Paris witnessed a breathtaking show at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, as the city bid farewell to a historic Games and looks forward to Los Angeles 2028.
The curtain has fallen on the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking the end of an unforgettable spectacle of athletic prowess, emotional highs and a seamless organizational effort. As the Olympic flame was extinguished at the Stade de France on Sunday night, the city of lights bid adieu to the Games, setting the stage for the upcoming Paralympics and passing the baton to Los Angeles for 2028.
The closing ceremony, held under the blazing Parisian sun, was a poetic and symbolic affair. It featured Tom Cruise, the iconic Hollywood star, who descended from the roof of the Stade de France, embodying his reputation as a fearless daredevil. Cruise, who has made a name for himself performing his own stunts, abseiled down the stadium’s structure before mounting a motorcycle and riding off in true action-hero fashion, much to the delight of the 71,500 spectators. In a preview of the spectacle that awaits the world in Los Angeles, Tom Cruise was later shown skydiving into the Californian city, where he adorned the iconic Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings. This thrilling sequence seamlessly transitioned from Paris to Los Angeles, symbolizing the handover from one Olympic host to the next.
The ceremony was further elevated by a mini-concert featuring Los Angeles natives, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, who performed on a beach set against the azure backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. This marked the beginning of the four-year countdown to the Los Angeles Games, with American gymnastics legend Simone Biles joining Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to officially receive the Olympic flag. Earlier in the evening, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach praised the Paris Games as “sport at its best,” labeling them “sensational from start to finish.” With a nod to the Seine, the river that played a central role in the opening ceremony, Bach quipped, “Or dare I say: Seine-sational Games.” He added, “Dear French friends, you have fallen in love with the Olympic Games. And we have fallen in love with all of you.”
The ceremony, billed as a celebration of humanity and the unifying power of sport, saw around 9,000 athletes flooding into the stadium, entertained by 270 performers in a vibrant display of art and culture. Paris 2024 organizing chief Tony Estanguet addressed the athletes, saying, “We knew you would be brilliant, but you were magic. You made us happy, you made us feel alive; the world needed this moment so much.” France’s own swimming hero, Léon Marchand, who claimed four gold medals at these Games, played a central role in the ceremony. He collected the Olympic flame from the cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens to begin its final journey to the Stade de France, where it was ultimately extinguished. Local rugby star Antoine Dupont, who led the host nation to a rugby sevens gold medal, carried the French flag into the stadium, amidst a sea of jubilant athletes celebrating their accomplishments.
The Paris Games were marked by breathtaking sporting moments set against the backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Château de Versailles. In contrast to the rain-soaked opening ceremony, the closing festivities began under a golden sunset, casting a warm glow over the French capital.
As the world reflects on the Paris 2024 Games, the focus now shifts to the Paralympics, which will begin on August 28. Organizers hope to carry forward the same spirit of excitement and unity that defined the Olympics, as they prepare to welcome over 4,000 para-athletes from around the globe. With 1.2 million tickets already sold, the city is gearing up for another wave of sporting excellence.
However, the Paralympics will also bring challenges, as certain Olympic venues are dismantled and the city braces for the logistical hurdles of hosting back-to-back global events. Despite these obstacles, Paris is ready to shine once more, as it continues its celebration of sport, inclusion and human achievement.
With AFP
