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Having begun with an unconventional opening ceremony on the Seine River on 26 July, the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was held at the main sporting venue, Stade de France on 11 August. The Olympic flag was handed over to the American contingent since the 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in los Angeles.
From Hollywood's Tom Cruise to singers including Billie Eilish, the closing event featured celebratory performances from various faces of international renown. Here are ten unforgettable moments captured on camera during the ceremony.
Ten amazing pictures from the Paris Olympics closing ceremony
#10 Leon Marchand carries the Olympic flame for the extinguishing ceremony
While French football legend Zinedine Zidane had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch to the main venue at the opening ceremony, it was French swimmer Leon Marchand who got to carry the Olympic flame during the closing event.
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Marchand performed brilliantly at the Paris Olympics, winning four gold medals and a bronze for France.
#9 Billie Eilish's performance
The closing ceremony began with the handover celebrations for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Several American celebrities including Billie Eilish graced the event with their performances.
The singer-songwriter entertained the Parisian crowd with an amazing gig, followed by equally captivating performances from Snoop Dogg, H.E.R. and Dr. Dre.
#8 Yseult's performance
Another highlight was an outstanding rendition of Frank Sinatra's classic "My Way" by French singer-songwriter, Yseult, adding the icing to the cake at the closing ceremony.
#7 The fireworks
The Paris Olympics were bid a hearty farewell with an amazing display of fireworks during the closing ceremony, making global audiences already feel excited in anticipation of the Los Angeles edition.
#6 A performance from the French indie band, Phoenix
French band "Phoenix" added to the glamor of the closing ceremony with a brilliant performance that was the surprise package at the event. Based in Versailles, Phoenix has also found some success in the USA.
#5 Appearance of 'The Golden Voyager'
Like the mysterious horsewoman and the hooded figure that captured the attention of many at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, the Golden Voyager was one of the main highlights of the closing ceremony.
Dressed in shimmering gold, The Golden Voyager not only entertained the audience but also held up the Greek flag in a tribute to the Greek origins of the modern Olympics.
#4 Thomas Bach carries the Olympic flag for the last time
The closing ceremony was also a poignant moment for Thomas Bach, who is the current President of the International Olympic Committee. He waved the Olympic flag for the last time while he serves the role.
A gold medalist at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, Bach rose through the ranks after his athletic career to become the IOC President in 2013. He recently announced that he will not be seeking an extension after his term ends in 2025.
#3 Simone Biles accompanies L.A.'s mayor during the official handover
Team USA ended the Paris Olympics on a high after beating China in terms of overall medals, while tying off on the number of golds won. However, nothing could be better than one of the most decorated athletes this year as well as in sporting history accompanying the mayor of Los Angeles for the official Olympic flag handover.
With three gold medals and a silver, Simone Biles was one of the USA's best performers in the French capital. She accompanied mayor Karen Bass for the official handover for the 2028 Games.
#2 The Olympic flag handover from Paris to Los Angeles
As is customary, the Olympic flag was hoisted down and handed over to the organizers from Los Angeles, which will host the next quadrennial edition. This is the city's third Olympics after the 1932 and 1984 editions.
#1 Tom Cruise's daredevil entry
Like Celine Dion at the opening ceremony, the biggest highlight of the closing ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympics was the entry of Hollywood star Tom Cruise.
Cruise entered Stade de France performing daredevil stunts before jumping on to a motorcycle to 'cruise' among an enthralled audience. He also took the Olympic flag from Los Angeles' mayor Katie Bass and Simone Biles at one point, raising the excitement for the Los Angeles Olympics in trademark fashion.
