PARIS — The City of Light celebrated a triumphant conclusion to the 2024 Olympics on Sunday, wrapping up what many are calling one of the most extraordinary editions of the Games in history. A dazzling closing ceremony at the Stade de France brought together approximately 71,500 spectators and showcased the vibrant spirit of the event.
As the festivities commenced, around 9,000 athletes made a grand entrance, marking the culmination of weeks filled with remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments. The ceremony featured a stunning array of performances from 270 artists, creating an atmosphere of jubilation and pride.
The opening segment was highlighted by France’s own swimming sensation, Léon Marchand, who had captured the hearts of fans with his four gold medals. Marchand symbolically gathered the Olympic flame from the Parisian cauldron, igniting the ceremonial journey to the Stade de France. French rugby star Antoine Dupont followed suit, proudly carrying the tricolore flag as athletes took to the field, celebrating their remarkable journeys.
A standout moment of the evening was a theatrical production titled “Records,” which transported the audience through a whimsical, time-bending experience led by a character known as the “Golden Voyager.” The French band Phoenix electrified the crowd with a medley of their hits, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach praised the Paris Games, calling them “sensational.” In a nod to the iconic Seine River, he quipped, “These were sensational Olympic Games from start to finish — or dare I say, Seine-sational Games.”
The event also heralded the next chapter in Olympic history, as the Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games. American gymnastics icon Simone Biles joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the formal transfer, marking the beginning of a four-year countdown.
In a dramatic twist, Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise made a show-stopping entrance by parachuting from the roof of the Stade de France. After a breathtaking descent of roughly 160 feet, Cruise high-fived athletes before revving off on a motorcycle, thrilling the crowd and epitomizing the star-studded nature of the Games.
Amidst the glitz and glamour, Yseult, a celebrated French R&B artist, serenaded the audience with “Comme d’habitude,” the song famously adapted into Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” As her performance concluded, the sky erupted in a spectacular display of fireworks, signaling the end of Paris 2024.
With the Paris Olympics now a cherished memory, the pressure mounts on Los Angeles to deliver an equally captivating experience in 2028. As the spotlight shifts to Southern California, the legacy of Paris will undoubtedly inspire the next chapter of Olympic history.
