Olympics closing ceremony: 5 takeaways from an extremely memorable party

Saint-Denis, France
CNN
 — 

It was a party in the Stade de France as an electric two-and-a-half weeks of the Summer Olympics wrapped up on Sunday with a celebration of the athletes, the people who made the Games happen and a preview of what to expect in four years.

Here are five takeaways from the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics:

They were everywhere in Paris during these Olympic Games and helped people from around the world find their way around venues, around the city and just generally get themselves sorted out. The volunteers of Paris 2024 deserved a huge thank you and they got one to start off the closing ceremony.

Clad in green shirts and green pants for the last two-plus weeks, they were ever present at all hours of the competition. When they streamed into the Stade de France along with the flagbearers, they received a huge roar from the always vociferous French crowd.

The sports are obviously the central part of the Olympic Games, but they don’t work without an army of volunteers spread throughout the host city, helping fans from around the globe find their way around.

It was a wonderful gesture from Games organizers and an incredible moment for the volunteers to be able to be thanked by tens of thousands of people who they helped during their time in Paris.

The closing ceremony’s parade of nations was a celebration from the start. Athletes ready to relax and celebrate after completing years of training for these last two weeks were excited to pump up the fans in the stands and mingle with their teammates.

After most of the athletes entered the stadium, it was time for a little karaoke with 80,000 people all singing together.

First, there were a couple of French songs, but then the moment came as it had so many times at venues over the last weeks: Gala Rizzatto’s “Freed From Desire” came on through the loudspeakers.

It might as well have been the unofficial anthem of these Games and was a crowd pleaser at every venue in which it was played. Finally, it was the athletes’ turn to partake in the dancing and singing.

The thousands of competitors danced and jumped right along with the crowd in the stands, everyone letting loose a joyous energy that came from the competition finally being over so athletes and fans alike could come together in celebration of a truly splendid Olympics.

From the opening ceremony’s amazing display on the Eiffel Tower to pre-competition displays, light shows were a hallmark of these Olympics. For the closing ceremony, organizers had one last trick up their sleeves.

As dancers performed on the stage below, the lights at the Stade de France went out and tens of thousands of wristbands lit up all at once, illuminating the stadium as the sun fully set.

From there, the Bluetooth-synced wristbands proceeded to not only flash and blink in time with each other, but individual sections of fans were unwittingly part of the show with their wristbands showing scenes of athletic competition moving across entire ends of the stadium.

It was a truly breathtaking display that ended in the Olympic rings being raised above the stage in the center of the stadium, and the wristbands of the fans on all four sides of the venue being illuminated in their iconic image. It was a performance of synchronization across such a large scale that was truly impressive to see.

Phoenix and other French performers rock and the athletes storm the stage

After the light show and dancers concluded, it was time for the musical performance of the evening. The athletes were released from the assigned areas around the stage and encouraged to get up close to it. Many of them went a little further than that.

Athletes began climbing onto the stage that was shaped like the continents, running around and soaking in the cheers of the fans. It was a moment of exuberance that wasn’t exactly welcomed by the people producing the show – multiple announcements were made over the stadium’s loudspeaker asking the athletes, politely, to get off the stage.

Some of them heard that announcement and complied. Most of them heard that announcement and decided it would be more fun to dance around French indie rock band Phoenix as they launched into their set.

It was an incredible sight. Scores of athletes huddled around a rock band like they were playing a tiny show at a local music venue, dancing and jumping around as they waved their country’s flags. Elsewhere, some athletes left the stage while others just went to other areas and danced and interacted with the crowd from there.

Eventually, organizers got all the athletes down and allowed the performers to have their space. But for one incredible moment, there was nearly a mosh pit in the center of the Olympics’ closing ceremony.

The most Hollywood way possible to hand off the Olympic flag

There’s a certain order to how these things go at the end of an Olympics. The Olympic flag is lowered, handed to the host city’s mayor for a final wave and then to the president of the International Olympic Committee to give it to the mayor of the next host city.

At no point does that pomp and circumstance require a Hollywood A-lister to jump from the roof of a building, abscond with the flag, find a motorcycle and ride out of the stadium with it. And yet, that’s exactly what happened here on Sunday.

As Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass handed the flag to US gymnastics legend Simone Biles, a spotlight suddenly flashed to the top of the Stade de France where Tom Cruise – who famously does all his own stunts – was standing.

And then suddenly he was falling. Attached to a cable, Cruise jumped from the stadium’s roof to the field below, making his way through the assembled athletes to Bass and Biles. Cruise was handed the Olympic flag and gave it a wave before he went back into the crowd of athletes.

Inexplicably waiting for him below was a motorcycle. And in true action star fashion, Cruise hopped on the bike and fired it up, riding out through the tunnel of the stadium. Video screens quickly showed him riding through the streets of Paris with the flag, heading for an airport where he boarded a plane and flew the flag to Hollywood.

