Paris: The world’s biggest sporting event, the Olympics, concluded with all its grandeur and charm, as a magnificent closing ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympics was held at the Stade de France in Paris.
The ceremony began before dusk under the Paris Olympic squad, which was suspended from a balloon, with dramatic flames created by electricity and LED spotlights.
The closing ceremony of the mega event kicked off with a science fiction-inspired light show featuring multiple alien creatures dressed in golden attire, roaming in a dark and barren future backdrop.
These alien creatures amazed the audience with their stunning stunts as they passed through the Olympic rings.
This scene was further beautified by French breakdancer Arthur Cadre with his graceful dance, surrounded by hundreds of dancers and acrobats, while athletes who participated in the Olympic Games stood around the stage watching.
The enchanting melody of Swiss musician Alan Roché created a mesmerizing atmosphere throughout the stadium.
Following this, French singer Baiselle delivered a spectacular performance of “My Way,” a song recorded in English.
The French electro-pop band Phoenix, joined by Belgian singer Angèle and Cambodian rapper Vanda, kicked off a music set with the athletes who entered the stage.
This dramatic pyrotechnic closing show was in stark contrast to the historic, technicolor opening ceremony held two weeks ago along the banks of the Seine River.
France generated substantial revenue from the record ticket sales and TV rights for the Paris Olympics.
The closing ceremony was directed by renowned theater and opera director Thomas Jolly, who, regarding his unique stadium show, said that humanity is beautiful when it comes together.
He described sports and the closing performance as a unique opportunity for collaboration, reconciliation, and love.
The special balloon cauldron created for the Olympic torch became the most famous landmark in the city, with French politicians and citizens demanding that it be kept permanently in Paris as a new milestone after the closing ceremony.
Over 70,000 spectators enjoyed the action-packed Olympic closing ceremony in France’s largest stadium, which was filled with the flags of participating countries by thousands of volunteers.
Spectators, volunteers, and athletes in the stadium danced to the tune of France’s famous anthem, “Freed From Desire,” creating a breathtaking scene.
It was a dreamlike, science fiction-inspired light show that ended with Hollywood star Tom Cruise, the hero of “Mission Impossible,” making a dramatic entrance by jumping off the stadium roof, grabbing the Olympic flag, and then riding out of the stadium on his motorcycle.
Rumors of Tom Cruise’s absence from the ceremony were put to rest after his spectacular performance.
This indicated that the next Olympics will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.
Some members of the creative team, including director Jolly, received special protection after receiving online death threats following the opening ceremony.
The happiest moment of the closing ceremony came when International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach 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 played at the Paris Olympics.
Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet praised the athletes, volunteers, spectators, and everyone involved in the games.
Following the conclusion of the Paris Games, the Paralympics 2024 will be held 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 collectively extinguished the Olympic torch for the 2024 games, officially marking the end of the Paris Olympics.
A media survey revealed that 86% of the French public considered the Paris Olympic Games 2024 to be successful.