Paris 2024: First beach volleyball starts in pouring rain

Excited spectators plodded through puddles Saturday to reach the most spectacular venue of the Paris 2024 Olympics, with beach volleyball kicking off in the shadow of a just-visible Eiffel Tower.

After a rain-soaked opening ceremony the night before, the first day of sporting action was equally wet, and crowds at the purpose-built stadium huddled under umbrellas, hats and raincoats amid driving rain.

The water-logged park was supposed to be the standout venue of the Paris Games -– but the rain poured as the US and Cuba’s men teams took to the sand for the opening match, with the Eiffel Tower behind looming into a grey sky.

While the skateboarding competition was postponed earlier Saturday due to the inclement weather, beach volleyball is rarely called off for rain, only for storms.

Athletes warmed up on practice courts in a mixture of tracksuits, shorts and the signature bikinis that the sport has become known for.

Outside the stadium, wooden walkways swayed under muddy puddles, and fans wearing their national flags covered up under an array of ponchos, berets and Paris 2024 baseball caps.

“It’s horrible, but it’s Paris,” said Thibauld Fournes ruefully, visiting from northern France. “I don’t think it will stop me having a good time.”

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Beach volleyball has grown to become one of the most popular events at the Olympics since its inclusion for the first time in 1996, and stadium stands were packed.

“I don’t think the weather will ruin it at all — it’s a once in a lifetime experience,” said Sonya Chiu, 44, from New York. “Even though it’s raining, pouring, everyone is in good spirits.”

The bad weather also did not deter tourists lining up