The Paris Olympic Games got off to an unusual start with an unexpected opening ceremony that critics slammed for promoting transgenderism and attacking Christianity. Since then, the Games have continued to generate headlines with a series of missteps and accidents, including power outages and competitor injuries.
Olympic organizers were forced to apologize for aspects of the opening ceremony, which took place along the River Seine rather than a traditional stadium venue. Specifically, officials said they were sorry if a controversial depiction of the Last Supper offended Christian viewers. The scene brought together transgender individuals at a mock Last Supper and prompted some donors to withdraw their support. For instance, American communications company C Spire declared it would no longer advertise at the Games. A spokesperson said the company was “shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper.”
Artistic Director Thomas Jolly insisted he had no intention of mocking or ridiculing Christians, while spokesperson Anne Descamps told reporters that Jolly sought to “celebrate community tolerance.” She added, “If people have taken any offense, we, of course, are really sorry.”
Just a day into the Olympics, Paris experienced a power outage. Photos of a darkened city appeared online, while France’s primary train operator, SNCF, simultaneously reported cancelation and disruption caused by arson attacks at railway lines. Officials described the incidents as “sabotage,” and Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin blamed extreme left-wing activists.
The sporting arena itself has also been eventful. Some athletes, for instance, have fallen or slipped on diving boards, including Australian diver Annabelle Smith, who “screamed underwater” after injuring herself on the board. American gymnast Bradley Malone had a similar mishap on a pommel horse and high bar and went crashing onto the mat.
Several injuries and accidents have also occurred at cycling events, such as the women’s individual time trials, where a number of competitors fell off their bikes while turning the same corner. During the women’s cross-country mountain bike race, a 24-year-old French contender flew over the handlebars at a particularly rocky and precarious section of the route. TV broadcasts did not show replays of the incident because of concerns for the competitor’s well-being. She was later seen with a black eye and bandages on her face.
Similarly, Australian cyclist Luke Plapp was injured when he crashed off his bike – he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Analysts say part of the problem for cyclists has been the miserable Paris weather, which has seen heavy rainfall since the games began.
There have also been some amusing incidents, however, which reporters have highlighted to lighten the mood. German surfer Tim Elter generated headlines when he dove into an oncoming wave in French Polynesia, and his swimming trunks came down, exposing his bare behind. One commentator said, “Let’s just say there was a full moon during this Olympic surfing competition,” while another wrote, “I didn’t know mooning was a sport.”
The surfing contest is taking place in Teahupo’o, Tahiti – more than 10,000 miles from Paris.