First Lady Jill Biden was present at the Prelude to the 2024 Olympic Games party on July 25, after President Joe Biden declared his non-participation in the next presidential race. The Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris played host to the event, drawing a crowd of illustrious figures from diverse sectors such as sports, entertainment and politics.
Among the esteemed guests seen were Serena Williams, the renowned tennis player, actress Charlize Theron, Mick Jagger, the iconic musician, and actress Zendaya. The event was orchestrated by Anna Wintour, Vogue editor, and Pharrell Williams, the men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton, setting a stylish ambiance for the Olympic pre-event. French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte were also present, interacting with high-profile attendees like basketball player LeBron James, tennis star Novak Djokovic, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
Instead of a conventional red carpet, guests arrived on a unique three-lane track, symbolizing the athletic spirit of the Games. The Olympic medals, designed by Louis Vuitton for the 2024 Games, were showcased prominently in alignment with the evening’s theme.
Jill Biden, attired in a white pantsuit, engaged with the attendees throughout the evening. Earlier that day, she had visited U.S. athletes to extend her encouragement before the Games started. In her speech, she mentioned President Biden’s decision to not run for the 2024 election, which was met with applause from the athletes. “Thank you. I’ll take that home to him,” she replied.
In a symbolic move, Biden took part in a relay handoff with members of the U.S. track and field team. The activity was conducted at an Olympic training center located in the northern suburbs of Paris, where Biden interacted with American athletes from the women’s rugby team and the track and field team. She wished them good luck, hugged a few, took photographs, and even participated in a stationary relay drill.
Biden’s visit to the training center was part of a larger initiative to motivate and support U.S. athletes as they prepared for the Games. At the residence of Denise Bauer, the U.S. ambassador to France, Biden addressed the families of U.S. athletes, expressing her support and best wishes for their loved ones participating in the Olympics.
In the evening, Biden attended a welcome reception at the Élysée Palace. The event, hosted by President Macron and Brigitte Macron, was attended by 85 heads of state, including Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, and Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor. The reception underscored the international cooperation and camaraderie that the Olympic Games epitomize.
Biden’s activities in Paris, including meeting with athletes and attending high-profile events, not only emphasized the United States’ support for its athletes but also represented a diplomatic gesture following President Biden’s recent announcement about the 2024 election.
Continuing her duties in Paris, Biden attended the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games on Friday. Despite heavy rain, the ceremony attracted over 300,000 spectators and featured a procession of Olympic athletes, many donning rain ponchos, on boats along the Seine River, marking a first for an Olympic opening ceremony. Over 45,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed for the event’s security.
The Opening Ceremony presented a “portrait of Paris,” celebrating the city’s diversity and cultural heritage. High-profile celebrities, including Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, performed or made appearances during the festivities. Coco Gauff and LeBron James served as the U.S. flag bearers, symbolizing the nation’s pride and athletic prowess.
Following the Opening Ceremony, Jill Biden spoke at a brunch celebrating the start of the Games and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who accompanied Biden on her trip, was also present at this event. This brunch highlighted the continuity of the Olympic spirit and the anticipation for the next host city in the United States.
Jill Biden’s support for the U.S. athletes and active participation in the Games demonstrated her dedication to representing the United States on a global platform. Her interactions with athletes, dignitaries, and celebrities alike underscore the multifaceted role of the First Lady in fostering international relations and promoting national pride.