Even though the cauldron isn't lit, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have begun! We've got pre-Opening Ceremonies action in:

• Football
• Rugby Sevens

Find out how TKFLASTANI Perry Baker and Team USA fare in their first two games of the group stage. Plus, we can tell you what goes on in the stadium that you can't see at home! If you're still planning on coming to Paris, we'll tell you what to look out for!

We also have an update on our personal safety in the neighborhood around our hotel. What's the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee's response?

Plus, we have many adventures to share with you, including (but not limited to):

• Jill hung out with French president Emmanuel Macron
• Alison got to tour the Athletes' Village
• Jill went out to Bretagne to visit Doudou et Compagnie's factory that's making the Phryges for the podium, as well as some limited edition varieties

And, there's even more news:

• The IOC provisionally announced the host cities for the Winter 2030 and 2034 Olympics
• The Canadian women's soccer team coaching staff is in hot water
• The Opening Ceremony dancers are no longer striking

Don't forget - the only way that we're able to bring you this unique look at the Games is thanks to donations from listeners like you. Please support us financially so that we can continue to keep our flame alive. We have many ways to support us -- and if you sign up as a paid Patreon member, you'll get exclusive content!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.

Support the show: http://flamealivepod.com/support

Bookshop.org store: https://bookshop.org/shop/flamealivepod

Hang out with us online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flamealivepod

Insta: http://www.instagram.com/flamealivepod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/flamealivepod

Facebook Group: hhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/flamealivepod

Newsletter: Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ee507102fbf7/flamealivepod

VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348