Thomas Bach, president of the IOC

Paris, Aug 11 (PL) The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, today described the 33rd Paris 2024 Games as sensational, during the closing ceremony at the Stade de France.

Bach recognized the great work done by the organizing committee headed by Tony Estanguet, as well as the French government authorities, in particular President Enmanuel Macron, who he said worked tirelessly to support the success of this edition under the five rings.

The IOC head was accompanied by Estanguet and five stars representing each continent: French judoist Teddy Riner, Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge, Chinese tennis player Sun Yingsha, Australian swimmer Emma McKeon and Cuban wrestler Mijaín López, as well as boxer Cindy Ngamba, from the Olympic refugee team.

Estanguet thanked all those involved in the organization and support work during the games, the security and police forces, firefighters, volunteers and in general all the participants and fans.

Bach awarded in advance, during this same ceremony, the winner of the women's marathon, the Dutch Sifan Hassan, who set an Olympic record, the silver and bronze medalists, the Ethiopian Tigst Assefa and the Kenyan Hellen Obiri.

Finally, he thanked Paris, France and gave a cheer for the Games and the organizing nation.

The closing ceremony continues at the Stade de France, located in Saint Denis, on the northeastern outskirts of the French capital, where Paris will hand over the Olympic flag to the U.S. city of Los Angeles, host of the 2028 Games.