The Paris 2024 Olympic Games: A Spectacular Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France
The 16 days of official Olympic action, accompanied by an additional two days of preliminaries, have concluded, and the Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France was a magnificent and exhilarating event. The conclusion of the games was marked by a special handover from French Closing Ceremony Flagbearer, Antoine Dupont, a gold medallist with the men’s rugby sevens team, to the French Paralympic team. This symbolic moment serves as a timely reminder that while the Olympic chapter in Paris may be ending, the Paralympic Games wait to thrill us with their Opening Ceremony on 28 August.
The unexpected appearance of Hollywood star Tom Cruise added an element of surprise to the event as he participated in transporting the Olympic Flag from Paris to Los Angeles. This spectacle included appearances from friends and Olympians Kate Courtney, Michael Johnson, and Jagger Eaton, integrating iconic landmarks in Los Angeles like the LA Memorial Coliseum and Venice Beach.
The Closing Ceremony also featured remarkable performances, such as H.E.R.’s rendition of the U.S. national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, and a grand display of fireworks, accompanied by a highlight package of the best moments of the Games.
Reflecting on the success of the Olympic Games, IOC President Thomas Bach acknowledged the phenomenal performances of the athletes and the positive impact of the games on the global community. The athletes were recognized for their brilliance and magic, with a look ahead to the next Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
The conclusion of the Closing Ceremony featured the recognition of volunteers who helped ensure the smooth running of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and a celebration of the “Marathon Pour Tous,” a mass-participation event that took place on the streets of Paris and Versailles.
The Closing Ceremony was indeed a culmination of the spirit of sport, unity, and celebration of human achievement. It marked the end of a remarkable chapter while setting the stage for the next exciting phase of the Paralympic Games. As the Olympic Flag was lowered and handed over to Los Angeles, the event showcased the power and influence of the Olympic Games in bringing people together from all corners of the world.
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