The Summer Olympics in Paris officially begin on Friday with a ceremony that, for the first time in history, will not take place in a stadium.
Instead, the event will feature a six-kilometre boat parade on the River Seine culminating at the Trocadero, directly in front of the Eiffel Tower. The identities of the performing artists and the individual chosen to ignite the Olympic flame remain closely guarded secrets. The first of 329 medal events is scheduled for Saturday.
It is the first time in 100 years that Paris is hosting the Summer Games.
Austria has fielded 81 athletes to compete over the coming two weeks until 11 August. During the opening ceremony, the nation’s flag will be borne by judoka Michaela Polleres and canoeist Felix Oschmautz.
The Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC) has set a target of winning between five and ten medals. At the previous Summer Games in Tokyo in 2021, Austria secured one gold, one silver and five bronze medals.
Read more: Austria Sends Largest Olympic Team in Two Decades