Eventually, after some more Cruise hijinks and sweeping shots of the SoCal landscape, the flag arrived at the beach where the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre were waiting for it. It was an extremely LA way to begin the next Olympiad and definitely set an early tone for what to expect in the City of Angels four years from now.

plays the piano while suspended from wires hanging from the stadium’s roof.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3606″ width=”5440″ loading=’lazy’/>

the Americans won 67-66. It is Team USA’s eighth straight gold in women’s basketball.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

bronze medals in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters earlier in the week.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

celebrates winning gold in her weight class on August 11. She also won gold in the event three years ago. South Korea’s Park Hye-jeong, left, finished with the silver, and Great Britain’s Emily Campbell earned bronze.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1977″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Italy won in straight sets.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Stephen Curry celebrates with his signature “night, night” pose after making a 3-pointer late in the gold-medal game against France on Saturday, August 10. Curry made eight 3s and scored 24 points as Team USA won 98-87.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

claim the gold medal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2539″ width=”3805″ loading=’lazy’/>

4×400 relay on August 10. The United States finished a staggering 50 meters clear of the second-place team.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2085″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Marta acknowledges the fans after the game against the United States on August 10. This was her last major appearance for her country.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Norway won 29-21 to earn the gold medal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

to win gold in the women’s 4×100 relay on August 9.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

she won gold iin the welterweight division on August 9. During these Games, Khelif has been subject to a torrent of online abuse, with prominent anti-trans figures, right-wing commentators and politicians incorrectly calling her a man — and using the controversy to fuel the wider culture war around gender identity.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2175″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

were atop the leaderboard before the fourth and final round.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1999″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Chebet won another gold medal to go with the one she won in the 5,000 meters.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

He slipped in the last run of the final and finished with the silver.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Spain went on to win 5-3.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

wears a cape that says “free Afghan women” as she takes part in the breaking competition on August 9. The 21-year-old fled Afghanistan after the Taliban began seizing control in 2021. She is now living in Spain, but she is representing the Refugee Team at the Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

She went on to win the gold.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

ongoing war in Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee announced in December that Russian and Belarusian athletes would only be eligible to compete as individual neutral athletes at this year’s Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1918″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning the 400-meter hurdles and smashing her own world record on Thursday, August 8. She finished in 50.37 seconds, dominating the field to win gold for the second straight Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

ongoing saga at the Games, but organizers deemed it fit for athletes to race in.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2149″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

they rallied to win 95-91.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4500″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

after winning gold on August 8.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning the 200 meters on August 8. His time of 19.46 seconds was the fifth-fastest in history.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2001″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

required assistance from medical personnel. He said he was feeling light-headed after the race and that he also was experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. He was later able to give television interviews.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Saunders also donned a black face mask and colorful visor sunglasses while competing. Saunders later said the outfit was all about inspiring people to be themselves.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1999″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

to win the 400-meter final on Wednesday, August 7. He passed several runners down the straightaway to complete an epic comeback.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning gold in a dinghy sailing race on August 7.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Tamberi was the first to check on him. Barshim was able to recover and qualify for the final.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2194″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

to win gold in the marathon mixed relay race walk on August 7. Her partner was Álvaro Martín.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

They were awarded gold after a Russian skater tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

to advance to the gold-medal match.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

stunning the field to win the 1,500 meters on August 6. Hocker finished with an Olympic record time of 3:27.65.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1838″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

She would go on to win the bronze.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1645″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning the 200 meters on August 6.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

Elor won the gold medal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

she defeated Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in a welterweight semifinal on August 6.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

They came back from a 24-point deficit to win in overtime.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1836″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

he won his fifth Olympic gold medal on August 6. He dominated Chile’s Yasmani Acosta in the 130-kilogram final and became the first Olympian in history to win five gold medals in the same individual event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1607″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

breaking the world record for the ninth time in his career.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3749″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

but her silver medal was later reinstated. Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet won gold.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1666″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

his 3×3 basketball team won gold on August 5.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

bow to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade after she won Olympic gold in the floor exercise on August 5. It was the first all-Black Olympics gymnastics podium. However, on August 11, the International Olympic Committee announced that Chiles’ bronze medal would be reallocated to Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that an appeal made by the United States over Chiles’ score was filed too late.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1333″ width=”2000″ loading=’lazy’/>

her difficulty score was successfully challenged and she received the extra 0.1 that she needed to move up to third. On August 10, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that challenge came too late, resulting in the bronze medal being reallocated to Bărbosu.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

to give Germany gold in the mixed relay on August 5.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

the first time in 20 years that the United States had won gold in the event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

