The Squiz 

After years of preparations and months of hype, the Paris Olympic Games will officially kick off in style (very) early tomorrow morning. Rather than the usual stadium show, the French are going their own way for the Opening Ceremony with 10,500 athletes sailing down the River Seine, with 3,000 dancers along the banks – all of whom could be dancing along to performances from Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. But it wouldn’t be an Olympics without a bunch of controversies, and these Paris Games are no exception… 

What’s that about?

The Canadian women’s soccer team sacked 2 of its staff and head coach Bev Priestman removed herself ahead of this morning’s match against New Zealand, after they were caught flying a spy drone over their opponents’ training session. And in the pool, there are ongoing concerns about whether China’s swim team is ridgy-didge after 23 of them took a banned substance ahead of 2001’s Tokyo Games where they were still allowed to compete and win medals. US swimming legend Katie Ledecky says she hopes to face “clean” athletes in the coming weeks. 

So who am I looking out for?

We’re sending 460 of our finest athletes, and there are high hopes for their success with experts predicting this could be our most successful Games since Sydney 2000. One analysis reckons we could come away with 54 medals, including 15 golds. Ranging from Squiz Kids fave 14yo skateboarder Arisa Trew up to 51yo mankini-wearing equestrian Shane Rose, we have some serious medal contenders… As usual, we’re expected to dominate in the pool – Ariarne Titmus is favourite in the 200m and 400m freestyle, Kaylee McKeown in the 100m and 200m backstroke, and our flagbearing paddler Jess Fox is the pick in her events. Soccer commentators say the Tillies are also a medal chance, despite losing to Germany in their first match early this morning, 3-0. Win or lose though, it’s all about turning up – so c’mon Aussie… You can check out all the festivities and events across the fortnight on the official broadcaster, Nine.

*If you can’t get enough of Paris 2024, check out this Squiz Shortcut on everything that’s gone into the Olympics prep.