Videos emerging on social media suggest that Paris has been hit with a power outage, adding to the troubles already faced by the city during the 2024 Olympics. This potential blackout, yet to be officially confirmed, follows hours after Paris was struck by heavy downpour.
The Olympics has had a challenging start, with travel chaos erupting due to a “massive arson attack” on Thursday that brought trains to a halt. Heavy showers battering the city further complicated matters, forcing the postponement of several sporting events and drawing heavy criticism for the opening ceremony online.
New issues have now surfaced as videos showing Paris in a complete blackout are circulating, raising fears on social media that the reported power outage could disrupt the Olympics further.
Top tennis stars, including Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, experienced delays as many matches were washed out and postponed on Friday. The men’s street skateboarding competition was also rescheduled for Monday due to waterlogged grounds.
The relentless rainfall has led to a sea of umbrellas and rain ponchos and long lines outside Olympic venues. Marc Hobes, 25, from Paris, expressed his disappointment: “This is not typical weather. For a tennis fan like me, this is very bad luck and also for Paris. We want to show off the Olympics to the world in one of the best cities, but the rain spoiled the opening ceremony and now the sport.”
Debbie Lyons, 42, from Wembley, echoed this sentiment: “We moan about the weather back at home and now the French might understand why we are miserable most summers. Pierre and I are going to Nice tomorrow. The sun should be out there.”
The poor weather has also caused issues for athletes in the women’s cycling event, with several competitors crashing on the capital’s rain-soaked streets during the time trial.
Social media has been abuzz with frustration, with hashtags #boycottOlympics and #boycottParis2024 trending throughout the day. The appearance of a “naked blue man” in a scene resembling the Last Supper during the opening ceremony particularly angered many viewers, including Christians.
One user wrote, “What a disgraceful opening to the 2024 Olympics #BoycottOlympics,” while another declared they “didn’t even care about the Olympics” but were now “100 percent boycotting.” Another comment read, “Are you serious?!? This is blasphemous and God will not be mocked! #BoycottOlympics.”
The Paris Olympics organizers have been contacted for comment regarding the power outage and ongoing issues.
Also Read Latest Sports News, Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony Faces Backlash, Video Removed Amid Controversy
India Clinches 43-Run Victory Over Sri Lanka in T20 Series Opener
Martin Demichelis Steps Down as River Plate Coach Amid Poor Results