The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a breathtaking close with a star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday, wrapping up a memorable and thrilling international sporting event. The spectacle was a grand finale, as the Olympic drama now sets its sights on Los Angeles, gearing up for the 2028 Summer Games.
One of the most captivating moments was the passing of the Olympic flag, an act of grandeur that involves dazzling performances and iconic moments. This year's handoff was a Hollywood-meets-Olympics event of epic proportions. Renowned actor Tom Cruise executed an exhilarating descent from the roof into the crowd, proudly holding aloft the Olympic flag. This symbolic gesture was further heightened when gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, marking the official transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The Hollywood Connection
Cruise's electrifying involvement didn't end there. He took the Olympic flag on an adventurous ride, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. In a cinematic montage, Cruise was shown skydiving into Los Angeles, dramatically transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo, culminating at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—a venue that previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
A Musical Extravaganza
Music was a pivotal element of the ceremony, seamlessly bridging the cultural energy of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton played his part in the dynamic blend by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers set the stage ablaze with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance from Billie Eilish on an adjacent stage.
Snoop Dogg elevated the celebration with his track "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre as the duo performed "The Next Episode." The night glowed with color cannons firing off the Olympic colors against the picturesque California beach backdrop, a fitting prelude to Los Angeles' tenure as the next Olympic host city.
Paris Pays Homage
Back in Paris, the closing festivities carried an artistic and cultural essence. Alain Roche's suspended piano performance and Benjamin Bernheim’s opera singing enriched the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the French band Phoenix further underscored the celebration with heartfelt performances.
The Olympic torch, a symbol of legacy, was carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude," complementing the somber yet celebratory tone of the event.
Transition to the Paralympic Games
The ceremony symbolized Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to the upcoming Paralympic Games. French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly marking the shift to the Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
A Dominant Performance
Beyond the ceremonial grandeur, the United States emerged as a dominant force in these Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China showcased their prowess by clinching an impressive 40 gold medals each, underlining their continued dominance in the world of sports.
The Closing Ceremony culminated with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid its final farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles, setting the stage for another chapter in Olympic history.