Finding closure in Olympic history

After the challenges to host the 2020 Olympics amid a pandemic and postponement, the Paris 2024 Olympics seeks a return of normalcy. And when all is said and done, a moment of significance will occur at the Closing Ceremony.

There are 12 main elements to the Closing Ceremony, but a notable element will occur for the first time as the City of Los Angeles prepares to host of the 2028 Games, and for which had previously hosted the Summer event in 1932 and 1984.

It was at the Closing Ceremony of Moscow 1980 when a new element was added – the Olympic Flag handover. This is when the Olympic flag is lowered, with the mayor of the current host presenting it to the mayor of the next host. It is a symbolic highlight, but because the United States had boycotted the 1980 Games in protest at the Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan, it never occurred.

Instead, the Olympic flag was handed over to International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch, rather than Los Angeles Mayor Thomas Bradley. So, for the Closing Ceremonies at the Paris 2024 Olympics, look for this bit of history to find closure too.

Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Program:
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFx
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFoil
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFoil
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Venue: Marseille, France
Dates: July 26-August 11

Details: https://www.paris2024.org/en/the-olympic-games-paris-2024/