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The Swedish standard bearers Peder Fredricson and Josefin Olsson led the Swedish squad on the boat ride on the Seine. After a silver horse galloped on the water, the fire was lit by judo champion Teddy Riner and athletics star Marie-José Perec. The fire then rose towards the Paris skies with the help of a balloon while Celine Dion performed from the Eiffel Tower. A magnificent inauguration ended to spellbinding notes and a fire in which floated freely in the air.
A total of 329 medal events will be decided during the games in Paris. 10,500 active players are fighting for the medals – for the first time ever, there are as many women as men taking part. The Olympics in Paris run until August 11.
