The Olympic Games Paris 2024 concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday, August 11, with a Closing Ceremony that celebrated French culture and marked a significant milestone in Olympic history. The event, held at the Stade de France, brought to a close a century-long wait for the return of the Games to the City of Light, and set the stage for the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

The evening began with a nod to the Games’ storied past as French swimming sensation Leon Marchand, who captured four gold medals in these Olympics, ignited the ceremony by lighting the Olympic cauldron. Marchand’s presence symbolized the future of French sports and the enduring spirit of the Olympic movement.

In his address, IOC President Thomas Bach lauded the athletes for their extraordinary performances, which he said “sparked excitement around the world.” He also emphasized the significance of Paris 2024 as the first Olympic Games fully realized under the IOC’s new agenda, which aims to make the Games younger, more urban, more inclusive, and sustainable.

“These Games have set a new standard with full gender parity,” Bach said, addressing the athletes directly and thanking them for “making us dream.”

The Closing Ceremony, crafted by artistic director Thomas Jolly, was a vibrant display of French culture infused with forward-looking themes. Over 9,000 athletes from 206 nations paraded through the Stade de France, cheered on by 70,000 spectators.

The show featured an array of stunning performances, from acrobats and dancers to internationally renowned singers, including French recording artist Yseult, who delivered a chilling rendition of “My Way,” bridging the cultural connection between France and the United States.

As the Olympic rings ascended above the stadium, glowing in golden light, the symbolic extinguishing of the Olympic Flame signaled the end of the Paris 2024 Games. The moment was both a farewell and a handover, with the Olympic flag passing to representatives of Los Angeles 2028.

The Los Angeles segment of the ceremony was as theatrical as one might expect from Hollywood. A surprise appearance by gymnastics legend Simone Biles, along with a star-studded video montage featuring Tom Cruise and other American icons, previewed what the world can expect in 2028. The montage culminated with the Hollywood sign illuminated by the Olympic rings, signaling the official transition to the next host city.

As the night ended with a brilliant display of fireworks lighting up the Parisian sky, it was clear that Paris 2024 had not only lived up to expectations but had also paved the way for a new era in the Olympic movement. The Games that began with open hearts and global unity have now come to a close, leaving a legacy that will resonate long into the future.