Tokyo passes the baton to Paris after staging a Games that was delayed by Covid-19 and dismayed a skeptical public but nonetheless still delivered its share of memorable moments.
In the French capital, crowds gathered to celebrate the handover of the summer games to Paris 2024, dancing and celebrating at the foot of the Eiffel Tower while fighter planes trailing a tricolor of blue, white and red smoke swooped through the sky.
"I declare the games of the 32nd Olympiad closed," Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, said as the world bid goodbye to a Games like no other.French aerial patrols fly over the fan village in front of The Eiffel Tower during the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony.The ceremony began with one athlete from each participating country marching in with their flags.
The upbeat extravaganza at one point featured The Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra knocking out a dance version of Beethoven's"Ode to Joy" before the beating of the traditional taiko drum signaled the start of the celebration of Japan's unique and vibrant culture.
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