And in the end, it's China that wins. Olympic history will undoubtedly remember, in terms of statistics, the impressive tally that placed Chinese athletes at the top of the list, first of the Olympic Games, tied for gold medals with the US; and then, by a wide margin, at the top of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which came to a close on Sunday, September 8.
Beyond the statistics, however, history will remember the immense success of these Games, which Parisians approached with such apprehension, but which, from start to finish, enchanted France and aroused admiration from abroad.
First and foremost, the organization and logistics. From transport to security, the public services perfectly rose to the challenge, even though a sabotage operation on the high-speed rail network on the morning of the opening ceremony could have raised fears of the worst. The sports infrastructures fulfilled their mission without a hitch, with the support and tremendous dedication of 45,000 volunteers. The Seine also lived up to its promises, albeit with greater difficulty: Here there's still more to do.
Then there was the cultural success. The audacity of the opening ceremony under pouring rain made it an unforgettable spectacle that immediately set the tone for these Games like no other, which went beyond the stadium and into the city. The transformation of the capital's emblematic landmarks into sporting venues extended the enchantment: Fencing events in the nave of the Grand Palais, archery in front of the dome of the Invalides, equestrian prowess in front of the Château de Versailles. This unprecedented marriage of aesthetics and sport took Paris out of its museum-city status and produced some dazzling images.
Legends were born
The Games were a sporting success for France, too. In terms of results, France's athletes were right on target: With fifth place at the Olympic Games (64 medals) and eighth at the Paralympic Games (75 medals), Team France achieved their objectives. From the outset, the rugbymen's victory generated an enthusiasm that did not leave the French, and that the athletes succeeded in transforming into positive energy. Legends were born, including swimmer Léon Marchand and his four individual gold medals, or were confirmed, such as judoka Teddy Riner with his third individual gold medal, following those of 2012 and 2016.
Great French performances, particularly in cycling and triathlon, and heroic feats marked the Paralympics, doubled by another performance, the divine surprise of these Games: Seduced by disciplines they were unfamiliar with and by the temperament of the athletes, the French were more passionate than ever about the competitions featuring athletes who are disabled. "The Paralympic revolution" is underway, assured Tony Estanguet, the president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, on Sunday evening, to whom the success of these Games owes a great deal. He may have a point.
The real wager now is on what will remain of what has been quickly dubbed the "enchanted parenthesis" of the Games, as if the best things are bound to come to an end. "This meeting will leave its mark on us forever," promised Estanguet at the closing ceremony, hailing "this summer when France was happy." Can we make this state of grace last just a little? At a time when the country is facing some worrying challenges, it would be a way of not closing the parenthesis.