PARIS — The Olympic flame was extinguished on Sunday as the closing ceremony marked the end of the Paris Summer Games, which were filled with historic moments and vibrant competitions over the past two weeks.
The Games were notable for their unique use of Paris’s famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais. American swimmer Katie Ledecky made history by becoming the most decorated female Olympian with a total of 14 medals, while French swimmer Léon Marchand emerged as a promising star for the future. U.S. gymnasts, especially Simone Biles, achieved redemption following previous challenges, and St. Lucia celebrated its first-ever Olympic medal in the sprint events.
The closing ceremony took place at Stade de France, where over 71,000 spectators gathered, celebrating the first Olympics since the relaxation of COVID restrictions. The absence of health protocols allowed for a lively atmosphere, although there were some reports of infections among attendees.
The ceremony began on a somber note with French singer Zaho de Sagazan and a choir performing “Sous le ciel de Paris.” The festivities then transitioned to a vibrant orchestral performance, featuring the traditional parade of athletes from 205 nations on a uniquely designed silver stage.
Notable flag bearers included Team USA’s Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead, alongside Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis and Evangelia Platanioti. After a tie in the gold medal count, teams from the USA and China were seen singing “We Are The Champions.”
The closing festivities included a medal ceremony for the women’s marathon, marking the first time this event concluded the Games. Dutch runner Sifan Hassan won gold with an Olympic record time of 2:22:55, capping off an impressive run that included two bronze medals in other events.
The ceremony also spotlighted the contributions of volunteers, who played a crucial role in the organization and execution of the Games.
A dramatic segment of the show featured “The Golden Voyager,” an artistic creation that linked the past and present of the Olympics, as it descended onto the stage. This was followed by a lively performance from French bands Phoenix and Air, who ushered in the modern era of the Games.
The ceremony culminated in a unique handoff of the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles, signaled by Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, who made a dramatic entrance by rappelling down to accept the flag from Simone Biles. A pre-recorded video of Cruise showcased his journey through Paris before descending near the Hollywood sign, which was transformed into the Olympic rings for the occasion.
As the flag made its way to Los Angeles, the celebration continued with a beach concert featuring the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, and Snoop Dogg at Venice Beach, marking a festive transition to the next Olympic host city.