The 2024 Paris Olympic Games ended on a high note as a dazzling and star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France brought the event to an official close. With eyes now set on Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games, the passing of the Olympic flag featured a blend of grandeur and Hollywood flair.
An Unforgettable Transition
The transition was nothing short of magnificent as renowned actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the roof into the crowd with the Olympic flag in hand. In a symbolic gesture, gymnast Simone Biles handed the flag to Cruise, marking the commencement of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Cruise's journey with the flag didn't end there. The actor took the symbol of the Olympics on an adventurous ride, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. An elaborate montage showcased Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, creatively transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. This visual spectacle continued at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a site of historical significance for the Olympics, having hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
A Musical Extravaganza
Music played a pivotal role in the ceremony, creating a seamless bridge between the cultures of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic mix by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers amplified the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance from Billie Eilish on an adjacent stage. The celebration reached new heights as Snoop Dogg performed "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a rendition of "The Next Episode."
Color cannons fired off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, bringing the festivities in Los Angeles to a visually captivating conclusion. Back in Paris, the closing festivities included artistic and cultural tributes to the host city. A standout moment was Alain Roche's piano performance, suspended in mid-air, alongside a mesmerizing opera performance by Benjamin Bernheim. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and Phoenix further enriched the celebration with their performances.
The torch, an enduring symbol of Olympic legacy, was prominently featured as star French swimmer Leon Marchand carried it before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult's performance of "Comme d'habitude" added a poignant touch to the proceedings.
Shifting to the Paralympic Games
The ceremony also symbolized Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to the 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 forthcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8.
Dominance on Display
The United States emerged as a dominant force in these Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China showcased impressive performances by clinching 40 gold medals each.
The night's closing spectacle was a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, symbolically underlining the end of the Paris Olympic Games. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a heartfelt farewell, passing the torch forward to Los Angeles.