Tennis legend Serena Williams nearly suffered an unforgettable embarrassment during the Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony. The incident happened as Serena was navigating a scenic yet narrow Seine River.
Even though she wasn’t competing, Olympic gold medallist Serena Williams was the talk of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Because of her remarkable tennis career, Serena Williams was the perfect person to carry the Olympic flame alongside fellow gold medallists Rafael Nadal, Nadia Elena Comăneci, and Carl Lewis.
The epic team rode on an Olympic flame-carrying boat that traveled down the Seine for the traditional cauldron lighting ceremony.
The Olympics began with the traditional opening ceremony, which was held outside the stadium for a change.
For the first time ever, the ceremony was held outside of the stadium. Athletes from outside the host country also participated in the torch-bearing for the first time.
The selected athletes, representing every nation, crossed the Seine River and a bridge close to the Eiffel Tower in boats. The French athletes began passing the torch as usual. Then, soccer star Zinedine Zidane passed it to Rafael Nadal, who then passed it to Williams on the boat.
The boat ride, part of the magnificent four-hour ceremony centered around the river in the French capital, was moving quickly enough to worry Nadal that the flame might go out.
42-year-old Williams appeared to be having fun on the ride until an abrupt shift on the water affected the boat. Although she tried to keep their composure, Serena Williams couldn’t help but be affected by the rockiness of the boat.
As the crowd watched in anticipation, Serena Williams momentarily lost her footing, causing onlookers to gasp. She wobbled, relying on Nadia for support.
Thankfully, Nadia Comaneci quickly grabbed her arm, preventing a fall.
Williams performed her part in the ceremony flawlessly despite the scare.
Her involvement was a high point for many, and the uncertainty only cemented her legendary status.
