Inclement weather impacted the initial full day of medal competitions at the Olympics on Saturday as focus shifted to sports following a spectacular yet rainy opening ceremony.
A total of 14 gold medals were scheduled to be awarded, with the first one in the mixed-team 10-metre air rifle finals, set for around 10:30 am local time (0830 GMT).
However, the number was reduced to 13 early on Saturday due to persistent wet weather from the previous night’s opening ceremony along the River Seine.
The men’s street skateboarding event at the Place de la Concorde in Paris was postponed until Monday due to rain, as confirmed by organizers.
Concerns also arose over the early rounds of tennis at Roland Garros, where only two of the 12 courts have roofs.
Friday’s opening ceremony, which involved athletes and spectators in an amphibious parade along the Seine, received favorable reviews but was described as occasionally disjointed.
The International Olympic Committee issued an apology for an error during the ceremony that misidentified South Korea’s athletes as North Korean.
– Swimming Action –
Swimming, badminton, rowing, cycling, hockey, and basketball are among the events starting, including the surfing competition in Tahiti.
In swimming, the women’s 400m freestyle event at La Defense Arena will be a highlight, featuring top contenders who have held world records.
The evening of the first day in the pool will see multiple gold medals awarded in various events.
Reigning French Open champions will also take to the courts at Roland Garros, pending weather conditions.
Chinese shooters are favored for the first gold of the Games, while diving and cycling medals will also be decided.
Rugby sevens fans can look forward to exciting matches at Stade de France, with France aiming for a gold medal against tough competitors.
