The Cuban wrestler Mijaín López, the only athlete in history to win five Olympic gold medals in the same event following his victory in wrestling at Paris 2024, served as the representative for American athletes at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Alongside López on the main stage at the Stade de France in Paris were boxer Cindy Ngamba (EOR), a bronze medalist and representative of the Olympic Refugee Team; table tennis player Sun Yingsha (CHN), who holds three gold medals and two silver medals, representing Asia. Another female athlete was swimmer Emma McKeon (AUS), who represented Oceania with her six gold medals, three silver medals, and five bronze medals.
For Africa, the chosen athlete was marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge (KEN), who boasts two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. Europe was represented by judoka Teddy Riner (FRA), who has accumulated five gold medals and two bronze medals throughout his career.
The six athletes took to the stage following a speech by Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. This was followed by the address of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, who referenced various global conflicts and highlighted the Olympic values of athletes who compete solely in the spirit of sportsmanship.
"The Olympic Games can create a culture of peace. I invite you to live this culture of peace every day," Bach stated. "Your performances were incredible. You competed fiercely against each other. Each competition was on the verge of perfection. Each performance generated excitement worldwide. You showed us the greatness humans are capable of," he affirmed.
Additionally, the six athletes extinguished the Olympic flame alongside French swimmer Léon Marchand, who had brought the flame from the Olympic cauldron and carried it into the Stade de France.
During this ceremony, the Olympic flag was handed from the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, to IOC President Thomas Bach, and then to the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, marking the countdown to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Key Moments from the Paris 2024 Olympic Closing Ceremony
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the significant moments and details from the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, featuring Mijaín López and other prominent athletes.
Who represented American athletes at the Paris 2024 closing ceremony?
Cuban wrestler Mijaín López represented American athletes at the Paris 2024 closing ceremony.
Which athlete brought the Olympic flame into the Stade de France?
French swimmer Léon Marchand brought the Olympic flame into the Stade de France.
What message did IOC President Thomas Bach convey in his speech?
Thomas Bach emphasized the creation of a culture of peace and praised the athletes' performances and sportsmanship.
Who received the Olympic flag for the 2028 Games?
The mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, received the Olympic flag for the 2028 Games.