The head of the Paris Olympics boldly declared that France’s capital would be “the safest place in the world” when the Games began. Tony Estanguet’s confident prediction, presented a year ago, seems less absurd before the opening ceremony on Friday. Police squads are patrolling the streets of Paris and fighter planes and soldiers are ready to attack. An imposing security cordon surrounded by metal was erected like an iron curtain on both sides of the River Seine, which will star in the opening show. France’s vast police and military operation is largely due to the period from July 26 to August. 11 Games face unprecedented challenges. The city has repeatedly suffered bloody extremist attacks and international tensions are high due to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
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SIDNEY – The Australian Olympic Committee criticized an anonymous online petition attacking controversial Paris Games slamming contestant Rachael Gunn, saying the petition