August 12, (THEWILL) – Paris concluded its Olympic Games on Sunday, with a grand closing ceremony at the Stade de France. The event featured Hollywood actor, Tom Cruise, abseiling from the stadium roof, marking the handover to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games. International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, praised the Paris Olympics, calling them “sensational” and commending the French organisers for their efforts.
The ceremony brought together approximately 9,000 athletes and 270 performers. It began with French swimming champion Leon Marchand, who won four gold medals, carrying the Olympic flame from the Tuileries Gardens to the stadium. Rugby star Antoine Dupont, who led France to gold in rugby sevens, carried the national flag into the arena.
Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass and gymnast, Simone Biles, received the Olympic flag, officially starting the countdown to the 2028 Games. The ceremony included a pre-recorded segment showing Cruise travelling from Paris to Los Angeles, culminating in him attaching the Olympic rings to the Hollywood sign. American musicians, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish, performed a mini-concert set against a beach backdrop.
Bach praised the French public for embracing the Olympics and thanked the athletes for their performances. Paris 2024 organising chief Tony Estanguet expressed gratitude to the athletes, stating that their efforts brought happiness and vitality to the world. The event was seen as a celebration of sport’s ability to unite people.
The Paris Olympics, which lasted 17 days, featured competitions at various iconic locations throughout the city. Unlike the rainy opening ceremony held on the River Seine, the closing event took place under clear skies as the sun set over Paris, providing a picturesque end to what many have described as a highly successful Olympic Games.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
