On Monday, France reluctantly said goodbye to the magical two weeks of Olympic sports as athletes departed from Paris, praising the dazzling edition of the Games that has revitalized the world's biggest sporting event. Hollywood star Tom Cruise added a touch of glamour at the closing ceremony on Sunday night by rappelling into the national stadium, linking the event with the next Games in Los Angeles. The 'Mission Impossible' star descended in front of 71,500 spectators, seized the Olympic flag, and hopped onto a motorbike, delighting thousands of athletes and fans.
The conclusion of the Paris Olympics brought relief, as concerns about potential terror attacks, strikes, or protests were largely unfounded. However, there was also a sense of sadness as the spirited celebrations came to an end. 'Keep the flame alive,' urged France's leading sports newspaper, L'Equipe, highlighting the need to maintain the spirit of this 'enchanted fortnight.' At the Athletes' Village in northern Paris, athletes were packing up after a late night, with the city's airports expecting a surge in travelers and sports equipment.
Magda Skarbonkiewicz, a Team USA fencer, expressed her excitement about competing at the Grand Palais, one of the historic venues in the French capital. 'It's such an iconic venue and nothing like I've ever seen before,' she said. During the closing ceremony, which emphasized the Olympic values of peace and cooperation, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach commended the Paris Games for showcasing 'sport at its best.'
The Paris 2024 Olympics were seen as crucial for the Olympic brand, following the Covid-affected Tokyo Games and the corruption-tainted Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016. The closing ceremony featured performances by French electro act Air, guitar band Phoenix, Belgian singer Angele, and Cambodian rapper VannDa. Paris 2024 organizing chief Tony Estanguet praised the athletes for their magical performance, transforming the nation into 'unbridled supporters who don't want to stop singing.'
The media highlighted the Games' uplifting impact on the national mood, especially following recent political uncertainties. The Paris Games provided over two weeks of fervor and happiness, which was unexpected and appreciated. The closing ceremony marked the start of the four-year countdown to the LA Games, with American gymnastics icon Simone Biles joining Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass as the Olympic flag was handed over. The final day of competition saw the United States narrowly edge China in the medal count, with the US women's basketball team clinching the last gold of the Games.
