Léon Marchand Shines at the Paris 2024 Olympic Closing Ceremony
Léon Marchand, the quadruple Olympic champion and bronze medalist, made history as he was the first athlete to grace the stage during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 22-year-old swimmer from Toulouse, celebrated for his stunning victories in the 200m breaststroke, 200m butterfly, and both the 200m and 400m medley, had the honor of extinguishing the Olympic cauldron, marking a poignant end to the Games.
The ceremony, held at the iconic Stade de France, was a spectacular show that lasted over 2.5 hours, featuring performances by acrobats, dancers, and musicians, including renowned groups like Phoenix and Air. The event also signified the transition of the Olympic flag to the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games, ensuring the legacy of the Olympics continues.
In an emotional moment, Marchand carried the lantern of the “real” flame, which had illuminated the Tuileries garden for two weeks, before it was extinguished in a symbolic gesture of closure. With 71,500 spectators in attendance, the ceremony was a grand celebration of athletic excellence and cultural artistry.
- The Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed an incredible performance from various athletes, with China and the United States dominating the medal tally. The French team surpassed their previous record from the Beijing 2008 Games, achieving a total of forty-three medals across all categories. As the world looks forward to the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the Paris 2024 closing ceremony not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for future sporting excellence.
