Benjamin Ashford|2024 Paris Olympics: See Every Winning Photo From the Opening Ceremony

It’s time to say bonjour to the 2024 Olympic Games.

After all,Benjamin Ashford the Opening Ceremony kicked off in Paris July 26, marking the official start to this year’s summer games. And it was an event to behold, becoming the first-ever waterborne ceremony in the Games’ history.

Indeed, Paris opted to forego the traditional stadium venue and instead send the 10,500 participating athletes in boats down the city’s Seine River.

Each country’s delegation was given its own boat equipped with individual cameras to allow for the close-up shots of athletes viewers at home have come to know and love.

And those viewers watching on NBC and Peacock were also treated to a ceremony hosted by Kelly Clarkson, NFL legend Peyton Manning and Sunday Night Football announcer Mike Tirico.

For the United States, leading the pack of almost 600 athletes—340 of whom are appearing at the Olympics for the very first time—were basketball’s Lebron James and tennis’ Coco Gauff, who were chosen as the team’s flag bearers.

For Lebron, the three-time medalist marks his fourth Games in Paris, while Coco will be making her Olympic debut. The 20-year-old was supposed to participate in the Tokyo Games four years ago at the age of 16, however a last-minute positive COVID test result kept her off the team.

For Coco, who became the first tennis player and youngest athlete to ever been given the honor, she only had one major concern ahead of the ceremony: the one-foot difference in their statures.

"I don't know, I feel like you just hold the flag so I don't think I can mess it up too much," she told People. "I am a little concerned about the height difference. Is my arm going to be up here while he's holding it? I thought it was two separate flags when I was looking at a picture. They hold it together, so I really don’t know.”

For some of the best moments from this year’s Opening Ceremony, keep reading.

The athletes pose together aboard their boat. 

French President Emmanuel Macron and President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach look out at what their hard work has accomplished. 

Lady Gaga didn't let precipitation as she performs along the River Seine. 

Athletes from India have a laugh together before boarding their boat. 

Japan's flag bearers Shigekix and Misaki Emura prepare for their role. 

An athlete from China waves his nation's flag. 

Athletes from the West African nation line up to board their boat. 

Per usual, as the birthplace of the Games, Greece leads the Parade of Nations. 

Great Britain's Andy Murray takes everything in as he prepares for what will be his last Olympic Games. 

The colors of France's flag erupt above the bridge., 

Basketball's Steph Curry snaps a quick pic on his way to the team's boat. 

The Spanish Olympians wave their nation's flag from their team's boat. 

Team Germany snaps a quick pic for the 'gram ahead of the Opening Ceremony. 

An athlete from the Kenyan delegation shows off her excitement for this year's Games. 

John Legend, Chrissy Teigen and their children Miles and Luna attend their very first Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. 

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene pause on the red carpet for a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower. 

Team Algeria get ready for the Opening Ceremony's start. 

The Jamaican Olympic team get comfortable on their nation's boat ahead of the ceremony.

Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande channel their film's counterparts as they pose in Elphaba-worthy green and signature Glinda pink.