Olympics Closing Ceremony: All the Highlights as Paris Hands Over Games to L.A. (Updating Live)

As a seasoned Olympics enthusiast who has witnessed the grandeur of Athens, the charm of Beijing, and the vibrancy of Rio, I must say that the Paris Olympics have truly outdone themselves. The opening ceremony was a spectacular display of French culture, history, and artistry, setting the tone for an unforgettable event.


The Paris Olympics has set an exceptionally high standard following an opening ceremony, which featured Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and a breathtaking display incorporating nearly all Parisian landmarks along the Seine. The closing ceremony, scheduled for a swelteringly hot day in stark contrast to its initial rain-drenched start, is promising a spectacular finale with a touch of Tinseltown magic.

During the grand transition of the 2028 Summer Games to Los Angeles, Tom Cruise is anticipated to thrill spectators with some breathtaking feats. Simultaneously, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, the Red Hot Chili Peppers will entertain, and H.E.R. will sing the U.S. national anthem. Katie Ledecky, a gold medalist swimmer, and rower Nick Mead will lead the American team as flag bearers. The United States, which dominated the Paris Olympics with a staggering 126 medals, surpassing China, the U.K., and France, will be the team to watch. In contrast, France set a new record by winning 64 medals, including 16 golds. Besides swimming champion Leon Marchand, judoka star Teddy Riner, and the French women’s basketball team, France made their nation proud on the final day with an intense match against Team USA, securing the silver medal.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the event is skillfully orchestrated by none other than Thomas Jolly, our artistic director, and Thierry Reboul, the executive director. This grand affair will not only captivate us but also celebrate French talent like never before! Bands such as Phoenix and Air are set to mesmerize us with their artistic prowess, while the Belgian pop sensation Angele, who gracefully speaks French, will undoubtedly add a unique charm to the occasion.

Following the prevention of a terrorist attack aimed at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, the Paris Olympics closing ceremony is happening under enhanced security measures that involve thousands of police officers, including almost 2,000 agents from other countries. Approximately 71,538 spectators will be present, along with 8,200 athletes representing over 200 delegations and 270 artists. In an interview with EbMaster, Reboul stated that he and the organizers have invested a substantial amount of effort to develop a foolproof security plan in collaboration with local authorities. The country has been on heightened alert ever since the conflict in Gaza started last October.

In addition to live performances and thrilling stunts, the event also anticipates some heartwarming instances where victorious athletes unite for what may be their final time. The creator of the opening ceremony, Jolly, has designed an operatic and dystopian spectacle that underscores the roots and principles of the Olympics. Similar to the opening ceremony, which emphasized love and acceptance, the closing party will convey a forward-thinking message as Reboul mentioned it will employ science fiction to promote “awareness about the delicate nature of our world and the importance of preserving our values.”

Approximately 9.5 tickets were purchased for the Olympics, with around 62% going to French citizens and the rest to international visitors, primarily from the U.K., Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Nearly all events (95%) took place at famous Paris landmarks, such as beach volleyball near the Eiffel Tower, which attracted approximately 450,000 spectators, including celebrities like Nicole Kidman. The cycling races for men and women through the streets of Paris were particularly popular, with over a million attendees reported by organizers. The Stade de France, Paris La Defense Arena, and Bercy concert hall were among the few indoor venues for competitions.

See below for all the best moments from the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, updating live.

Zaho de Sagazan Kicks Things Off From the Tuileries Garden

At the Jardins des Tuileries, home to the Olympic Cauldron illuminated by the Olympic Flame, I was part of an audience privileged to witness French artist Zaho de Sagazan and the choir of Académie Haendel-Hendrix kick off the closing ceremony with a rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Sous le Ciel de Paris.”

In an elegant suit, renowned French swimmer and Olympic sensation Léon Marchand – with his tally of four golds and a silver earned at the Games – carefully retrieved the torch from the cauldron, starting his journey towards the Stade de France.

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2024-08-11 22:16