PARIS — The Paris 2024 Olympics have officially concluded. After 19 days of intense competition, the emotional victory of the United States in women’s basketball, which dramatically affected the final medal tally, and the closing ceremony at Stade de France marked the beginning of the journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
But did the Paris 2024 Olympics truly come to an end?
Leon Marchand, the local star who secured four gold medals, will be remembered by all French spectators who filled the La Défense area, as well as those who passionately followed his races from bars across Paris to homes nationwide and, indeed, around the world.
Katie Ledecky’s outstanding performance, with four additional medals, solidified her status as one of the greatest swimmers in Olympic history.
Simone Biles made a triumphant return, claiming three gold medals, and shared a touching moment as she honored Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, creating one of the year’s most memorable images.
Algerian athlete Imane Khelif made a powerful impact on her rivals, and at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic engaged in an epic battle against Carlos Alcaraz, further exciting Spanish sports fans by sharing the court with Rafa Nadal.
American high jumpers Shelby McEwen and New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr engaged in a thriller reminiscent of the golden tie achieved by Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Barshim in Tokyo 2020, but in a direct face-off, Kerr secured the top spot, jeopardizing a U.S. victory.
The U.S. women’s basketball team once again claimed the Olympic title, facing a nail-biting match against the host nation. This led to a tie in gold medals at the top of the Games, extending their dominance just before the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, allowing sports fans to relish playing together with superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
Turkish athlete Yusuf Dikeç garnered global acclaim, while Mondo Duplantis cleared such heights with his pole vaulting that even the Stade de France seemed small in comparison.
American sprinter Noah Lyles dazzled in the 100 meters, and Cuban wrestler Mijaín López achieved his fifth gold medal.
Urban sports, including breaking, made their Olympic debut, showcasing an unprecedented age diversity among competitors.
Paris concluded its third Olympic Games.
Maligno Torres rose to national hero status, while Eugenia Bosco and Mateo Majdalani elevated Argentine sailing to new heights, and the women’s field hockey team, known as Las Leonas, once again stood on the podium.
Francisca Crovetto achieved a historic milestone for Chile, joined by Yasmani Acosta with a silver medal. Colombia’s Ángel Barajas, Yeison López, Mari Sánchez, and Tatiana Rentería brought home four medals, while Peru ended a 32-year drought with a bronze from Stefano Peschiera.
Ecuador wrapped up its Olympic campaign with more medals, including gold from Daniel Pintado, silver from Pintado and Glenda Morejón, and bronze from sisters Angie Palacios and Neisi Dajomes.
In Paris, the home of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a new edition of the Olympic Games closed, marked by its grand opening ceremony along the Seine River, and historic venues like the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Place de la Concorde, the Grand Palais, and Les Invalides.
For countless reasons, narratives, and moments, the Paris 2024 Olympics did not just end; they have officially entered the annals of Olympic history. Now, attention turns to the upcoming Paralympic Games and Los Angeles.