Rain? They don’t care. Meet the biggest fans of the Olympics

PARIS (NEXSTAR) — The streets of Paris were buzzing as the opening ceremony of the Olympics started to wrap up on Friday. This marked the French city’s first Summer Olympics in a century. The rule-breaking opening ceremony was studded with stars, including Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, and fantasy along the Seine River.

On-and-off showers did not seem to hamper the enthusiasm of the Olympians, with some holding umbrellas as they rode on boats down the river. On the nearby streets, reporter Jala Washington was out and about chatting with locals and tourists about what they expect during the Games. You can see her interview in the video player above.

“Australia is what I bleed. I love Australia!,” said a passionate (and soaked) Olympic fan from Sydney named Brad.

Fans told Washington the conditions weren’t ideal but they weren’t about the let the downpours dampen their spirits. Many of those in attendance were representing their countries with flags and eccentric outfits.

Widespread travel disruptions triggered by what French officials called coordinated arson attacks on high-speed rail lines as well as the weather had dampened the mood ahead of the ceremony.

Crowds crammed along the Seine’s banks and bridges and watching from balconies “oohed” and “aahed” as Olympic teams paraded in boats down the waterway. Undeterred from the festivities, many of the hundreds of thousands of spectators huddled under umbrellas and jackets as the rain intensified, though some dashed from their seats to seek shelter.

As global audiences tuned in, Paris put its best foot forward — quite literally, with a spectacular launch that lifted spirits and joyous French cancan dancers featured early on. A humorous short film featured soccer icon Zinedine Zidane. Plumes of French blue, white and red smoke followed. And Lady Gaga sang , in French, with dancers shaking pink plumed pompoms, adding a cabaret feel to what is expected to be a more than three-hour show.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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