Opening ceremony pivotal to Olympics success

Paris — France's sports minister could be forgiven if she is nervous before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony for it "sets the tone" for what follows, Hugh Robertson, the minister charged with delivering the 2012 London Games, told AFP.

For Robertson, whose role 12 years ago is filled by French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera this year, says his greatest concern at the London opening ceremony was keeping the "athletes' parade to time".