PARIS – The grand spectacle of the Olympic Games concluded with all its splendor and charm. The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics was held at the Stade de France stadium. The event kicked off before dusk with a dramatic balloon display hanging beneath the Olympic squad in Paris, featuring a dramatic fire created by electricity and LED spotlights.
The closing ceremony began with a science fiction-inspired light show, featuring numerous space creatures in golden costumes moving against a dark and barren future backdrop. These space beings dazzled the audience with their spectacular stunts involving the Olympic rings. French break-dancer Arthur Cadre enhanced the performance with his beautiful dance, surrounded by hundreds of dancers and acrobats while athletes from the Olympic Games watched from the stage.
The background was enchanted by the captivating tunes of Swiss musician Alain Roche, filling the entire stadium with magic. Following this, French singer Basilett delivered a stunning performance of “My Way,” a song originally recorded in English. French electro-pop band Phoenix took the stage next, featuring a music set with Belgian singer Angèle and Cambodian rapper Vanda.
The dramatic pyrotechnic finale was in stark contrast to the historic, technicolor opening ceremony held two weeks earlier along the banks of the Seine River. France achieved record sales of tickets and TV rights revenue from the Paris Olympics. The closing ceremony was directed by renowned theater and opera director Thomas Jolly, who described his unique stadium show as a celebration of humanity coming together.
He viewed the sports and closing performance as a unique opportunity for collaboration, understanding, and love. The special balloon created for the Olympic torch became a prominent landmark in the city, with French politicians and citizens calling for it to be preserved as a new milestone in Paris. Over 70,000 spectators at France’s largest stadium enjoyed the action-packed closing ceremony, which was adorned with the flags of participating countries, thanks to thousands of volunteers.
Spectators, volunteers, and athletes in the stadium danced to the tune of France’s famous anthem, “Fred From Desire,” creating a spectacular scene. The science fiction-inspired light show concluded dramatically when Mission Impossible hero Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance by jumping from the stadium roof in cinematic style, holding the Olympic flag, and then riding off on his motorcycle. The rumors about Tom Cruise’s absence from the event were dispelled by his impressive performance.
This signaled that the next Olympics in 2028 will be held in Los Angeles. Following the opening ceremony, some members of the creative team, including Director Jolly, received special protection due to online threats. The greatest joy of the closing ceremony came when Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, spoke about the importance of sports in bringing peace during times of conflict.
In his closing speech, IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the thrilling competitions of the Paris Olympics. Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, praised all involved in the games, including athletes, volunteers, and spectators. Following the end of the Paris Games, the Paralympics 2024 will take place in the French capital from August 28 to September 8.
The Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who will host the 2028 Olympic Games. Athletes from all continents and the Refugee Olympic Team together extinguished the 2024 Olympic torch, officially marking the end of the Paris Olympics. A media survey revealed that 86% of the French public considered the Paris 2024 Olympic Games a success.
.
