The Olympics concluded on a star-studded night at the Stade de France as Paris 2024 delivered a memorable closing ceremony.
But the spirit of the Games returned over the last two weeks and Paris provided an evening that included Tom Cruise, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and Red Hot Chili Peppers as the baton was passed onto Los Angeles 2028.
Team USA topped the medal table, while France enjoyed its best return in terms of medals in 124 years, behind Leon Marchand in the pool.
As for Team GB, there were more medals on the final day to conclude a successful Games, securing one more medal overall but eight fewer gold medals than at Tokyo 2020.
Relive all the action from Sunday night’s closing ceremony below:
Team GB swap medals for moments as Paris leaves new Olympics blueprint
“All the travel books will tell you to avoid Paris in August – it’s too crowded, too hot and everything is shut.
“Well, perhaps, these last two weeks have taught us to forget all those stereotypes about the French, with their smiling waiters, reliable public transport and cooling rain.
“And as for their great summer tradition of strikes and riots, unfortunately that moved a little closer to home.
“Whisper it quietly but Paris saw London 2012 and raised it.”
Final reflections on Paris 2024, by James Toney.
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 23:20
Olympics 2024: Closing Ceremony
A wonderful rendition of My Way from Yseult, followed by a final, spectacular firework display, around the roof of the Parc des Princes, brings the night to a close.
Well done, Paris. You did do the Olympics your way, and it was brilliant.
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 23:08
Olympics 2024: Closing Ceremony
That was perfect from LA. They got just who they wanted to kick start the party ahead of 2028!
Now we’re back to Paris, as Leon Marchand finally completes his long walk with the Olympic flame.
He is cradling the lantern so carefully!
Thomas Bach declares the Olympics of Paris 2024 are closed… and Marchand blows out the flame to symbolise it!
Over to 2028: Paris, you have been superb, Los Angeles you have a big act to follow.
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 22:58
Olympics 2024: Closing Ceremony
Time for the MVP of Paris 2024. He’s been everywhere in Paris, but now he’s back home!
Snoop Dogg takes to the stage in Long Beach, with Drop it Like It’s Hot.
AND HE’S GOT DR DRE ON STAGE TOO!
Two West Coast legends, reuniting once again for The Next Episode.
Compton, Long Beach, Inglewood, South Central out to the Westside, It’s California Love.
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 22:52
Olympics 2024: Closing Ceremony
Over to their left, by a beach hut, it’s Billie Eilish!
Eilish looks effortlessly cool in the LA heat, with a baseball cap and Ralph Lauren polo as she sings Birds of a Feather.
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 22:50
Olympics 2024: Closing Ceremony
With the Olympic flag now delivered to Long Beach with help from Michael Johnson, we’re in LA now, bright blue sky, golden beach…
… and the Red Hot Chili Peppers!
The party has moved on from Paris to LA.
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 22:46
Olympics 2024: Closing Ceremony
Ok this is getting wild now. Tom Cruise sets off through the streets, meeting a jumbo jet at a hanger.
The heist of the Olympic flag complete, he skydives over the Californian hills and into the north Los Angeles.
He covers the Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings!
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 22:42
Olympics 2024: Closing Ceremony
TOM CRUISE IS ON THE ROOF TOM CRUISE IS ON THE ROOF
Top Gun launches himself into the Stade de France, what an entrance!
He is mobbed by athletes befroe leaping onto the stage, he shakes hands with Simone Biles, picks up the Olympic flag…
and then… and then… TAKES OFF ON A MOTORBIKE
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 22:38
Olympics 2024: Closing Ceremony
Ok yeah it’s America time. A guitar-filled, power-ballad of the United States national anthem now fills Paris, as H.E.R. belts out the words.
She nails it! What a start.
Jamie Braidwood11 August 2024 22:37
