Who Will Light the Flame? Top Contenders for the Paris 2024 Olympic Cauldron

The person selected to light the Olympic cauldron at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony remains unknown, with speculation around five top contenders: Olympian Marie-Jose Perec, actor Omar Sy, soccer legend Zinedine Zidane, astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and survivors of the November 13, 2015 attacks. Paris 2024 organizing committee president Tony Estanguet revealed that even the chosen individual is unaware of their selection.

The identity of the individual who will light the Olympic cauldron during the Paris 2024 opening ceremony remains one of the sporting world's most guarded secrets, with only a select few in-the-know.

Paris 2024 organizing committee president Tony Estanguet announced on Sunday that the chosen person is still unaware of their selection. Here is a look at the top five contenders:

Marie-Jose Perec: At 56, considered France’s greatest Olympian with three gold medals in athletics across two Games. Born in Guadeloupe, she carried the torch there once but is not disqualified from contention.

Omar Sy: Famous for his role in 'The Untouchables' and the Netflix hit 'Lupin,' Sy is a beloved French figure of West African descent.

Zinedine Zidane: The iconic soccer player who led France to its first World Cup title and a European Championship, Zidane has roots in Marseille from where the Olympic flame will arrive by boat.

Thomas Pesquet: The European astronaut with nearly 400 days spent in space, Pesquet is also a TV favorite in France.

Survivors of the November 13, 2015 attacks: Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo supported the Olympic bid after 130 people were killed in a terror attack. Having survivors light the cauldron would be symbolic of resilience.