The 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, held on Sunday, August 11th, wrapped up 19 thrilling days for athletes and spectators worldwide. What a ride it’s been! From chaos to drama, and all the eye-popping spectacles in between, the 2024 Paris Olympics had it all. We witnessed breathtaking performances, gleaming medals, and unforgettable athletic triumphs. The cheers were deafening, the romances bloomed, and some athletes even found their “happily ever after.” With debuts that dazzled and retirements that tugged at our hearts, it’s time to say “au revoir.” Join us for a joyful journey as we unveil the highlights of the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony!
Stade de France Hosts a Traditional yet Spectacular Finale
The 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony took a delightful turn by embracing a more traditional style, but don’t be fooled—the grandeur didn’t just stay, it soared! Held on Sunday, August 11th, this spectacular event began at 3 p.m. ET and treated the audience to over two hours of pure magic. Later that evening, at 10 p.m. ET, excitement buzzed with a broadcast about the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Rather than the open-air Seine River venue of the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony unfolded at the iconic Stade de France. This 80,000-seat stadium, which had already hosted world-record-breaking track races and a historic first for the American women’s rugby team, was the perfect backdrop for this grand finale.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Committee promised a dazzling display with “over a hundred performers, acrobats, dancers, and circus artists,” and they delivered! Artistic director Thomas Jolly, who also masterminded the opening ceremony, chose the thrilling theme of “Records.” From the packed audience of over 80,000 to the star-studded crowd and athletes from around the world, the closing ceremony was a night to remember!
Igniting the Night: Leon Marchand and the Parade of Global Glory
Leon Marchand lit up the Stade de France as he carried the Olympic flame, setting the stage for an unforgettable closing ceremony. At just 22, Marchand became a global sensation with his incredible pool performances. He is the most decorated athlete with 4 gold medals and a bronze.
The ceremony started with a bang, featuring a lively parade of flag bearers from every nation in the Olympics. For India, shooter Manu Bhaker and men’s hockey team goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh proudly led the way. Then, in a joyful twist, athletes worldwide streamed into the stadium. Interestingly, not in any particular order, but in a spirit of celebration, savoring their moment of glory.
Before the show kicked into high gear, the spotlight turned to the unsung heroes—the volunteers. They were honored for their tireless dedication. What would the Olympics be without their hard work and endless energy, anyway?
And then, the magic began. A series of stunning performances that lit up the night and left everyone in awe!
Space Capsules and Indie Groove
The 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony was aptly titled “Records,” a nod to the incredible feats achieved during the Games. But did you know the first record of life on Earth was sent into space back in 1977? This time capsule, named The Voyager – The Golden Record, was created in France and still floats in space, ready to guide any future extraterrestrial visitors. The ceremony took this cosmic inspiration and ran with it. It featured a performance where a space traveler lands on Earth, uncovers the origins of the Olympic Games in Greece, and envisions the future of the Summer Olympics.
Things got even more exciting when the French indie band Phoenix and R&B sensation H.E.R. took the stage, electrifying the crowd with their performances. The Olympic flag then made its grand journey, first handed off from the International President of the 2024 Paris Olympics to the Mayor of Paris. Further, it was passed to the International President of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Committee and finally to the Mayor of Los Angeles. This symbolized the beginning of the preparation for the 2028 Games.
Tom Cruise’s Epic Stunt
But wait, it wouldn’t be a proper farewell without some Hollywood magic, right? Enter Tom Cruise! Mr. Cruise took the excitement to new heights—literally! He leaped from the roof of Stade de France, waving the Olympic flag as he soared over the streets of Paris on his bike in an action-packed sequence straight out of one of his blockbuster films. His destination? California, downtown L.A., where the Summer Olympics will be hosted for the third time in 2028. Cruise handed the flag off to USA sporting superstars, who proudly placed it on the L.A. beach. And just like that, the party was on. The Red-Hot Chili Peppers kicked things off. And this was followed by epic performances from music icons Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Billie Eilish.
To cap off this unforgettable evening, Leon Marchand, joined by six other medalists from around the world, came together to extinguish the 2024 Paris Olympics flame. And thus bringing the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony to a spectacular conclusion.
A Bittersweet Farewell
It’s a bittersweet feeling as we wrap up 19 thrilling days of excitement and celebration. Time flew by quickly. We discovered new favorites and experienced a range of emotions. The athletes’ incredible achievements humbled us and inspired us. Throughout these days, we buzzed with anticipation, cheering on our athletes and eagerly following every competition. Sure, we felt heartache with missed medals and retirements, but we also enjoyed every moment of this fun journey. Now, it’s time to move on. The athletes need rest to prepare for future challenges, and we return to life. We look forward to the 2024 Paris Paralympics starting tonight and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Au revoir, 2024 Paris Olympics!
