Sydney, Aug 12: In a dazzling spectacle at the Stade de France on Sunday, Paris bid farewell to the 2024 Olympic Games with an unforgettable closing ceremony, headlined by Hollywood star Tom Cruise.
The ceremony, a grand finale to two weeks of intense competition and emotional highs, also marked the official handover of the Olympic torch to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games.
The evening was filled with artistic flair and powerful symbolism.
The Olympic Flame, which had illuminated Paris for a fortnight, was ceremonially extinguished, bringing to a close this chapter of Olympic history.
Tom Cruise, symbolizing the cinematic future that awaits the Games in Los Angeles, led the charge in a segment that underscored the strong cultural ties between Paris and Hollywood.
The closing ceremony, titled “Records” and crafted by director Thomas Jolly, celebrated the athletes who competed in Paris and the broader significance of the Olympic Games.
Over 200 delegations entered the stadium in a united procession, and the women’s marathon medallists, who had competed in the final athletics event, were honored.
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, addressed the crowd, reflecting on the journey that began in 2015.
“Since Day one of the Paris 2024 journey, on 23 June 2015, we have been preparing for everything (…) But we weren’t ready for that. There is no way we could have prepared for everything we’ve just experienced together,” Estanguet said, his voice filled with emotion. He praised the spectators, the organizing team, and the athletes for making the Games a resounding success, adding, “France has showed up… Together, we have shown the world the most beautiful face of France.”
In a poignant moment, Estanguet introduced Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who is concluding his term.
The Olympic flag was then passed to Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, in a symbolic transfer of responsibility, accompanied by the Olympic Anthem performed by the Maîtrise de Fontainebleau and the Divertimento orchestra.
As night fell, the Stade de France was transformed into a theatrical wonderland.
The arrival of a Golden Voyager, a character inspired by the Golden Record launched into space in 1977, took center stage, representing humanity’s legacy.
The spectacle continued with performances, including a floating piano solo by Alain Roche and a set by the French band Phoenix, joined by international artists, celebrating the global spirit of the Games.
The ceremony also featured the awarding of medals to the women’s marathon winners and showcased the “Marathon pour tous,” a mass event that saw nearly 35,000 participants take to the streets of Paris. The marathon underscored Paris 2024’s commitment to inclusivity and participation.
The extinguishing of the Olympic Flame was carried out by Léon Marchand, Paris 2024’s most decorated athlete, alongside six legendary athletes from different continents.
This act symbolized the end of the Games and set the stage for the next chapter in Olympic history, as the world now looks toward Los Angeles 2028.
The closing ceremony brought together artistry, athleticism, and global unity, capturing the essence of what the Olympic Games represent.
As Paris handed over the torch, the legacy of the 2024 Games will continue to resonate as the world prepares for the next Olympic chapter in Los Angeles.
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