The 2024 Paris Olympic Games culminated in an evening of unparalleled grandeur and artistry at the Stade de France, leaving a lasting imprint on the global sporting community. The Closing Ceremony on Sunday marked the end of this thrilling international event and set the stage for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
A Hollywood-Infused Spectacle
The ceremony blended the allure of Hollywood with the spirit of the Olympics in a display of theatrics and excitement. Renowned actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance as he descended from the stadium roof into the throng of spectators, proudly holding the Olympic flag. This momentous occasion featured a symbolic handoff where gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, effectively heralding the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Cruise's adventurous journey with the Olympic flag continued aboard a military cargo plane, where he was seen riding a motorcycle. The exhilarating sequence in an elaborate montage showed him skydiving into Los Angeles, transforming the iconic double O's of the Hollywood sign into the iconic Olympic rings. This visual spectacle then shifted focus to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which has hosted the Games twice before, in 1932 and 1984.
Musical Extravaganza
The Closing Ceremony was pulsating with musical energy, creating a bridge between the cultural vibrancy of Paris and Los Angeles. Iconic American skateboarder Jagger Eaton heightened the excitement, skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The atmosphere was further electrified by the Red Hot Chili Peppers performing their hit song "Can't Stop." Following this, Billie Eilish delivered a captivating performance on a nearby stage.
The ceremony's energy escalated as Snoop Dogg performed "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a rousing rendition of "The Next Episode." The celebration was illuminated by color cannons shooting off the Olympic colors against a stunning California beach backdrop.
Paris' Homage to Art and Culture
Back in Paris, the city bid adieu to the Games with an artistic and cultural tribute. The closing festivities were embellished by Alain Roche's mesmerizing piano performance, suspended in mid-air, accompanied by the operatic voice of Benjamin Bernheim. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further enriched the ceremony with their performances.
A highlight of the event was the Olympic torch's final journey, carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand. The torch was ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult lent her voice to the occasion with an expressive rendition of "Comme d'habitude."
Transition to Los Angeles and the Paralympics
The ceremony also symbolized Paris' graceful transition from the Olympics to the upcoming Paralympic Games. In an elegant gesture, French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. This moment signified the city's readiness to host the Paralympic Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8.
A Dominant Performance by the United States
As the curtains fell, the United States stood out as a dominant force, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched 40 gold medals each, underscoring their prowess in the Games.
The grand finale of the Closing Ceremony saw a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, signaling the official end of the Paris 2024 Games. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid farewell to the Games, passing the torch of anticipation and excitement to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics.