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. In a surprising twist, Hollywood star Tom Cruise made an appearance, carrying the Olympic flag away on a motorcycle.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. 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 host nation, France, finished fifth in the overall ranking with a record 16 gold medals and 64 total medals.One of the most remarkable stories of the Games was the Netherlands’ achievement of sixth place in the medal count, despite being only the 69th most populous country. Their success is attributed to a selective sports policy that finances only athletes with a concrete chance of winning a medal.The Olympics were not just about athletic achievements but also about human connections and inclusivity. The event highlighted gender parity, with women’s events concluding the Games and medals being awarded during the closing ceremony. The Games also saw an increase in female participation, with countries like Brazil sending more women than men to compete.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. As the Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the 2028 Games, the Paris Olympics left behind a legacy of unity, equality, and sporting excellence, setting a high bar for future Olympic events.
Key points
- The Paris Olympics concluded with a spectacular ceremony featuring Hollywood star Tom Cruise.
- Team USA dominated the medal count, while France achieved a record medal haul as the host nation.
- The Netherlands secured a surprising sixth place in the medal count, showcasing the success of their selective sports policy.
- The Games highlighted inclusivity and gender parity, with increased female participation.
