The City of Light bid a triumphant farewell to the 2024 Olympics Games on Sunday, as Paris concluded what has been widely hailed as one of the most successful editions of the global sporting event in recent memory.
The closing ceremony, held at the iconic Stade de France, served as a fitting finale to 17 days of extraordinary athletic competition and cultural celebration.
The ceremony, attended by 71,500 spectators, reached its pinnacle with a surprise appearance by Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who abseiled from the stadium’s roof in a dramatic display that epitomized the grandeur of the event. This unexpected spectacle was the culmination of a meticulously choreographed show featuring 270 performers and artists, designed to honor the achievements of the athletes and the unifying spirit of the Olympic movement.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach lauded the Paris Games in his closing address, describing them as “sport at its best.” Bach’s praise extended beyond mere platitudes, as he playfully remarked, “These were sensational Olympic Games from start to finish. Or dare I say: Seine-sational Games,” in a lighthearted reference to the river that serves as the lifeblood of the French capital and which played a central role in the Games’ opening ceremony.
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The Olympic rings! The Stade de France!#Paris2024 #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/BGcW1fdIeG
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 11, 2024
The IOC chief’s words resonated with the sentiment shared by many observers throughout the Olympics. “Dear French friends, you have fallen in love with the Olympic Games. And we have fallen in love with all of you,” Bach added, encapsulating the mutual admiration between the host city and the Olympic community.
Tony Estanguet, the chief of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, addressed the athletes directly, acknowledging their pivotal role in the Games’ success. “We knew you would be brilliant, but you were magic,” Estanguet declared. “You made us happy; you made us feel alive — the world needed this moment so much.” His words underscored the Games’ significance not just as a sporting event, but as a global moment of unity and inspiration.
The ceremony began with a symbolic gesture, as French swimming sensation Leon Marchand, who claimed four gold medals during the Games, collected the Olympic flame from its cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens. This act initiated the flame’s journey to the Stade de France, symbolizing the continuity of the Olympic spirit.
As the festivities unfolded, approximately 9,000 athletes entered the stadium, their presence a testament to the scale and diversity of the Olympic community. The field became a sea of colors and flags as the athletes, many still basking in the glow of their achievements, joined in the celebration.
French rugby star Antoine Dupont, fresh from leading the host nation to a gold medal in rugby sevens, carried the tricolor flag into the stadium, embodying the pride and success of the French team at these home Games.
The ceremony also marked the official handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympic Games. In a symbolic gesture, American gymnastics icon Simone Biles joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the formal transfer of the Olympic flag. This moment bridged the gap between two Olympic cycles and two continents, highlighting the global nature of the event.
The Los Angeles segment of the ceremony provided a glimpse into what the world can expect in 2028. Tom Cruise, in a pre-filmed sequence, embarked on a cinematic journey from Paris to Los Angeles, culminating in a skydive onto the Hollywood sign, which was then emblazoned with the Olympic rings. This creative transition not only showcased the upcoming host city but also infused the ceremony with a touch of Hollywood glamour.
The musical interlude featuring Los Angeles-based band Red Hot Chili Peppers and singer Billie Eilish performing a mini-concert on a beach further emphasized the cultural link between Paris and the future host city, while also providing entertainment for the athletes and spectators.
Reflecting on the Games themselves, the Paris Olympics will be remembered for the breathtaking sporting action that unfolded against the backdrop of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the Eiffel Tower to the Chateau de Versailles, these historical sites provided a stunning canvas for athletic excellence, creating unforgettable images that will endure in Olympic lore.
The contrast between the rain-soaked opening ceremony along the River Seine and the golden sunset that bathed the French capital during the closing festivities seemed to mirror the journey of the Games themselves – from anticipation to triumphant conclusion.
As the Olympic flag was lowered and the flame extinguished, Paris could look back on a fortnight that not only showcased world-class athleticism but also demonstrated the city’s capacity to host an event of global significance with style, efficiency, and warmth.
The success of the Paris Olympics sets a high bar for future host cities, particularly Los Angeles. However, it also serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Olympic Games, their ability to inspire, and their power to bring the world together in a celebration of human achievement.
As the athletes departed and the lights dimmed on the Stade de France, Paris bid “au revoir” to the Olympics, but the memories, records, and moments of unity created during these Games will resonate far beyond the City of Light, inspiring the next generation of athletes and setting the stage for the Olympic movement’s continued evolution.
