Paris Olympic Games 2024: Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi loses ...

The European and World Outdoor champion held the Italian flag alongside three-time Olympic medal winner Arianna Errigo as boats for each country sailed down the Seine on Friday evening, upon a backdrop of stunning Parisian architecture and torrential rain.

Such conditions meant that Tamberi's wedding ring slipped off his finger, bounced off the edge of the boat and into the Parisian river.

Eurosport Italy also reported that a member of the water polo team offered to take a video and send it to Tamberi's wife, to testify his innocence.

Italy have brought 402 athletes to the Paris Olympics, and Tamberi spoke after the parade of Italy's "unique enthusiasm" heading into the Games.

“It was incredibly cool and then the finale was beautiful with the Eiffel Tower and the five rings," Tamberi said after the parade. "What a team, there is a unique enthusiasm, envied by all the other boats."

On social media, Tamberi also noted his excitement to get the Olympics campaign underway with his "crazy" Italian team.

“May it be an unforgettable Olympics for our splendid country," Tamberi said. "Good luck to all the athletes of this crazy team, we're going to smash it.”

Tamberi will begin his high jump title defence on August 7, as qualification for the track and field event begins.