Highlights

The Paris Olympics came to a spectacular end with a dazzling closing ceremony filled with music and stunts, as athletes and flag bearers gathered at the iconic Stade de France. This memorable event marked the conclusion of a historic two weeks of competition that showcased the best of athletic talent and celebrated the spirit of the Games.

A Celebration of Iconic Venues and Historic Achievements

The Paris Olympics will be remembered for its creative use of France’s iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, and The Palace of Versailles. Among the standout performances, American swimmer Katie Ledecky added four more medals to her tally, making her the most decorated female Olympian in history. French swimmer Léon Marchand emerged as a rising star, while the U.S. gymnastics team, led by Simone Biles, made a triumphant return. Notably, St. Lucia won its first-ever Olympic medal in track and field, an achievement that captivated the world.

The Return of Crowds and Olympic Spirit

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, over 71,000 spectators filled the Stade de France to celebrate the closing ceremony. With no COVID restrictions, athletes and fans were able to fully embrace the Olympic spirit. The stadium transformed into a concert hall, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the festivities.

The ceremony began on a poignant note with French singer Zaho de Sagazan performing “Sous le ciel de Paris” alongside a choir dressed in black. The tempo soon picked up as the flags and athletes from 205 delegations paraded onto a striking silver-colored stage. Among the flag bearers were U.S. athletes Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead, along with Greek representatives Emmanouil Karalis and Evangelia Platanioti.

A Historic Medal Ceremony and Gender Parity

In a historic moment, the women’s marathon concluded the Olympic Games for the first time. Dutch runner Sifan Hassan claimed the gold medal with an Olympic record time of 2:22:55, after earning two bronze medals in the 5,000- and 10,000-meter races. This achievement highlighted the Games’ commitment to gender parity. However, the event also faced controversy, as Algerian boxer Imane Khelif overcame gender-related challenges to win gold, a testament to her determination and resilience.

The Games also spotlighted the dedication of volunteers who ensured the smooth operation of events, from managing beach volleyball matches to maintaining the track and field arenas.

Bridging the Past and Present

A dramatic moment during the ceremony linked the past and present of Olympic history. Artistic director Thomas Jolly’s creation, “The Golden Voyager,” descended from the sky, depicting a world without the Olympic Games. The performance paid homage to the ancient Olympics and Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the modern Games in the late 19th century.

As the stadium transformed, dancers dressed in white performed acrobatic feats, reimagining the Olympic rings to represent the unity of the five continents.

Musical Performances and a Hollywood Handoff

The closing ceremony featured musical performances by French pop-rock band Phoenix, electro-house artist Kavinsky, and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, who brought the audience into the 2000s with their energetic sets.

In a unique handoff to the next host city, Los Angeles, actor Tom Cruise made a thrilling entrance, rappelling down the stadium to receive the Olympic flag from Simone Biles. In a pre-recorded video, Cruise navigated Paris on a motorcycle and skydived onto the Hollywood sign, signaling the transition to Los Angeles.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Rock the Stage

As the Olympic celebrations shifted to Los Angeles, the iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers took the stage, delivering an electrifying performance that brought the crowd to its feet. Known for their dynamic stage presence and infectious energy, the band performed a selection of their greatest hits, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly matched the celebratory spirit of the Games. Joining them were Southern California artists Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg, who added their own unique flair to the festivities.

A Star-Studded Concert in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, the Olympic flag was passed from mountain biker Kate Courtney to four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, who ran through the city’s streets. Skateboarder Jagger Eaton carried the flag to Venice Beach, where the Red Hot Chili Peppers headlined a concert featuring Southern California artists Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg.

For more updates on the Olympics and future sports events, visit Olympics.com and BBC Sport. For the latest update log in to blogy365.com