France’s sports minister might understandably feel some nerves before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, which is crucial for setting the tone of the event, according to Hugh Robertson, the minister responsible for delivering the 2012 London Games, speaking to AFP.
Robertson, whose role a decade ago is now filled by French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, mentioned that his primary concern during the London opening ceremony was managing the “athletes’ parade to time.”
Paris organizers face the challenge of an unprecedented waterborne ceremony, departing from the traditional stadium setting for the first time in history.
“The significance of the opening ceremony is one reason why Paris 2024’s innovative decision to use the River Seine is so imaginative and striking,” Robertson said.
London’s opening ceremony featured the memorable scene of Queen Elizabeth II and James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, but Robertson’s main concern was security.
“Security was, and I suspect will always be, the greatest concern,” said Robertson, who will oversee his last Games as head of the British Olympic Association (BOA) in Paris.
“Fortunately, we have an excellent relationship with the French security forces, which gives Team GB enormous confidence,” he added.
At 61, Robertson recalls feeling nervous as the London opening approached. “It’s over a decade ago, but I remember a mix of confidence in our plans and anxiety about the unexpected,” he said.
“The opening ceremony is a major event and arguably sets the tone for the next 17 days. However, it is just one part of a massive global sports event.”
Robertson’s career has been marked by service to his country, first in the army, then as a Conservative lawmaker and Minister for Sport, later a Foreign Office minister for 14 years, and finally as head of the BOA.
He credits his British Army training, which included the first Gulf War and the Siege of Sarajevo, with helping him manage the pressures of organizing the 2012 Games.
“Army training taught me to stay calm, focused, and deal with the situation at hand, not the one you wished for,” he said. “It gives you great perspective.”
Fortunately, the training also helped him sleep soundly before the big day. “One of the perks of army training is that I can sleep anywhere!” Robertson joked.
He worked closely with athletics legend and former Conservative lawmaker Sebastian Coe, who was the British equivalent of Paris chief organizer Tony Estanguet and oversaw the successful 2012 Games.
Despite political uncertainty in France following President Emmanuel Macron’s inconclusive snap election, Robertson believes the Paris Olympics will open with an “exceptional” show.
“We head into this Olympic Games with fewer issues than we’ve seen in past editions, with a clear focus on the sport,” he said. “We wish them well and look forward to what we think will be an exceptional Games.”
Robertson, who remains sentimental about the 2012 Games, will see memories of that event highlighted at Team GB House in Paris. For the first time, fans can purchase tickets and hear stories from Olympic legends like Steve Redgrave, who carried the torch into the 2012 stadium, and Jessica Ennis-Hill, who won one of three British athletics golds on ‘Super Saturday.’
“For the first time, we are offering tickets for fans to enjoy full hospitality and a chance to meet Olympians,” Robertson said.