Paris 2024: Shanti and Ryan savour honour as Singapore's Olympic campaign opens

By Patrick Johnston

Singapore’s Olympic contingent waved and danced in the rain as they sailed along the River Seine during an opening ceremony filled with French music, dancers and artists on Friday, signalling the start of the Paris Games.

For the first time, an Olympic Opening Ceremony did not involve the main Games stadium, with Paris organisers opting for a more adventurous procession through the heart of the city.

Shanti Pereira and Ryan Lo hold the Singapore flag in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Photo: SNOC Instagram

Sprint queen Shanti Pereira and sailor Ryan Lo carried the Singapore flag on the Republic’s boat, which travelled down a six-kilometre route and passed by famous Parisian monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Pont des Arts bridge.

“It feels like a dream,” Pereira said. “A huge honour being able to do this with Ryan. An amazing moment that I will definitely remember for a lifetime!”

“I feel very privileged and proud to be waving the Singapore flag alongside Shanti,” Lo said. “It is a tremendous honour to be given this opportunity at such a prestigious event, and I am looking forward with excitement to be competing at my second Olympic Games.”

Thousands of spectators braved the unseasonably wet weather to see the four-hour opening ceremony, which included some 10,000 athletes sailing in dozens of boats while numerous music and theatrical artists performed from the many bridges.

Singapore has sent 23 athletes to compete in 11 sports at this year’s Games. Fifteen of those athletes are competing at an Olympics for the first time. For many of them, qualifying and competing at the world’s most prestigious sporting event is glory in itself.

"Our Paris-bound athletes have worked hard and earned their place amongst the world's best,” said Mr. Tan Wearn Haw, Chef de Mission for Team Singapore at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “They represent the best of Singapore, and I am sure they will represent us well.”

Members of Team Singapore waved flags aboard a boat as they sail down the River Seine during the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.  Photo: Reuters/Aleksandra Szmigiel

However, for some, like 17-year-old kitefoiler Max Maeder, expectations are high. The reigning Asian, European and two-time World champion in men’s Formula Kite is favoured to claim a medal and add to Singapore's collection of five Olympic medals. 

The mature Maeder is ignoring the murmurings, even though fans hope he can emulate swimmer Joseph Schooling’s famous win at the 2016 Rio Games - the sole Olympic gold medal won by Singapore.

“There's enough people worrying about whether or not I get the gold medal that I get to focus on worrying about how to be a little bit faster around the race course,” Maeder said.

“Of course, it can be mentally taxing and daunting, but it's part of the beauty of competing at the Olympics and I see it as a wonderful opportunity and an unforgettable experience to come."

Members of Team Singapore swimming team on board the contingent boat during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Photo: SNOC Instagram

The Paris Games run from 26 July - 11 August 2024, with Singaporean interest beginning on day one with athletes competing in badminton, fencing, shooting and rowing.

Shuttlers Terry Hee and Jessica Tan play in the mixed doubles, while former world junior number one Yeo Jia Min plays her opening women’s singles. Fencer Kiria Tikanah takes part in the women’s Epee, Teh Xiu Hong competes in the women's 10m air pistol, while rower Saiyidah Aisyah competes in heat five of the women’s single sculls.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games takes place in Paris, France from 26 July to 11 August 2024. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.