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New Delhi: The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris concluded this Sunday, capping 17 days of intense competition, vibrant displays of national pride, and appearances by numerous celebrities in the stands. Team USA led the medal count, securing a total of 126 medals—40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze—making it the most successful nation in the Games.
The closing ceremony took place at the Stade de France, a venue that accommodated 80,000 spectators and hosted the Games’ track and field events, as well as the rugby sevens competitions. The evening’s entertainment lineup included performances by Billie Eilish, H.E.R., the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg, underscoring the global appeal of the event. With the next Summer Olympics set for Los Angeles, the star-studded performances were fitting. The ceremony, titled “Records,” was artistically directed by Thomas Jolly, who also directed the opening ceremony. It featured over 100 performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists, delivering a spectacular finale to the Games.
A perfect start to the evening
French singer Zaho de Sagazan set a graceful tone for the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with an elegant performance of Édith Piaf’s classic “Sous le ciel de Paris.” The performance took place in the historic Tuileries Garden, with the Olympic cauldron providing a stunning backdrop.
Following de Sagazan’s tribute, French swimmer Léon Marchand played a symbolic role in the ceremony, as he was seen removing the lantern containing the Olympic flame from the cauldron and carrying it toward the Stade de France, marking the flame’s journey as the Games came to a close.
Sifan Hassan receives her third career gold medal
In one of the final events of the 2024 Games, Ethiopian-Dutch runner Sifan Hassan set a new Olympic record in the women’s marathon, finishing in 2:22:55. She celebrated her achievement in front of nearly 70,000 people, including around 9,000 athletes, during the closing ceremony at the Stade de France, where she received her gold medal. Earlier in the Games, Hassan also won bronze medals in the women’s 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter events.
Rebirth of the Olympic
The closing ceremony featured a series of dramatic and visually stunning elements, including a spiky Golden Voyager, the mysterious hooded figure from the opening ceremony, and a group of acrobatic, breakdancing “archaeologists.” The Winged Victory of Samothrace made an appearance, alongside French tenor Benjamin Bernheim, who sang “Hymn to Apollo” while Alain Roche played a vertically suspended piano, dressed in a coat made from VHS tape reels. This segment imagined a dystopian scenario where the Olympic Games no longer existed and the rings had to be rediscovered. It was a powerful and beautiful performance.
The passing of the Olympic flag
In a symbolic gesture toward the upcoming 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo handed the Olympic flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. They were joined onstage by American gymnast Simone Biles, who won three gold medals and one silver at the Paris Games this year. Shortly after, H.E.R. performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” showcasing her signature guitar skills.
Tom Cruise’s special appearance
In a thrilling moment, American action star Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance by flying in from the stadium roof. After greeting some enthusiastic fans, he hopped onto a motorcycle, carrying the Olympic flag, and sped off into the night. The broadcast then switched to a pre-taped video showing Cruise biking, skydiving, and parachuting his way from Paris to Los Angeles, where he added the iconic Olympic rings to the Hollywood sign.
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