The 33rd Summer Olympics concluded on Sunday with a dazzling closing ceremony held at the Stade de France in Paris. This spectacular finale marked the end of a memorable Games and handed over the Olympic baton to Los Angeles, setting the stage for the next chapter of the Olympic journey in 2028. The event was celebrated as a tribute to the unifying power of sport and a joyful culmination of two weeks of world-class athletic competition.
The closing ceremony began with French swimming sensation Léon Marchand, a standout performer of the Paris Games, extinguishing the Olympic cauldron. Marchand, who won four gold medals and a bronze in swimming, carried the lantern with the Olympic flame to the stadium, symbolizing the end of the Paris Games. This was followed by the Parade of Nations, where flagbearers from each of the 205 participating countries paraded into the stadium, led by French rugby star Antoine Dupont.
The atmosphere in Paris was electric, reflecting a city and country rejuvenated by the Olympic spirit. The Games breathed new life into the Olympic brand, particularly after the challenges faced during the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games and the subdued Tokyo 2020 event, which was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paris 2024 Chief Tony Estanguet expressed the profound impact of the Games on the city and the nation. “We wanted to dream. We got Marchand,” Estanguet said, highlighting the swimmer’s exceptional performance. “From one day to the next Paris became a party and France found itself. From a country of grumblers, we became a country of frenzied fans.”
The Indian contingent was led by Manu Bhaker and PR Sreejesh at the closing ceremony. Bhaker, who made history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Games, was selected to represent India at the ceremony. She secured bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and a third-place finish in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Sreejesh, who was also slated to participate, was recognized for his pivotal role in helping India retain the bronze medal in men’s hockey. It marked his final appearance in the Indian jersey.
In a pre-ceremony interview with JioCinema, both Bhaker and Sreejesh shared their thoughts on the honour of leading the Indian contingent. “Got this opportunity to carry this flag at the closing ceremony. Fantastic. And Manu, two medals. Great Olympics for her,” Sreejesh remarked. Bhaker expressed her pride and excitement, saying, “I feel great, and carrying the flag in the closing ceremony would be an honour of a lifetime, and I’ll always cherish this memory.”
Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), praised the Paris Games as a celebration of sport at its finest. “These were sensational Olympic Games from start to finish,” Bach said, adding a playful quip about the River Seine, which flowed through Paris and was the backdrop for the opening ceremony. “Or dare I say: Seine-sational Games.”
Bach conveyed the deep connection formed between the IOC and the French people, stating, “Dear French friends, you have fallen in love with the Olympic Games. And we have fallen in love with all of you.”
The closing ceremony also provided a glimpse of what is to come when the Olympic Games return to Los Angeles in 2028. Hollywood star Tom Cruise provided a thrilling preview by abseiling from the roof of the Stade de France, grabbing the Olympic flag, and then making a dramatic exit on a motorbike. Cruise’s spectacular descent was followed by a skydiving stunt into Los Angeles, where the iconic Hollywood sign was adorned with the Olympic rings.
The closing moments were punctuated by a lively mini-concert featuring Los Angeles band Red Hot Chili Peppers, singer Billie Eilish, and rappers Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre, performed on a beach with the Pacific Ocean as a stunning backdrop. American gymnastics icon Simone Biles joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in receiving the Olympic flag, officially commencing the four-year countdown to the LA Games.
As Paris 2024 bids farewell, the Games leave behind a legacy of inspiration and unity, setting a high bar for future editions. With the Olympic baton now in the hands of Los Angeles, the excitement and anticipation for the 2028 Games have already begun. The Paris Games were a testament to the power of sport to bring people together and celebrate human achievement, a spirit that will undoubtedly carry forward to the next Olympic host city.