The Stade de France was transformed into a grand stage on Sunday as the 2024 Paris Olympics drew to a close. Over two and a half weeks of intense competition culminated in a celebration that honored athletes, volunteers and the spirit of the Games. The closing ceremony was a vibrant affair, filled with memorable moments and a glimpse into what lies ahead in Los Angeles.
Tribute to the Volunteers
The closing ceremony began with a well-deserved tribute to the volunteers, the backbone of the Olympics. Throughout the Games, these individuals were omnipresent, dressed in green shirts and pants, guiding spectators and athletes alike through the bustling city and its venues. Their dedication and tireless efforts did not go unnoticed. And the roar of appreciation from the French crowd as they entered the Stade de France was a powerful testament to their invaluable contribution. Seeing the crowd celebrating thousands of volunteers was a fitting acknowledgment of their role in making the Paris 2024 Olympics a resounding success.
Japanese Athletes Shine in the Spotlight
With Greece at the forefront of the parade of national flags, Japan's flag bearers Haruka Kitaguchi and Shigeyuki Nakarai led the athletes into the stadium. Kitaguchi won the gold medal in the women's javelin and Nakarai, known as Shigekix, placed fourth in men's breaking.
Japan collected an impressive 45 medals, including 20 golds — the most it has ever won at an overseas Olympics. Despite the late hour, with the ceremony starting after 9 PM, Paris maintained its characteristic brightness. Ninety-one Japanese athletes, including those from track and field and wrestling, participated in the ceremony. Among them were Yuka Suzuki, who placed sixth in the women's marathon, and Sorato Anraku, who won the silver medal in men's sport climbing.
Karaoke Session
During the closing ceremony, the parade of nations quickly turned into a lively party. Athletes, having completed their arduous journey of years of training and competition, were ready to unwind and celebrate. As they filled the stadium, a karaoke session ignited the crowd.
"Aux Champs-Élysées," familiar to many Japanese, was played, and the athletes swayed to the rhythm. To celebrate all the athletes as champions, the iconic Queen song "We Are the Champions" was also played, enveloping the venue in a sense of unity.
Gala Rizzatto's "Freed From Desire," an unofficial anthem of the Games, united the crowd and athletes in a sing-along. The energy was palpable as thousands of athletes and spectators danced, sang, and celebrated together, marking the end of a truly remarkable Olympics.
A Final Spectacular Light Show
Light shows had been a hallmark of the Paris Olympics, from the dazzling opening ceremony on the Eiffel Tower to the mesmerizing pre-competition displays. The closing ceremony did not disappoint, with one final breathtaking light show.
As dancers performed, the stadium lights dimmed, and tens of thousands of wristbands worn by spectators illuminated in unison. Synchronized via Bluetooth, the wristbands created a stunning display that included scenes of athletic competition moving across the stadium. The show climaxed as the Olympic rings were raised above the stage, with the wristbands lighting up to form the iconic symbol. It was a display of technological prowess and artistry, perfectly capping off the Games.
Rocking Out with Phoenix
The musical performance of the night featured the French indie rock band Phoenix, but it was the athletes who stole the show. Released from their assigned areas, many athletes stormed the stage, creating an unplanned moment of exuberance and spontaneity.
Despite polite announcements asking them to step down, most athletes chose to stay on stage, dancing and celebrating with the band. It was a surreal sight — a rock concert with athletes waving their country's flags, dancing, and jumping around as if they were at a small, intimate venue rather than the closing ceremony of the Olympics. Eventually, organizers regained control. However, the stage belonged to the athletes for a brief, incredible moment, adding a unique twist to the ceremony.
A Hollywood-Style Handoff
In a moment that could only happen in the era of cinematic grandeur, the handoff of the Olympic flag to Los Angeles was nothing short of incredible.
After Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass received the flag, she passed it to US gymnastics legend Simone Biles. But then, in a dramatic turn, a spotlight revealed Tom Cruise atop the Stade de France. Known for performing his own stunts, the action star descended from the stadium's roof, took the flag, and hopped on a waiting motorcycle. Cruise rode out of the stadium and through the streets of Paris, eventually boarding a plane and flying the flag to Hollywood.
This sequence ended with the flag arriving at a beach in Los Angeles. There, it was greeted by music icons and Los Angeles natives like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre. It was a bold way to kick off the countdown to the 2028 Olympics, setting the stage for a Games that promises to be as grand as Hollywood itself.
The Final Words
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. He praised the athletes for their outstanding performances and the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for staging a successful event. "Your performances were amazing," he said. "You competed fiercely against each other. Every contest on the edge of perfection. Every performance sparking excitement around the world."
Bach acknowledged the unique circumstances under which these Games were held and thanked the French people for their unwavering support. "You embraced each other,” he remarked, and "created a culture of peace."
Finally, as the Olympic flame was extinguished, Bach officially declared the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad closed. He then invited the youth of the world to gather in Los Angeles in four years for the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad. The extinguishing of the flame, accompanied by fireworks, marked the end of a new era of the Olympics.
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Author: Daniel Manning
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