The Parade of Nations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony has been confirmed, but how does it work and when do Great Britain enter?
The Olympics got underway in the French capital on Wednesday and continued on Thursday ahead of the official opening ceremony on Friday, July 26, 2024.
The order of countries for any opening ceremony at the Olympics is decided alphabetically – using the host nation’s official language – although there are a few exceptions, which Metro.co.uk has explained below.
At Tokyo 2020, nations entered according to their names in the Japanese language, using the written form of katakana.
But what is the order for the Parade of Nations at Paris 2024 and how is it all decided? Here’s everything you need to know…
Why are Greece always the first nation to march?
The first country to march in the Parade of Nations is always Greece, due to their historical role in the origin of the Olympics.
The very first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to Olympia, in south west Greece, in 776 BC. Greece will be followed by the Refugee Olympic Team.
When do Great Britain enter at the Parade of Nations and who will carry the flag?
Great Britain are 72nd on the list for the Parade of Nations, sandwiched in-between Ghana (71st) and Grenada (73rd).
The two Team GB flagbearers for Paris 2024 are diver Tom Daley and rower Helen Glover.
‘I am extremely proud,’ Daley said. ‘Being able to be flagbearer at the opening ceremony is a dream come true.’
Glover added: I never thought I would be an Olympian! Being part of history as a flagbearer, I haven’t really got my head round it yet. Everyone I have told so far has cried, and I cried when I was told, which goes to show how much of an honour it is and how much it means.’
Which country will march last in the Parade of Nations?
France, this year’s host nation, will march last as the 205th country on the list, as per tradition.
The United States and Australia will march in as the 203rd and 204th nations, because they are hosting the next two Summer Olympics in 2028 and 2032.
Los Angeles is the host city for the next Games while the first Olympics of the 2030s will take place in Brisbane.
What is the the full order for the Parade of Nations at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony?