The 2024 Paris Olympics wrapped up its 19-day celebration of global sportsmanship, transitioning the spotlight to Los Angeles as the future host for the 2028 Games. The festivities concluded at the Stade de France with a striking finale featuring Tom Cruise, who made a theatrical entrance by rappelling from the stadium’s roof, complemented by performances from Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg.
Throughout the games, which began on July 26, around 10,500 athletes from 206 teams took part in 329 events across 32 sports, with the competition backdrop including Paris’s renowned landmarks. The games were also notable for breaking 125 Olympic and 32 world records.
The closing ceremony, held yesterday (Aug 11), features a parade of athletes and cultural performances attended by dignitaries such as French President Emmanuel Macron.
A symbolic transfer of the Olympic flag was conducted from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to IOC President Thomas Bach, and subsequently to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The handover was accompanied by a preview of the LA28 Games, including a cinematic portrayal of Tom Cruise skydiving to the Hollywood sign.
The United States finished at the top of the medal tally, followed by China, Japan, and Australia. Thailand distinguished itself at the games with one gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. The successful conclusion of the Paris 2024 Games now paves the way for the Paralympics, scheduled in Paris from August 28 to September 8. (NNT)
