The first men’s football and rugby sevens matches were underway as fans began flocking to the French capital for the Olympic Games.
The Paris Olympics have officially started with the first games in football and rugby sevens on Wednesday.
Some games started two days before the opening ceremony on Friday night to respect the athletes’ recovery times and ensure the finals take place before the closing ceremony on August 11.
According to the rules, there must be at least three days between matches involving the same team.
There’s excitement for the start of the competitions, though some fans have expressed frustration over organisational issues.
Phili from Ireland said he had no trouble getting to the Stade de France in Paris, but once there, he found the venue “a bit messy, with no fences or anything…”
Denis from France feels very lucky to be watching a different sporting event each day with his family to celebrate his 60th birthday.
“Today I start with rugby, tomorrow I’m going to see the handball. It’s fabulous to be able to watch the games. It’s a dream,” he said.
“It’s a great moment of sharing, for sure”, said another French fan who came to see the rugby sevens games. “Full of matches, very fast, lots of teams, and lots of nations. So it’s always a joy to meet other countries.”
Clara from Los Angeles said she faced difficulties doing tourist activities in Paris because of various blockages in the French capital.
