Headlined by Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, the modern and ‘records’ themed performance took place in front of a delighted 80,000 strong crowd. With the ceremony officially marking not just the end of Paris 2024 but also the handover to LA 2028. 

Over 300 Australian athletes took part in the closing ceremony. Paris 2024 will go down in history as our most successful Games with 53 medals, 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze from a team of 467 athletes. 

The ceremony was opened by artist Zaho de Sagazan, accompanied by a choir, performing Paris' unofficial anthem, "Sous le ciel de Paris" which translates to "Under Paris Skies". 

The stunning musical piece took place as French swimmer and four-time gold medalist Léon Marchand collected the Olympic Flame from the Tuileries garden, where the Olympic Cauldron has been lit for the last 16 days.

Following the introduction to the ceremony, dignitaries and raising of the flags of France and the International Olympic Committee, the parade of approximately 205 nations made up of 9000 athletes, staff and volunteers began into the venue. 

Australian Flag Bearers Kaylee McKeown and Matt Wearn lead the Australian contingent into the glittering Stade de France. 

Paris took a moment to recognise not just its volunteers, and athletes, but the Women’s Marathon medallists and the ‘Marathon for All’ event that took place earlier in the day. 

Aussie gold medallist Jess Fox was on the stage alongside three other international athletes to present a touching bouquet as a gift to a chosen volunteer. Done as a symbol of appreciation to the estimated 45,000 volunteers of Paris 2024 who ensured the Games came to life. 

Taking the performance to the air with the introduction and arrival of ‘The Golden Voyager from the rafters of the stadium, a spectacular light show took place, showcasing a modern interpretation of a journey through space and time. 

Stade de France was transformed into a monumental theatre. Transported to another space and time, to a world that is dark, deserted and mysterious. Emerging from the sky, the Golden Voyager landed before the audience on a stage created to represent the continents of the globe. 

The ceremony was led by creative director and legendary mind Thomas Jolly, who was also responsible for the spectacular display for the Opening Ceremony along the River Seine. 

Describing the closing masterpiece as “a journey into the past, to the origins of the Games, but also into the future, and ultimately to a timeless universe", Jolly conducted a French tribute to the iconic Games.

Australian Swimmer Emma McKeon joined IOC President, Thomas Bach, and Paris 2024 Organising Committee President, Tony Estanguet, on stage to represent Oceania for the Olympic anthem and official handover ceremony of the Flag to Los Angeles 2028.

A stirring rendition of the national anthem of the United States of America by California native H.E.R, while the Flag was held by American superstar gymnast Simone Biles, kicked off an incredible stunt performance by Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise. 

Base jumping from the roof of Stade de France to the pitch among the athletes, Cruise joined the stage to accept the flag from the Major of California, only to exit the building in true American style: donning leather and taking to the streets of Paris on a black motorbike.  

Delivering the flag and makeshift Olympic Rings with impossible style, Cruise officially landed the next Olympics in Los Angeles. A classically Californian beach concert made a live appearance featuring Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Snoop Dog in front of a vibrant crowd. 

The Closing Ceremony captured the flair of French culture in the costumes and took spectators, both those at home and in the stands, on a cultural journey of celebration of the ethos of the Olympic movement: The unity and spirit of all corners of the globe. 

Now, with the flame delivered to the stadium by Léon Marchand, bringing the ceremony full circle, it was extinguished by Léon, Thomas Bach, Emma McKeon and the athletes representing each continent.

Fireworks and a beautiful performance from Yseult of the Frank Sinatra hit ‘My Way’ concluded the ceremony, highlighting that Paris really did deliver a Games like no other.

The world will now celebrate the Olympic history made in 2024 and look forward to the Paralympics that will commence in only a few weeks time. 

For Australia, Paris will forever be remembered as not just our most successful Games on the medal tally, but a Games that recaptured and inspired the hearts of the world in the City of Light.

Shannon Knaus