Paris to pass torch with star-studded finale

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will conclude on Sunday, August 11, with a grand closing ceremony at the Stade de France, marking the end of two weeks of exceptional sporting events. The ceremony, which promises to be a star-studded affair, will kick off at 8:00 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time) and last until 10:30 PM CEST.

It will feature performances from globally renowned artists, including Californian music icons Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg. These music legends are expected to entertain thousands of fans as Paris hands over the Olympic torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games, setting the stage for a new chapter in Olympic history.

Paris, which utilised its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles to mesmerise audiences, is passing the baton to Los Angeles. The American city, in preparation for its moment, is already gearing up to showcase its home-grown celebrities to capture the world's attention.

The 2.5-hour event will feature a theatrical performance titled "Records," offering a dream-like journey through the history of the Olympic Games, led by a character known as the "Golden Voyager." This odyssey will take the audience from the ancient origins of the Games to a futuristic, dystopian world where the Olympic spirit must be rediscovered, highlighting the enduring values of peace and unity that Olympism embodies.

However, it is the musical performances that are set to be the highlight of the evening. Alongside Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg, Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. will perform the US national anthem live in Paris. Rumours have also circulated that Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise may make a surprise appearance, possibly performing a daring stunt reminiscent of his "Mission Impossible" films, although this has not been confirmed.

"This is the biggest moment in LA28 history to date, as the Olympic flag passes from Paris to LA," said Casey Wasserman, Chairperson and President of LA28, underscoring the significance of the handover. The ceremony will culminate with a performance of Frank Sinatra's "My Way," originally sung by French music legend Claude François, as a nod to Paris's unique way of hosting the Games.

The 2024 Olympics in Paris were marked by intense competition, particularly between China and the United States, who battled for the top spot on the medal table until the very end. The United States clinched the title with a total of 40 gold medals, with the final one being secured by the American women's basketball team in a nail-biting one-point victory over France.

Fans and spectators have praised France's handling of the Games, with packed venues and an electric atmosphere throughout the city. The French were particularly thrilled by the performances of swimmer Léon Marchand, who emerged as a new national hero with four gold medals, and judoka Teddy Riner, who claimed his fifth Olympic gold.

Despite initial scepticism, Olympic fever gripped the host nation, and the Games will be remembered for their dramatic sporting moments and the stunning backdrop provided by the City of Light. The inclusion of new sports such as breaking (breakdancing), 3x3 basketball, and surfing added a fresh dynamic, though they were not without controversy.

The Games also navigated several challenges, including a simmering doping dispute involving Chinese athletes and a gender eligibility controversy in women’s boxing. Additionally, the IOC faced scrutiny over its relationship with the International Boxing Association, reflecting the complexities of hosting a global sporting event.