KUALA LUMPUR: The 2024 Paris Olympics has concluded in spectacular fashion after 19 days of world-class sporting action, passing the baton to the 2028 host city, Los Angeles (LA) in the United States.
The closing ceremony was further enlivened by Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who rappeled from the roof of the Stade de France, alongside performances by singer Billie Eilish and rapper Snoop Dogg, representing the next host city.
Paris 2024, which officially began on July 26, saw around 10,500 athletes from over 206 teams competing in 329 events across 32 sports, all set against the backdrop of iconic Paris landmarks.
The Paris Games leave a lasting legacy with 125 Olympic and 32 world records shattered since the competitions began on July 24, two days before the official opening ceremony.
The official ceremony on Sunday (Aug 11) began with the athletes’ parade into the majestic Stade de France following cultural and musical displays, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Professional women’s golfer Ashley Lau carried the Jalur Gemilang, leading the 10-member Malaysian contingent, which included Deputy Chef-de-Mission Datuk Nicol David and diving athletes Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Bertrand Rhodict Lises.
After speeches from Paris 2024 organising committee president Tony Estanguet and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, the Olympic flag was lowered in front of some 70,000 spectators.
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo handed the flag to Bach, who then entrusted it to the Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass, as the Californian city takes centre stage to showcase what it has in store for the 2028 Games.
LA28 then entertained the Paris crowd with an action-packed performance on the screen, featuring Tom Cruise skydiving to bring the Olympic flag to the Hollywood sign.
LA28 will mark the third time Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics, following the 1932 and 1984 editions.
The United States has also previously hosted the St Louis 1904 and Atlanta 1996 Games.
The French capital will next host the Paralympics from Aug 28 to Sept 8.
The United States topped the final medal tally with a haul of 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze medals, followed by China (40-27-24), Japan (20-12-13), and Australia (18-19-16).
Malaysia, with two bronze medals won by shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the men’s doubles and Lee Zii Jia in the men’s singles, ended their campaign in 80th place after sending a contingent of 26 athletes.
The Paris 2024 Games officially closed after Bach declared the Games over, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. – Bernama
