France concluded its memorable Paris Olympics on Saturday with a grand parade down the Champs-Elysees and a celebratory concert featuring artists from the opening and closing ceremonies.
The final event of an acclaimed summer of sport drew tens of thousands to the French capital’s iconic avenue. President Emmanuel Macron was set to honour many of the medal winners with the nation’s highest civilian awards.
The parade, which showcased athletes, volunteers, and public sector workers, was secured by around 4,000 police officers who had previously received widespread praise for ensuring the safety of the Games and its 12 million spectators. Around 70,000 people quickly claimed free tickets, and the event was followed by a multi-artist concert staged near the Arc de Triomphe.
Marie-Jose Perec, France’s most decorated track athlete and the Games’ cauldron lighter, expressed her gratitude for the event. “Saying thanks, not just to the athletes but to everyone who made these games magic, I think it’s fabulous,” Perec said. “It’s a beautiful way of saying goodbye because everything must end, and tonight, it will all be over,” she added, visibly emotional.
Paris and the nation embraced the Games with renewed enthusiasm after initial doubts. The Games introduced new national heroes, such as triple gold-winning swimmer Leon Marchand, and celebrated veterans like judoka Teddy Riner, who won his fourth Olympic title. Riner shouted his appreciation to the crowd: “Thank you, thank you, it’s been incredible!”
France achieved a record medal haul of 64, including 16 golds, finishing fifth on the international medal table. The Paralympic Games, held from August 28 to September 8, were praised as “the most spectacular ever” by International Paralympic Committee head Andrew Parsons.
Analysts note that the Games offered a form of escapism and a rare sense of national unity and pride. David Lappartient, head of the French Olympic Committee, highlighted the event’s success in fostering national cohesion. French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking to capitalise on this positive momentum, faced criticism earlier this year for calling snap parliamentary elections that led to a hung parliament and gains for the far-right National Rally party.
In response, Macron has proposed a new annual “national day of sport” on September 14, inspired by the Olympic spirit. He emphasised the need for communal sports activities across various venues.
🕺✨ 𝐔𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐞̀𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐞 sur la plus belle avenue du monde ! 🥹
Merci et bravo les garçons ! 🇫🇷 On est tellement fiers de vous ! #ParadeDesChampions pic.twitter.com/sl5I8dWAiE
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) September 14, 2024
Saturday night’s concert, part of the closing festivities, featured performances by singer Chris and blind Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, among others. The parade and celebration included 300 French athletes and parathletes, 7,000-8,000 volunteers, public sector workers, and refuse collectors.
