Thousands of athletes from more than 200 nations paraded into the Stade de France to cap off the Paris Olympics.
Flag bearers Summer McIntosh and Ethan Katzberg led Team Canada at Sunday’s closing ceremony.
The celebration featured artists including French indie band Phoenix. After H.E.R. sang “The Star-Spangled Banner”, there was a show-stopping handover to Los Angeles where Hollywood actor Tom Cruise descended into the stadium. Performances from Americans the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Billie Eilish also added to the party atmosphere.
More than 300 athletes represented our country at the games, winning 27 medals across 15 sports: nine gold, seven silver, and 11 bronze. It was Canada’s most successful non-boycotted Olympic Summer Games.
In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, “We just saw the best of Canada.” He adds that the athletes’ “spirit, sportsmanship, and resilience were matched only by the celebration and joy they brought to Canadians.”
“Our Olympians have made us proud. They competed with athletes from around the world and brought home a total of 27 medals. They showed everyone that Canada belongs on the world stage – as leaders and champions at the pinnacle of sport.”
Trudeau states, “The stories behind the medals make the victories even more special. Summer McIntosh, at just 17 years old, won Canada three gold medals. Andre De Grasse led Canada’s men’s 4×100-metre relay team to an Olympic gold, making him the most decorated Canadian male Olympian, with seven career medals. Christa Deguchi won Canada’s first ever gold medal in judo. Josh Liendo made history as the first Black Canadian swimmer to win a medal at the Olympics. Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers showed the world that Canada is a hammer-throwing nation, winning gold in the men’s and women’s competitions. And we finished strong when Katie Vincent won gold in the canoe sprint 200-metre final, and Philip Kim won the first ever gold in the new Olympic breaking competition. These are just some of the remarkable athletes who represented and exemplified the Maple Leaf at the Olympics.
Their stories are what makes Canada great. Their stories are the story of Canada – of kindness and dedication; of compassion and resilience; of hope and hard work. Every corner of our diverse country has these stories – some being shared now and some yet to be written.”
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games start August 28th.
Los Angeles will host the Summer Games in 2028.
