The Paris Olympics wrapped up Sunday with the closing ceremony at the Stade de France, and the baton was passed to Los Angeles, which will be hosting the Games in 2028.
The United States won the most medals in Paris (126) and tied China for the most gold medals (40).
Leading the way for the United States was gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, who completed her comeback story by winning gold in both the team and individual all-around. Another legendary Olympian, swimmer Katie Ledecky, added two golds, a silver, and a bronze to her career resume.
China was led by its dominant diving team, which won all eight events for an unprecedented sweep.
In track and field, world records were shattered by Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis and American hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Julien Alfred won Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal when she won the 100 meters.
The host nation also had much to celebrate. France won gold in men’s volleyball and rugby sevens; swimmer Léon Marchand won four gold medals and a bronze, while judo legend Teddy Riner claimed two golds. Both French basketball teams earned silver medals while pushing the heavily favored Americans to the brink.
Actor Tom Cruise is lowered onto the floor of the Stade de France after jumping off the stadium’s roof during the closing ceremony. He took the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and rode off on a motorcycle. Natacha Pisarenko/APLos Angeles Mayor Karen Bass waves the Olympic flag next to Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee.
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US athletes celebrate during the closing ceremony. Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty ImagesAlain Roche plays the piano while suspended from wires hanging from the stadium’s roof.
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British athletes dance during the closing ceremony. Rebecca Blackwell/APFlagbearers from every country enter the Stade de France during the closing ceremony.
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The United States’ A’ja Wilson scores a basket during the gold-medal game against France on August 11. Wilson had 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks as the Americans won 67-66. It is Team USA’s eighth straight gold in women’s basketball. Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesThe Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan sprints to the finish line to win the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics on August 11. She won the gold medal and set an Olympic record with a time of 2:22:55. She also won bronze medals in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters earlier in the week. Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty ImagesChinese weightlifter Li Wenwen celebrates winning gold in her weight class on August 11. She also won gold in the event three years ago. South Korea’s Park Hye-jeong, left, finished with the silver, and Great Britain’s Emily Campbell earned bronze. Lars Baron/Getty ImagesThe United States’ Stephen Curry celebrates with his signature “night, night” pose after making a 3-pointer late in the gold-medal game against France on August 10. Curry made eight 3s and scored 24 points as Team USA won 98-87. Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesFrench cyclist Taky Marie-Divine Kouamé races during a sprint qualifier.
In summary, the 2024 Paris Olympics showcased extraordinary athletic talent and unforgettable moments, setting the stage for the upcoming Los Angeles Games in 2028. The impressive medal counts, record-breaking performances, and inspiring achievements of athletes worldwide will be remembered for years to come.
