We'll always have Paris 2024

THE flame might have gone out at a spectacular Olympics closing ceremony last night, but for two weeks the City of Light illuminated the world.

- Giles Sheldrick

Paris is renowned for first-class art, outstanding architecture, great food and high culture and can now add staging the greatest show on Earth for a third time to that list.

An unusual and memorable opening rebellious, offbeat and the first held outside a national stadium - had led some fans to ask whether it would set the tone for the rest of the global festival of sport.

The closing ceremony was equally spectacular, and left few in doubt as to the enduring Gallic qualities of passion, style and sophistication.

The star-studded event even featured an appearance by Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, who was there to take up the Olympic flag as part of the handover for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

The ceremony at the Stade de France was called Records, which was fitting given the 65 medals Team GB accumulated in 16 days of competition.

The haul featured the highest number of athletics gongs won at a Games since 1984, while there were stunning successes across the board, including in cycling, taekwondo and diving.

The 327 Team GB athletes, whose combined efforts saw us finish seventh in the table with 14 golds, 22 silvers and 29 bronzes, leave Paris with memories to last a lifetime. Many are now household names, too, as millions back home roared them to victory.