Source – economictimes.indiatimes.com
Stellar Performances and Controversies
As the Paris Olympics 2024 draws to a close, the event has been marked by remarkable achievements and some controversies. U.S. gymnastics star Simone Biles has made a triumphant return, increasing her Olympic gold tally to seven. French swimmer Léon Marchand has also made waves, winning five medals, four of which are gold, drawing comparisons to the legendary Michael Phelps. Another standout moment occurred at the Stade de France, where Armand “Mondo” Duplantis won a gold medal and broke the world record for the ninth time, much to the delight of 80,000 spectators.
However, the games were not without controversy. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif found herself in the spotlight due to misunderstandings about her gender. Despite these issues, the organizers have largely succeeded in showcasing the splendor of the French capital. Beach volleyball matches held next to the iconic Eiffel Tower highlighted the city’s beauty, while the polluted Seine River posed challenges for some events.
Medal Standings and Event Highlights
As the Olympics progressed, the United States led the medal standings, followed by China. Australia, France, and Britain are competing fiercely for the third position. The competition remains intense as athletes strive for excellence and nations vie for top honors.
The women’s basketball gold medal game is set to be the final competitive event of the games, scheduled to tip off at 3:30 p.m. CEST (9:30 a.m. EDT) at Bercy Arena. This highly anticipated match will be the last event before the much-awaited closing ceremony.
Closing Ceremony: A Spectacular Farewell
The closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 is scheduled to commence at 9 p.m. CEST (3 p.m. EDT) on Sunday at Stade de France, located just north of Paris. The ceremony is expected to last until 11:15 p.m. CEST (5:15 p.m. EDT), offering a fitting conclusion to this global sporting event.
The closing ceremony will include traditional elements such as the athletes’ parade and the handover of the Olympic flag to the organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Additionally, there will be a medal presentation ceremony for the women’s marathon, which takes place earlier in the day.
Under the direction of Thomas Jolly, who also oversaw the opening ceremony, the event promises to be anything but ordinary. Organizers have announced that the ceremony will feature over a hundred performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists. Musical performances and the participation of world-renowned singers will add to the festivities. Spectators can expect a dazzling show with part of the performance taking place in the air, complemented by giant sets, costumes, and spectacular lighting effects that will transport the audience through time, embracing both past and future.
As the world bids farewell to the Paris Olympics 2024, the closing ceremony is set to be a grand spectacle, celebrating the achievements of athletes and the spirit of the Games.
Also Read: Beijing Police Arrest Woman for Defaming Chinese Olympic Table Tennis Players
