Swim Stars to Lead Closing Ceremony at Paris Olympics

PARIS (AP) — The closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics is set to showcase prominent swim stars as flag-bearers, with Léon Marchand, a standout athlete who secured four gold medals, leading the French delegation. The event will take place at the Stade de France, where anticipation builds around director Thomas Jolly's creative vision following the unprecedented open-air opening ceremony on the Seine river. The ceremony will feature an athletes' parade and the ceremonial handover of the Olympic flag to the organizers of the upcoming 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The closing ceremony promises to be a vibrant spectacle, with over 100 performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists, set to grace a massive stage. As nations finalize their flag bearers, many are waiting until the last day of competition, with 14 medals still up for grabs on Sunday. Marchand's remarkable achievements have made him a focal point of the Games, representing France with pride. Among other notable flag bearers, U.S. swimming legend Katie Ledecky will co-carry the American flag alongside rower Mead, who contributed to the U.S. team's first Olympic gold in men’s four class since 1960. Australia will be represented by swim star Kaylee McKeown and sailor Matt Wearn, while Italy's flag will be carried by fencing champion Rossella Fiamingo and swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri, who earned silver and bronze medals. As the Paris Games draw to a close, the ceremony promises to celebrate the achievements of athletes from around the world, marking a memorable conclusion to this historic event.