Paris concluded two and a half weeks of intense Olympic competition and celebration with a vibrant, star-studded closing ceremony at France’s national stadium. The event marked the official handover of hosting duties for the Summer Games to Los Angeles, which will take the stage in 2028.
Star-Studded Performances Light Up the Night
The closing ceremony, held on August 11, was a feast for the senses, featuring performances by American music icons Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg. These musical acts set a festive tone as the Olympic flag was symbolically passed to the next host city. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, joined by French swimming star Léon Marchand, extinguished the Olympic flame, marking the end of the 33rd Summer Games.
A Journey of Tradition and Celebration
The ceremony began with Léon Marchand collecting the Olympic flame from the picturesque gardens near the Louvre, starting its symbolic journey to the stadium. Athletes from 205 delegations then paraded into the arena, led by French rugby star Antoine Dupont. The stadium, filled with over 70,000 spectators, erupted in applause as the athletes made their way in, celebrating the culmination of their hard work and dedication.
Contrasting with Tokyo: A Return to Joyful Celebration
This year’s Games stood in stark contrast to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which were held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Paris, the atmosphere was one of unbridled joy, with athletes and fans alike reveling in the moment. A symbolic medal ceremony for the women’s marathon was a highlight, followed by a breathtaking global artistic display where over 280 performers transformed the stadium into a visual representation of the world’s seven continents.
India’s Proud Representation
Indian athletes also had their moment in the spotlight during the Parade of Nations. Hockey legend PR Sreejesh and star shooter Manu Bhaker carried the flag for India, a decision supported by javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who secured India’s only silver medal at these Games. The pride and joy were evident as the Indian contingent walked through the stadium, celebrating their achievements on the global stage.
A Message of Peace and Unity
In his closing speech, IOC President Thomas Bach underscored the peaceful and unifying nature of the Games. He praised the athletes for maintaining respect and camaraderie despite the ongoing global conflicts, highlighting the Olympics’ role in promoting cultural peace. The ceremony also featured a creative segment called “Records,” a theatrical and musical performance directed by French theater maestro Thomas Jolly, which captivated the audience with its dreamlike journey through time.
Passing the Baton to Los Angeles
As the event drew to a close, the Olympic flag was officially handed over from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Hollywood actor Tom Cruise made a surprise appearance, adding a touch of Hollywood flair as he took the flag from Bass and symbolically delivered it to Los Angeles. His dramatic entrance, which involved rappelling from the roof of the Stade de France, thrilled the audience.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028
The ceremony concluded with a pre-recorded video showcasing Cruise skydiving over the iconic Hollywood sign, now featuring the Olympic rings. The flag’s journey across Los Angeles was depicted in the video, ending in a lively beach party with performances by California-based artists, setting an exciting tone for the 2028 Games.
With the Paris Games now in the history books, Los Angeles is poised to take the Olympic spotlight, promising a spectacular and star-studded event in 2028. The city will undoubtedly draw on its rich entertainment heritage and global appeal to deliver an unforgettable Olympic experience.
