Beneath frescoes of gods riding chariots through clouds and surrounded by Louis XV-era marble, an antipodean pantheon of sport and business leaders supped on champagne and h’ors d’oeuvres.
The occasion was the announcement of the flag bearers on Wednesday at the imposing Monnais de Paris, where a who’s who of veteran athletes (Kieren Perkins, Anna Meares) clinked their glasses with chief executives (Wesfarmers’ Rob Scott, Nine’s Mike Sneesby).
President Thomas Bach and his wife Claudia Bach greet Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen at the Louvre.Credit: Getty Images
The Olympics might be about excellence, but they’re powered by money. This powerful soirée was one of many on the sidelines at the Paris games, attracting a phalanx of Australians hoping to rub shoulders with luminaries from around the world.
At the Monnais, business leaders joined sporting royalty. Elsewhere they might come across the genuine article; Australia’s favourite queen, Denmark’s Mary, is already in Paris, as is Britain’s Princess Anne, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.
In a cost of living crisis, Australia’s politicians are notably absent. Neither the governor general, Sam Mostyn, nor the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, will attend. Sports minister Annika Wells is representing the government.
But other nations are showing more enthusiasm. United States first lady Jill Biden has accepted her invitation, and the husband of vice president and likely presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Douglas Emhoff, will be at the closing ceremony.
Singer Lady Gaga is one of the celebrities visiting Paris for the OlympicsCredit: Getty Images
A handful of superstar musicians will add glamour to the games. The attendance of Lady Gaga and Celine Dion have prompted rumours that they will perform at the opening ceremony, while US rapper Snoop Dogg and actress Salma Hayek is running a leg of the torch relay.
Australia’s Jessica Mauboy is in Paris to sing the team song.