The Paris 2024 Olympics have unfolded with both grandeur and excitement, creating lasting memories for athletes and fans alike. Now, as the curtain falls on the Games, attention turns toward the closing ceremony, set to be held at the iconic Stade de France. This final celebration not only marks the end of the Olympics but also sets the stage for the next grand event: the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which promises to be just as thrilling.
The concluding day of the Paris Olympics sees 14 gold medals up for grabs. The festivities kick off with the women’s marathon happening at 8:00 AM CEST (2:00 AM EDT). This year adds a historical twist to the marathon tradition: instead of the men’s event going first, the women will take the spotlight and trace the historic route of the Women’s March on Versailles from the French Revolution back in 1789. It’s expected to be more than just a race; it’s about equality, history, and honoring the past.
The competition will proceed with more exciting events. Following the marathon, the men’s handball final pits Denmark against Germany at 1:30 PM CEST (7:30 AM EDT). Fans are eager to see if Denmark can claim its second Olympic title against formidable opponents. Meanwhile, at 1:00 PM (7:00 AM EDT), the women’s volleyball final will showcase American athletes defending their title against first-time finalists Italy. This match is significant for the Italians, who are striving for their maiden Olympic volleyball medal.
Then, all eyes will be on the women’s basketball final at 3:30 PM CEST (9:30 AM EDT), where the American team faces host nation France. The U.S. women aim to make Olympic history by bagging their eighth consecutive gold medal—something unprecedented across any sport. The stakes are high: victory would break the current record of seven consecutive wins held by the U.S. men's program from 1936 to 1968.
Adding to the excitement, the women’s modern pentathlon will feature its last equestrian event at the picturesque Palace of Versailles at 12:40 PM CEST (6:40 AM EDT). This marks the final time the traditional horse jumping discipline will be part of the Olympics as the sport evolves to integrate modern obstacle courses, similar to the popular television show 'American Ninja Warrior.'
Another highlight of the day is Denmark’s pursuit of gold in the men’s handball final, where they will face Germany, who have proved their mettle as bronze medalists from the 2016 Rio Games. Water polo fans will also be treated to thrilling action as Serbia, the two-time reigning champions, take on the 2012 gold medalists, Croatia.
But it's not all just about the competing athletes; the closing ceremony is when the Olympic spirit really shines. The event, directed by Thomas Jolly, will feature over 100 performers, acrobats, dancers, and circus artists, transforming the Stade de France environment. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 PM CEST (3:00 PM EDT) and is expected to captivate audiences worldwide, making it one for the books.
One of the most poignant moments during the ceremony will be the handover of the Olympic flag to Los Angeles, priming the city for the next Olympic Games. Echoing this transition is the spirit of camaraderie, unity, and sportsmanship celebrated throughout the events, reminding everyone of the powerful messages the Olympics convey.
Turning the page to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, organizers are gearing up with both familiar and fresh approaches. LA's Games promise to debut new sports, including flag football and squash, alongside the return of lacrosse and cricket. These inclusions are aimed at appealing to both local and international audiences, highlighting the evolution of sports and their growing global reach.
The format for some sports has also seen considerable change; lacrosse will be played as a short, six-a-side format, which is more digestible for new audiences. Cricket will showcase its exciting T20 format rather than the traditional five-day matches, catering to modern sensibilities and preferences.
Helen Dyer, head of sports at LA2028, mentioned, "Bringing back these traditional and popular sports helps us celebrate their cultural relevance and develop stronger connections with fans around the world." Innovations don’t stop there; event scheduling will be shifted, with the 2028 Games starting earlier than usual on July 14, two weeks before the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Games.
With the opening ceremony scheduled to take place at two significant venues—SoFi Stadium and the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—the buzz around Los Angeles being the first city to host the Summer Olympics three times is palpable.
There’s also the idea of creating distinctively Los Angeles experiences, relying on the city’s rich history and diverse culture. LA plans to ditch any attempts to emulate Paris's picturesque landscapes and instead focus on what makes the city unique. Wanda Davis, the artistic director, expressed her enthusiasm by stating, "The key is showing the world what ‘authentically LA’ looks like. We don’t want to rehash Paris; we want to create our own legacy."
This decision marks a significant cultural shift, as Los Angeles aims to present its own narrative with bold creativity and innovation, crafting new experiences for both athletes and spectators. Thus, as the flames of the cauldron extinguish at the Paris Olympics, another chapter is being written—a chapter filled with anticipation, excitement, and the promise of new beginnings when LA takes its turn four years later.
