The Paris Olympics 2024 ended with a grand closing ceremony at the Stade de France, celebrating the achievements of athletes over the past two weeks and giving a preview of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Here are five key highlights from this year’s Olympics:
1. Paris Shines with Olympic Spirit
Paris wrapped up the Games with enthusiasm, revitalizing the Olympic experience after the challenges faced by Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. The city embraced the Olympics wholeheartedly, with even locals caught up in the excitement.
Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 President, praised the event, stating, “From one day to the next, the whole of France became Olympic.” He highlighted French swimmer Leon Marchand, who won four gold medals and won over many fans.
Estanguet also noted that the Games saw an unprecedented number of marriage proposals, adding a unique touch to the event.
2. A Call for Peace
Despite global conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and tensions in Gaza, the Olympics aimed to promote peace. IOC President Thomas Bach praised the athletes for their unity and resilience, stating, “You lived together, you embraced each other even though some countries are divided and at war. You lived in peace.”
Bach urged everyone to embrace a “culture of peace” every day, highlighting the Games’ role in inspiring global harmony.
3. Olympic Flag Transferred to Los Angeles
As Paris concluded its Games, the Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 Olympics. LA Mayor Karen Bass presented the flag to US gymnast Simone Biles during a ceremony at the Stade de France.
Actor Tom Cruise added a dramatic flair by parachuting onto the stadium’s roof to collect the flag. The flag was then flown to LA, where Cruise was shown jumping from a plane and parachuting to the Hollywood sign.
4. A Celebration of Humanity
The closing ceremony featured performances by Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, broadcast from a California beach. French swimmer Leon Marchand collected the Olympic flame and later extinguished it, marking the end of the Games.
French singer Yseult closed the event with a rendition of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, adding a memorable touch to the ceremony.
5. Sporting Highlights and Medals
French athletes had much to celebrate, with Leon Marchand excelling in swimming and judoka Teddy Riner winning his fifth Olympic gold medal. Simone Biles made a successful return, adding three more gold medals to her collection.
New and returning sports included sports climbing, 3×3 basketball, skateboarding, and surfing, with surfing taking place in Tahiti. Breaking made its Olympic debut but may not be featured in the LA Games.
The US topped the medal table with 126 medals, including 40 golds. China also won 40 golds and had a strong showing, while Japan met its goal of 20 gold medals and finished third in the medal standings.
The Paris Olympics 2024 ended on a high note, setting the stage for an exciting future in Los Angeles.
