Watch: NASA astronauts share training video as Paris Olympics begin

The video begins with a breathtaking view of Earth from space, accompanied by uplifting orchestral music. It then transitions to astronauts pretending to train for Olympic sports in the weightless environment of the ISS.

The astronauts in the video, including Sunita Williams, playfully demonstrate their “training” routine, showcasing their sporting skills in a way only possible in space. They are shown performing low-gravity versions of weightlifting, running, somersaulting, and humorously drinking floating water.

Let the games begin!

Athletes from across the world are gathering today to kick off the 2024 #Olympics – pushing boundaries and inspiring generations. If you were an Olympic athlete, which sport would you play? pic.twitter.com/mnFC3vpvly

— NASA (@NASA) July 26, 2024

The footage explores the fun and creativity of space life, while paying tribute to the athletes and different sports in the Olympic games.

It finally concludes with an astronaut holding a scepter symbolic of the ‘Olympic flame’ and addressing the camera: “Over the past few days on the International Space Station, we’ve had an absolute blast pretending to be Olympic athletes.”

“We, of course, had the benefits of weightlessness,” continued the astronaut in the video. “We can’t imagine how hard this must be to be such a world-class athlete doing your sports under actual gravity. So from all of us aboard the International Space Station to every single athlete in the Olympic Games, Godspeed!”

Meanwhile, the 2024 Paris Olympics have kicked off with a grand opening ceremony, featuring thousands of Olympians cruising along the Seine River. Athletes from around the world are parading on boats along a six-kilometer route through Paris, with the city’s iconic landmarks as a stunning backdrop.