The curtain closed on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a stellar Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France. The event, which blended the glamour of Hollywood with the tradition of the Olympics, marked the end of a memorable international sporting display and set the stage for Los Angeles in 2028.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the passing of the Olympic flag, a moment of grandeur integrated with dazzling performances and iconic spectacle. Renowned actor Tom Cruise made a thrilling entrance by descending from the stadium roof into an excited crowd, proudly holding the Olympic flag. In a symbolic gesture, gymnast Simone Biles handed over the flag to Cruise, signifying the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Cruise's participation did not end there. He embarked on an adventurous ride, taking the Olympic flag aboard a military cargo plane, accompanied by his motorcycle. In an elaborately filmed montage, Cruise was shown skydiving into Los Angeles, dramatically transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the Olympic rings logo. This visual spectacle continued at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
Music Bridges Paris and L.A.
Music played a crucial role in the Closing Ceremony, creating a cultural bridge between Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic energy, skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers fueled the lively atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop," while Billie Eilish captivated the audience with a riveting performance on an adjacent stage.
Adding further star power to the evening, Snoop Dogg elevated the celebration with "Drop It Like It’s Hot," and was later joined by Dr. Dre for a performance of "The Next Episode." The festivities were intensified by color cannons firing the Olympic colors against the backdrop of a picturesque California beach.
Paris’ Homage and Farewell
Back in Paris, the closing festivities paid tribute to the host city with an artistic and culturally rich ceremony. Alain Roche's piano performance, suspended in the air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim heightened the elegance of the celebration. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix also contributed to the artistic expanse with their heartfelt performances.
The torch, a cherished symbol of the Olympic legacy, was carried by celebrated French swimmer Leon Marchand before being ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult's soulful rendition of "Comme d'habitude" provided a fitting emotional send-off.
The ceremony also symbolized the transition from the Olympics to the Paralympic Games, scheduled to commence from August 28 to September 8. French rugby star Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly marking this transition.
United States' Dominance
On the sporting front, the United States emerged as a dominant force, claiming a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China impressively secured 40 gold medals each, demonstrating their athletic prowess on the world stage.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a breathtaking fireworks display over the Stade de France, a final brilliant touch to Paris' farewell as the Olympic flame was extinguished. The Games have now passed on to Los Angeles, where the world will reconvene in 2028 for the next chapter of the Olympic story.