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The Paris Olympics have finally begun with an extravagant opening ceremony. Not letting the rain dampen the mood, athletes and artists performed with their hearts and souls to give the event a grand start to the event. Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal had a goofy moment that could have turned troublesome while carrying the Olympic torch across the river Seinea.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal, America’s former tennis star Serena Williams, and Carl Lewis with Nadia Comaneci traveled across the Seine in a boat with the lighting torch and waved at the fans, showing their great enthusiasm. Dressed in red hues, everyone looked excited. However, Williams had an uncomfortable moment on the boat. She could not maintain a grip and kept slipping while standing and waving at her fans when Nadal rescued her and helped her sit comfortably.
Our king making sure our queen doesn’t fall in the water. 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/Njq9Awurn2
— Tony (@tjc05) July 26, 2024
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Did Rafael Nadal just become Serena Williams' ultimate hero? React!
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At another point, she was visibly nervous while standing on the moving boat and waving at the crowd. She couldn’t hold the torch for long and handed it to the former Olympian gymnast. Even Comaneci helped her stand properly on the moving boat, as Williams was too nervous to stand still.
The hilarious moment unfolded on the boat with the four athletes who have gone big at the Games. Nadal has bagged one gold medal, whereas Williams has four Olympic golds. On the other hand, Carl Lewis is the first athlete to win nine gold medals, one silver in the Olympics, and 10 world championship medals. Nadia Comaneci, who was also present with Williams, Nadal, and Lewis, was a former gymnast with five Olympic gold medals.
After the torch reached the land, Amelie Mauresmo, the former WTA no 1 and Murray’s former coach, carried it. Mauresmo passed it to former NBA star Tony Parker and jogged past the magnificent Louvre and its pyramid.
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While Serena Williams had quite a moment on the boat, she faced another hilarious incident when a commentator mistook her husband for someone else.
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Rafael Nadal saves Serena Williams—Is this the ultimate display of sportsmanship in tennis history?
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The commentator calls Serena Williams’ husband her umbrella holder mistakenly
Despite retiring from professional tennis, Williams attended the Paris Olympic opening ceremony as one of the torchbearers to light up the fire. Dressed in a red bodycon gown, Williams looked glamorous as she walked down the red carpet with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and her elder daughter, Olympia. Ohanian held the umbrella for his wife.
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However, a Eurosport commentator mistook Ohanian for Williams’ umbrella holder and wrote, “She looks absolutely incredible, she’s got someone just behind us holding an umbrella. Those are the levels you aspire to, to have an actual umbrella holder behind you.” While the moment was funny, it also showcased Ohanian’s intense love and dedication to his family.
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a one-of-a-kind experience for the participants and the viewers. Fueling the event’s spirit, people hope to see some great debutants with veterans showing their skills on the soil of the city of love. So, are you ready for the Paris Olympics?
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Rafael Nadal saves Serena Williams—Is this the ultimate display of sportsmanship in tennis history?