First Lady Jill Biden was a part of the star-studded lineup at the prelude party for the 2024 Olympic Games held on Thursday, July 25. This followed President Joe Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. The event took place at the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris and was attended by renowned personalities from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics.
The guest list boasted names like tennis icon Serena Williams, actress Charlize Theron, musician Mick Jagger, and Zendaya. Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, played the hosts for the night, setting the mood for an elegant prelude to the Olympic festivities. French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, were also present, mingling with other high-profile attendees such as basketball player LeBron James, tennis player Novak Djokovic, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
Guests entered the event via a three-lane track instead of the traditional red carpet, which was a fitting nod to the athletic nature of the Games. The Olympic medals designed by Louis Vuitton for the 2024 Games were displayed prominently, contributing to the evening’s theme.
Donning a white pantsuit, Jill Biden interacted with guests throughout the evening. Earlier that day, she had met with U.S. athletes to offer encouragement before the Games started. During her address, she mentioned President Biden’s decision not to run for the 2024 election, which elicited applause from the athletes. “Thank you. I’ll take that home to him,” she replied.
As part of the event, Biden participated in a relay handoff with members of the U.S. track and field team. This took place at an Olympic training center in the northern suburbs of Paris. Here, she interacted with American athletes from the women’s rugby team and the track and field team. She wished them luck, hugged a few, clicked pictures, and even participated in a stationary relay drill.
Her visit to the training center was a part of her broader effort to support and motivate U.S. athletes as they prepared for the Games. At the residence of the U.S. ambassador to France, Denise Bauer, Biden spoke to the families of U.S. athletes, extending her support and best wishes for their loved ones competing in the Olympics.
In the evening, Biden attended a welcome reception at the Élysée Palace hosted by President Macron and Brigitte Macron. The event was attended by 85 heads of state, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The reception emphasized the international cooperation and camaraderie that the Olympic Games symbolize.
Jill Biden’s presence in Paris not only underscored the United States’ support for its athletes but also served as a diplomatic gesture following President Biden’s recent announcement about the 2024 election. Her activities in Paris, from meeting athletes to attending high-profile events, demonstrated her commitment to both national and international engagement.
Continuing her duties in Paris, Biden attended the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games on Friday. The ceremony, held amidst heavy rain, drew over 300,000 spectators and featured a procession of Olympic athletes, many clad in rain ponchos, on boats along the Seine River, marking a first for an Olympic opening ceremony. Security was stringent for the event, with over 45,000 police officers and gendarmes on duty.
The Opening Ceremony showcased 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.
After the Opening Ceremony, Jill Biden spoke at a brunch to celebrate the beginning of the Games and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who accompanied Biden on the trip, joined her at this event. This brunch served as an opportunity to highlight the continuity of the Olympic spirit and the anticipation for the next host city in the United States.
As the Games began, Jill Biden’s active participation and support for the U.S. athletes reflected her commitment to representing the country on the global stage. Her interactions with athletes, dignitaries, and celebrities alike highlight the multifaceted role of the First Lady in fostering international relationships and promoting national pride.
