The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded in grand fashion at the Stade de France on Sunday. The Closing Ceremony marked the end of a memorable international sporting event and handed the Olympic baton to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.
A Night to Remember
The ceremony was nothing short of Hollywood-meets-Olympics theatrics. Renowned actor Tom Cruise captivated the audience with a thrilling descent from the stadium roof, proudly holding the Olympic flag. This moment set the tone for a series of spectacular performances and transitions.
In one of the ceremony's most iconic moments, gymnast Simone Biles passed the Olympic flag to Tom Cruise, symbolizing the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Cruise took this opportunity with his signature flair, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle for an adventurous ride.
The visual journey continued with Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, transforming the iconic Hollywood sign into a dazzling display of Olympic rings.
From Paris to Los Angeles
The spectacle reached its crescendo at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic site that hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. The intricate blend of performance and sport unified the cultural spirit of both Paris and Los Angeles.
Music played a central role in bridging the energy of these two iconic cities. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton skated along a quintessential Southern California beach, waving the Olympic flag. The Red Hot Chili Peppers electrified the crowd with their hit "Can't Stop," while Billie Eilish delivered a riveting performance on an adjacent stage.
Snoop Dogg elevated the celebration with his smash hit "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for an energetic rendition of "The Next Episode." The night sky over the picturesque California beach burst with Olympic colors, adding a touch of magic to the proceedings.
A Farewell to Paris
Back in Paris, the closing festivities paid homage to the host city with an artistic and cultural display. Aerial piano performances by Alain Roche and opera singing by Benjamin Bernheim enriched the ceremony, adding layers of French art and culture. Further contributions came from musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the French band Phoenix.
The torch, a symbol of the Olympic legacy, found its carrier in French swimmer Leon Marchand. The ceremonial extinguishment of the torch signaled the official end of the 2024 Games, with French R&B singer Yseult performing "Comme d'habitude" to mark this transition.
Setting the Stage for the Paralympics
The closing moments also symbolized Paris' preparation to host 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 transition to the Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Medal Triumphs
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, highlighting their prowess on the Olympic stage.
A Grand Finale
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles. The world now eagerly anticipates what the City of Angels will bring to the Olympic stage in 2028.
With this symbolic handoff and an array of dazzling performances, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded on a high note, setting the stage for the future of Olympic sports.