The Paris 2024 Olympic Games concluded on August 11 with a spectacular closing ceremony at the 80,000-seat Stade de France, marking the end of two weeks of intense competition and global unity. The ceremony, themed ‘Records,’ featured over 270 performers and showcased dramatic storytelling of Olympics history. French swimmer Leon Marchand, who won four gold and one bronze medals, had the honor of extinguishing the Olympic flame in the historic Tuileries Garden.The Games were marked by unprecedented U.S. dominance, with Team USA leading the medal count with 126 medals, 35 more than second-place China. Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei’s six medals were the most among all Olympians. France finished fifth in the overall ranking with a record 16 gold medals and 64 total medals, showcasing strong performances in swimming, judo, fencing, and team sports.The Olympics were not just about athletic achievements but also about human connections. A record number of at least eight marriage proposals took place during the Games, including Chinese badminton player Liu Yuchen proposing after winning a gold medal. The event also highlighted inclusivity and gender parity, with women’s events concluding the Games and medals being awarded during the closing ceremony.Despite the overall success, there were some disappointments and controversies. The Brazilian boxing team underperformed, winning only one silver medal, and there was an incident where a bronze medal was stripped from Team USA in gymnastics. However, these did not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere of the Games.International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach praised the athletes for creating a culture of peace, despite their countries being divided by war and conflict. The Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, signaling the transition to the 2028 Olympics. As the Paris Games concluded, they left behind a legacy of unity, equality, and sporting excellence, setting a high bar for future Olympic events.
Key points
- The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony featuring over 270 performers.
- Team USA dominated the medal count with 126 medals, while host nation France finished fifth with a record 16 gold medals.
- The Games were marked by messages of unity, inclusivity, and numerous human interest stories, including a record number of marriage proposals.
- The Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
