The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony that highlighted the city’s farewell and handed over the Olympic baton to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games. The event was marked by unforgettable performances and a moving transfer of the Olympic flag.
A Grand Farewell
French swimmer Léon Marchand extinguished the Olympic flame, officially closing the Paris Games. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the past two and a half weeks, as International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach praised the Paris Games as “sensational,” even playfully dubbing them “Seine-sational.”
LA Takes Center Stage
As the Paris Games concluded, the Olympic flag was ceremoniously passed to Los Angeles, the host of the 2028 Summer Olympics. LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman described the moment as “the biggest in LA28 history” and expressed excitement for the upcoming games.
Star-Studded Performances
The closing ceremony featured a star-studded lineup, with Billie Eilish performing her hit “Birds of a Feather” and Snoop Dogg delivering his iconic track, “Snoop D.O. Double G.” The Stade de France was alive with energy as French artists, including Phoenix and Cambodian rapper Vannda, captivated the audience with their performances.
Thomas Bach’s Call for Peace
In his speech, Thomas Bach called for a “culture of peace” in a world often marred by conflict. He highlighted the role of the Olympics in fostering mutual respect among athletes from diverse backgrounds and stressed the Games’ potential to inspire global unity.
Emotional Tributes and Performances
The ceremony also featured emotional tributes to volunteers and performances by French musicians. Phoenix, along with Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, and other notable artists like Kavinsky, brought their unique sounds to the stage. The event included a theatrical sequence titled “Records,” depicting a dream-like journey through the origins and future of the Olympic Games.
Paris’s Final Salute
The ceremony concluded with a tribute to volunteers and the announcement of new International Olympic Committee members. The Stade de France saw a grand display of Olympic values, as the golden voyager symbolized peace and unity, reflecting Pierre de Coubertin’s vision for the modern Olympic Games.
As Paris says “Merci” and bids adieu, the countdown begins for Los Angeles to host the next chapter of the Olympic saga in 2028.
