Flag hoisted 'upside down' at Paris Olympics 2024

The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 was marred by a humorous mistake as the event's flag was hoisted upside down by the French authorities.

The flag, which was carried into Trocadero by a cloaked rider on a metal horse, featured the five interlocking circles with the lower part up and the upper part down.

According to the official Olympic symbol, there should be three circles above and two below, but the flag displayed at the ceremony had the opposite arrangement.

Social media users were quick to point out the mistake, criticising the organisers for their "lack of attention" to detail.

Despite the error, the opening ceremony continued with a colorful display of French culture, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and Aya Nakamura.

The ceremony, which took place on the Seine River, saw troops from 205 countries arrive by boat and the lighting of the Paris Olympics torch.

This was the first time an opening ceremony took place outside a stadium on the River Seine.

Over 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private security staff ensured the safety of the parade in an unprecedented display of security.

More than 10,000 athletes from over 200 nations will go for the gold – and silver and bronze, according to USA Today Sports.

"The competition will consist of 329 events spread among 32 different sports, which are now underway and run through Aug," the publication added.