was incredibly close and came down to a photo finish. Lyles was in Lane 7. Silver medalist Kishane Thompson of Jamaica was in Lane 4.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1771″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Finke smashed the world record on his way to gold, finishing with a time of 14:30.67.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

on her way to winning gold on August 4.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1987″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Scottie Scheffler celebrates with his wife, Meredith Scudder, and their son, Bennett, after winning gold on August 4. Scheffler carded a 9-under 62 in the final round.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

the first gold medal for Djokovic, who has won a record 24 grand slam singles titles during his legendary career.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2031″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

made history by winning her country’s first gold medal in the sport.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2019″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Nigeria made history by becoming the first African team — men’s or women’s — to reach the quarterfinal stage of the Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Fan won 4-1.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1333″ width=”2000″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning the individual dressage title on August 4.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2154″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

He won gold in the event, just as he did three years ago in Tokyo.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1869″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Ledecky won the event for the fourth straight Olympics and added to her record as the most decorated American female in Olympics history. She has won 14 Olympic medals, nine of which are gold.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning gold in the 100-meter dash on August 3. It was her country’s first Olympic medal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

gold medalist Markus Rooth of Norway and bronze medalist Lindon Victor of Grenada.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

remote-controlled mini car carries a javelin during the men’s decathlon on August 3.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2001″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

She won the individual event for her third gold medal in Paris.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1506″ width=”2300″ loading=’lazy’/>

first man from the Philippines to ever win an Olympic gold medal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

advance to the semifinals.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2093″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

fourth gold medal of the Games, and he finished with an Olympic-record time of 1:54.06.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

wins the 10,000 meters on August 2. He set an Olympic record (26:43.14) on his way to the gold medal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

proposes to his girlfriend, Huang Yaqiong, after she and Zheng Siwei won gold in mixed doubles on August 2.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4000″ width=”6000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Teddy Riner reacts after beating South Korea’s Kim Min-jong in a judo final on August 2. Riner, who lit the Olympic flame to conclude the opening ceremony, won his fourth gold medal, the most by a judoka in Olympic history.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1755″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

Ivan Litvinovich celebrates winning the gold medal in the men’s trampoline on August 2. Litvinovich, who is from Belarus, became the first individual neutral athlete to win a gold medal at the Paris Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

She won the gold, completing her comeback story and regaining her title from 2016.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3746″ width=”5793″ loading=’lazy’/>

lost in the quarterfinals on August 1. Murray, a three-time grand slam winner, is retiring from the sport.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1776″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

won her second gold medal of these Games with an Olympic-record time of 2:03.03.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2001″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Kotsoiev would go on to win the gold. Toroboyev won the bronze.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2895″ width=”4343″ loading=’lazy’/>

defeating Poland’s Iga Świątek, the world’s top-ranked tennis player and a dominant force on clay, in the Olympic semifinals on August 1. Qinwen, the No. 6 seed, won in straight sets: 6-2, 7-5.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4000″ width=”6000″ loading=’lazy’/>

which she won on August 1.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4410″ width=”6615″ loading=’lazy’/>

Andrade won the silver for the second straight Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

crushed the rest of the field in her signature event, breaking her own Olympic record in the process. She finished in 15:30.02, a full 10 seconds faster than her closest competitor.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1930″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Oka went on to win the gold. Japanese men have now won the individual all-around in four straight Olympics. Daiki Hashimoto won three years ago in Tokyo, and Kohei Uchimura won in 2016 and 2012.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

were knocked out in the quarterfinals by the United States’ Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram on July 31. Nadal’s future in tennis is uncertain as injuries continue to plague him.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

Water quality concerns had postponed the men’s triathlon by a day, but it was held on the same day as the women’s.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4333″ width=”6500″ loading=’lazy’/>

receiving a red card during a match against Spain on July 31. She was sent off for a reckless and dangerous challenge on Olga Carmona. Marta, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, has said she’s retiring from international play following this tournament, so the red card could mark an ignominious end to her glittering national team career.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2800″ width=”4200″ loading=’lazy’/>

Marchand won the event and then came back to the pool later in the night to win gold in the 200-meter breaststroke. He set Olympic records in both.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1667″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

takes a selfie on the medal podium with his mixed-doubles partner, Shin Yu-bin, and teams from China and North Korea on Tuesday, July 30. Lim and Shin won bronze. On the left is the North Korean team of Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong, who won the silver. At center is the Chinese team of Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, who won the gold.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1334″ width=”2000″ loading=’lazy’/>

dominated the field to win the gold. It was a bit of redemption for Biles, who surpassed Shannon Miller for the most Olympic medals by an American gymnast (eight). Biles withdrew from the team competition three years ago after a shocking case of the “twisties,” a mental block where gymnasts lose track of their positioning midair.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1619″ width=”2500″ loading=’lazy’/>

advanced to the quarterfinals with a dramatic win over Belgium’s Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen on July 30. Murray and Evans won 6-3, 6-7, 11-9. Murray has said this tournament will be the last of his legendary career.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3285″ width=”4926″ loading=’lazy’/>

stunning comeback to defeat Australia and win bronze in rugby sevens on July 30. It is the the United States’ first-ever Olympic medal in the sport — for either men or women.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3054″ width=”4476″ loading=’lazy’/>

