Celebrating Olympism at the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony
This past Sunday evening at the Stade de France, the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games was a grand celebration of athletic achievement and the enduring values of Olympism. Notable figures including Tony Estanguet, the president of Cojop, and Thomas Bach, the president of the IOC, were present to honor athletes from around the globe. Among the standout moments was the entrance of Teddy Riner, the quadruple Olympic champion, who proudly represented Europe and showcased his two new gold medals won this summer. Riner, a beloved figure in France, solidified his legacy by becoming the only French athlete to secure five gold medals at the Summer Games.
In a historic moment, Cindy Ngamba, a bronze medalist in boxing, made waves by winning the first medal for the refugee team, a delegation established by the IOC in 2015. Ngamba's inspiring journey from a migrant detention camp in London to Olympic glory highlights the resilience of athletes facing adversity. Additionally, Chinese table tennis star Sun Yingsha celebrated her first mixed doubles title alongside Wang Chuqin, adding to her illustrious career.
A Night of Recognition for Sporting Legends
The ceremony also honored legendary athletes such as Eliud Kipchoge, the Kenyan marathon icon, who received a standing ovation despite his retirement from competitive racing. Kipchoge is celebrated for his extraordinary achievements, including winning eleven prestigious marathons and holding the world record for a time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds, a record that was recently broken by Kelvin Kiptum.
Mijain Lopez, the Cuban wrestling superstar, made history by winning his fifth consecutive gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, further cementing his status among the greatest Olympians. Meanwhile, Australian swimmer Emma McKeon shone brightly by winning gold in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay, adding to her impressive total of 12 Olympic medals.
The artistic segment of the ceremony was equally captivating, featuring the talented Zaho de Sagazan, who opened the show with the classic French song 'Sous le ciel de Paris.' This performance marked the symbolic extinguishing of the Olympic flame and celebrated the spirit of the capital and its inhabitants.
- The closing ceremony was not just a celebration of athletic prowess but also a cultural homage to Paris, with performances that resonated deeply with the audience. Zaho de Sagazan's rendition of 'Sous le ciel de Paris' was a poignant reminder of the city's rich artistic heritage. The song, which has been performed by iconic French artists over the decades, served as a fitting tribute to the Olympic spirit that unites people from all walks of life. As the Olympic Games come to a close, the legacy of these athletes and their stories will continue to inspire future generations. The values of perseverance, unity, and excellence embodied by these sports figures remind us of the power of sport to transcend boundaries and foster inclusivity.
