A series of coordinated actions by vandals targeted France’s high-speed TGV network, causing major disruption to the country’s busiest rail lines before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The state-owned railway operator, SNCF, reported that arsonists had targeted installations along the lines connecting Paris with the west, north, and east of the country, resulting in severe traffic disruptions. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra condemned the vandalism, stating that targeting the games is equivalent to targeting France itself.
In a separate event, France’s rugby sevens team secured a spot in the semi-finals with a late try scored by Antoine Dupont. This victory sets them up to play against South Africa in the upcoming match. The game was witnessed by Andy Bull at the Stade de France, who reported on the thrilling victory of the hosts.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the grand opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Described as the biggest open-air show on Earth, the ceremony will mark the first time the Olympic theatrical curtain-raiser will take place outside of a stadium. The event, which includes extensive security measures involving 45,000 police and several army units, has been two years in the making and promises to be a spectacular showcase of the host city.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
