turmoil, the opening ceremony will continue as scheduled at 1730 GMT, featuring a flotilla of barges carrying athletes and performers along the River Seine. Weather forecasts predict heavy rain, causing concerns for the open-air event. Media and early spectators were seen taking shelter under plastic sheets.

Adding to the excitement, several global stars have been spotted in Paris. Snoop Dogg carried the Olympic flame, and Pharell Williams participated unexpectedly. Rumors swirl around potential performances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. Meanwhile, Canada's women's soccer chief Bev Priestman was sent home amid a spying scandal involving a drone over New Zealand's training session. In the realm of tennis, notable withdrawals due to illness and injury have affected key athletes, including Elena Rybakina, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune.

(With inputs from agencies.)