The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded spectacularly after 19 days of world-class sports, passing the baton to Los Angeles for 2028.
The closing ceremony was made even more exciting by Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who rappelled from the roof of the Stade de France. The event also featured performances by singer Billie Eilish and rapper Snoop Dogg, representing the next host city.
Officially starting on July 26, the Paris 2024 Games 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 Games left a lasting legacy, with 125 Olympic and 32 world records broken since the competitions began on July 24, two days before the official opening ceremony.
The official closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11, began with a parade of athletes entering 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 organizing committee president Tony Estanguet and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, the Olympic flag was lowered in front of approximately 70,000 spectators. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo handed the flag to Bach, who then entrusted it to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as the Californian city prepares to showcase what it has in store for the 2028 Games.
LA28 entertained the Paris crowd with an action-packed performance on screen, featuring Tom Cruise skydiving to deliver the Olympic flag to the Hollywood sign. This 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 Games in 1904 and the Atlanta Games in 1996.
The French capital will next host the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8. The United States topped the final medal tally with 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze medals, followed closely by China (40-27-24), Japan (20-12-13), and Australia (18-19-16). Malaysia finished their campaign in 80th place, with two bronze medals won by shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in men’s doubles and Lee Zii Jia in men’s singles, after sending a contingent of 26 athletes.
The Paris 2024 Games officially closed after Bach declared the Games over, followed by a stunning fireworks display.