Vekić went on to win 7-6, 6-2.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

a near-perfect 9.90-scoring wave on Monday, July 29. It was the highest-scoring wave in Olympic history.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1994″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

some costly mistakes on the horizontal bar dropped it to second place. The United States won the bronze.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3978″ width=”5671″ loading=’lazy’/>

win a second bronze medal in the individual pommel horse event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Team USA won 102-76 in what was a rematch of the gold-medal game three years ago. The United States has won 56 consecutive Olympic games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4011″ width=”6016″ loading=’lazy’/>

to win the 200-meter freestyle on July 29. O’Callaghan finished in 1:53.27, topping Titmus’ Olympic record from three years ago. Titmus won the silver.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3937″ width=”5906″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning her bronze-medal sabre bout on July 29. It’s her country’s first medal of the Paris Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3513″ width=”5606″ loading=’lazy’/>

epic showdown, winning 6-1, 6-4.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3314″ width=”5024″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning the street competition on July 29. Horigome also won the event at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3422″ width=”5134″ loading=’lazy’/>

recorded the highest score in every round to win the gold medal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2347″ width=”3521″ loading=’lazy’/>

finish 1-2 in the 100-meter butterfly on July 28.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

They fought off five match points to win 2-6, 7-6, 11-9. Murray has said he will retire after the Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1955″ width=”2590″ loading=’lazy’/>

the Americans’ 4-1 victory on July 28.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Kiefer overwhelmed Scruggs 15-6 to win the event for the second straight Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

came back from a 5-2 deficit to win 6-5 in their soccer match on July 28.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

She landed awkwardly while warming up for her floor routine, but she fought through the pain to post an impressive all-around score.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

NBC’s commentary crew deemed him “Bob the Cap Catcher.” The lifeguard declined to release his name, a Paris 2024 spokesperson said, so that he could keep the focus on his duties.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

historic victory in its first-ever Olympic men’s game, winning 90-79.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3364″ width=”5047″ loading=’lazy’/>

Other celebrities watching included Snoop Dogg and Ariana Grande.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1668″ width=”2258″ loading=’lazy’/>

set an Olympic record with a time of 3:28:92.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

taking place in Tahiti, far away from Paris.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1897″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

The dream pairing beat Argentina’s Máximo González and Andrés Molteni 7-6, 6-4.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2024″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

the United States’ first gold medal of the Paris Olympics. The result also continued Dressel’s streak of winning gold in every Olympic race in which he’s competed. He won five gold medals in Tokyo.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

winning the 400-meter freestyle on July 27.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

its first gold medal of these Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

France won 78-66.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5232″ width=”7847″ loading=’lazy’/>

set a new Olympic record in the 100-meter butterfly during a semifinal race on July 27. She finished in 55.38 seconds.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1889″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

They won the first gold medal of the Paris Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2007″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

the United States’ first medal of this year’s Games. The gold went to China’s Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1961″ width=”2943″ loading=’lazy’/>

is the cavernous home to all the fencing competitions at the Paris Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Olympic cauldron rise in a hot-air balloon after they lit it at the end of the opening ceremony in Paris on Friday, July 26. The first hot-air balloon flight was performed in France in 1783.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4996″ width=”7126″ loading=’lazy’/>

 performs Edith Piaf’s “Hymne À L’Amour,” one of the French singer’s most well-known songs, on the Eiffel Tower at the end of the opening ceremony. It was her first performance since her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1259″ width=”2216″ loading=’lazy’/>

depicted scenes from the French Revolution. Here, smoke billows near windows at the Conciergerie, the site where Marie Antoinette, the last French queen prior to the revolution, was imprisoned.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4203″ width=”6305″ loading=’lazy’/>

the bells of Notre Dame rang for the first time since the iconic cathedral was gutted by fire in 2019. It is 90% restored.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5123″ width=”7686″ loading=’lazy’/>

France’s high-speed train lines were targeted by several “malicious” acts, including arson, in what has been described as “coordinated sabotage” to disrupt travel ahead of the Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4000″ width=”6000″ loading=’lazy’/>

Simone Biles trains on Thursday, July 25. Biles is looking to regain the individual all-around title she won in the 2016 Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2170″ width=”3281″ loading=’lazy’/>

She shot a world and Olympic record 694 in the individual ranking round.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>

is hosting the Olympic surfing competition.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″/>

The best photos of the Paris Olympics