The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a close in grand fashion at the Stade de France on Sunday, leaving a lasting impression on spectators and participants alike. The Closing Ceremony was a blend of memorable performances, emotional moments, and a seamless transition as Paris passed the Olympic flag to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games.
A Star-Studded Night
The night was filled with Hollywood-meets-Olympics theatrics, epitomized by the unparalleled entrance of famed actor Tom Cruise. Cruise executed a breathtaking descent from the roof of the stadium, brandishing the Olympic flag to the delight and astonishment of the audience. This iconic moment was followed by an even more symbolic gesture when gymnast Simone Biles handed the flag to Cruise, signaling the official transition to the Los Angeles Olympics.
Cruise didn't stop there; in an adventurous montage, he was shown boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle and skydiving into Los Angeles. The transformation of the Hollywood sign's double O's into the bottom rings of the Olympic logo added a cinematic flair to the proceedings. His adventurous ride ended at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that has hosted the Games twice before, in 1932 and 1984.
Music and Performances
Music was a major highlight of the ceremony, creating a cultural bridge between Paris and Los Angeles. The Red Hot Chili Peppers fired up the stage with their hit song "Can't Stop," while Billie Eilish mesmerized the audience with her captivating performance. Snoop Dogg, joined later by Dr. Dre, brought an electrifying energy to the crowd with renditions of "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "The Next Episode."
American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic atmosphere by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. As the night progressed, color cannons launched Olympic colors into the sky against a scenic California beach backdrop.
Paris Says Goodbye
Back in Paris, the closing festivities were a heartfelt homage to the host city. Alain Roche's piano performance, suspended in mid-air, combined with the operatic singing of Benjamin Bernheim, offered an artistic touch to the celebrations. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix also provided musical interludes that underscored the ceremony.
The torch, carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand, was ceremoniously extinguished, marking the end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult delivered a poignant rendition of "Comme d'habitude," adding emotional depth to the closing moments.
In a touching act signifying Paris' transition from the Olympics to the Paralympics, French rugby star Antoine Dupont passed the French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. This gesture elegantly marked the commencement of the Paralympic Games, scheduled to be held from August 28 to September 8.
A Night of Triumph
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Olympics, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, showcasing the competitive spirit and excellence that defined this year's Games.
The Closing Ceremony concluded 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, where the world will reconvene for yet another chapter of Olympic history in 2028.