Thomas Bach hails 'Seine-sational' Olympic Games as Arab athletes make their mark in Paris

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said the Paris Games marked a successful start to a "new era" as Sunday's closing ceremony concluded a historic Olympics. After more than two weeks of competition, the Games came to an end in a star-studded showpiece at the Stade de France on Sunday night. “The Olympic Games Paris 2024 were a celebration of the athletes and of sport at its best," Bach said. “The first Olympic Games delivered completely under our Olympic agenda reforms: younger, more urban, more inclusive, more sustainable. The first Olympic Games with full gender parity. “These were sensational Olympic Games from start to finish – or dare I say: these were Seine-sational Olympic Games from start to finish. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 were Olympic Games of a new era.” Bach also praised the athletes for their performances and for inspiring a “culture of peace” throughout the Games. “Your performances were simply amazing. You competed fiercely against each other," he said. “Every contest on the edge of perfection. Every performance sparking excitement around the world. You showed us what greatness we humans are capable of. “During all this time, you lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. You embraced each other. You respected each other, even if your countries are divided by war and conflict. You created a culture of peace. “This inspired all of us and billions of people around the globe. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for making us believe in a better world for everyone. “We know that the Olympic Games cannot create peace. But the Olympic Games can create a culture of peace that inspires the world. This is why I call on everyone who shares this Olympic spirit: let us live this culture of peace every single day.” Sunday’s finale kicked off with an orchestral opening before flagbearers and athletes were welcomed into the stadium. Following a display showcasing the origins of the Olympics, the baton was passed over to Los Angeles towards the end of the ceremony, which included Tom Cruise escorting the Olympic flag out of the stadium on a motorbike. A video saw the flag reach LA and was subsequently followed by music on the beach by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg. Bach concluded his speech by thanking France for hosting the 2024 Games. “Dear French friends, you have fallen in love with the Olympic Games. And we have fallen in love with all of you,” he said. “Thank you Paris, thank you France. Long live the Olympic Games. Long live France.” The Paris Games also provided unprecedented success for Arab athletes , who collectively won seven gold medals, which is the highest tally for athletes representing the region at any Olympic Games. Algeria was responsible for two golds, with both achieved in historic circumstances. Firstly, 17-year-old gymnast Kaylia Nemour became Africa’s first Olympic medallist in gymnastics in uneven bars, before boxer Imane Khelif blocked out the gender controversy noise to win the welterweight title . Bahrain also claimed two golds as top-ranked 3,000m steeplechase star Winfred Yavi lived up to her billing to clinch the title, while wrestler Akhmed Tazhudinov won the 97kg division on the final day. Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco also had athletes top the podium as Ahmed Elgendy set a modern pentathlon world record , Firas Katoussi claimed gold in the 80kg taekwondo event, and Soufiane El Bakkali won the men's 3,000m steeplechase respectively. In all, Arab nations won 17 medals at the Paris Olympics.

Thomas Bach hails 'Seine-sational' Olympic Games as Arab athletes make their mark in Paris

Sunday's closing ceremony concludes a historically successful Olympics for Arab athletes