PARIS - France has bid a heartfelt farewell to a ‘magical’ fortnight of Olympic sport, as athletes departed from the Paris 2024 Games, lauding this edition as one of the most spectacular in recent memory. The closing ceremony on Sunday evening was highlighted by Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who added a touch of glamour and a glimpse of the future Games in Los Angeles by abseiling into the national stadium. The “Mission Impossible” star descended on a wire in front of 71,500 spectators, seized the Olympic flag, and rode off on a motorbike, thrilling thousands of athletes and fans.
The final act of the Paris Olympics was a relief, as the event, initially overshadowed by concerns about potential terror attacks, strikes, or protests, concluded with minimal disruptions. Yet, the end also brought a sense of melancholy, marking the close of two weeks filled with high-spirited celebrations. France’s leading sports newspaper, L’Équipe, captured the mood with its headline, “Keep the Flame Alive,” featuring new national swimming hero Léon Marchand and urging the nation to sustain the spirit of this “enchanted fortnight.
” As athletes packed up at the Athletes’ Village in northern Paris, the city’s airports prepared for a significant influx of travelers and sports equipment. Team USA fencer Magda Skarbonkiewicz shared her excitement about competing at the Grand Palais, describing it as an iconic venue unlike any she had ever experienced. Many of the temporary spo.