As the sun set over Paris, the curtain fell on the 2024 Olympic Games with a closing ceremony that will be remembered for its blend of spectacle, artistry, and a poignant handover to the next host city. On Sunday evening, the Stade de France buzzed with the enthusiasm of athletes, performers, and an audience that witnessed a fusion of Parisian elegance and Hollywood flair.
A Seamless Transition to 2028
The baton has now been passed to Los Angeles, fervently preparing for the 2028 Summer Games. This transition was epitomized by the grandeur of the passing of the Olympic flag, a moment filled with pageantry and symbolizing the seamless continuity of the Olympic spirit.
Tom Cruise Steals the Show
In a theatrical crossover that could only be dreamed up in Hollywood, renowned actor Tom Cruise captured the crowd's imagination by descending from the stadium roof, gripping the Olympic flag. The exhilarating moment was only the beginning of his role in the event. Following this, U.S. gymnast Simone Biles handed the flag to Cruise in a symbolic gesture emphasizing unity and the handover to the Los Angeles Games.
Cruise's adventure continued as he took the Olympic flag on a thrilling ride aboard a military cargo plane, all while riding his motorcycle. The elaborate performance was further enriched by a montage showing Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, dramatically editing the iconic Hollywood sign to incorporate the Olympic rings. This display came to a spectacular culmination at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the historic venue that has hosted the Olympic Games previously in 1932 and 1984.
A Musical Extravaganza
Music served as a vibrant bridge between the cultures of Paris and Los Angeles. Southern California’s rhythm was represented with American skateboarder Jagger Eaton skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential beach setting. The upbeat atmosphere continued with performances from an impressive lineup of musical talent. The Red Hot Chili Peppers electrified the crowd with their hit "Can't Stop," followed by Billie Eilish's standout performance on an adjacent stage.
As if that wasn't enough to set the stage ablaze, Snoop Dogg ramped up the energies further with "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a dynamic rendition of "The Next Episode." The festivities were further enlivened by a burst of color cannons, painting the sky with Olympic hues against the backdrop of a scenic California beach.
Paris Says Farewell in Style
Back in Paris, the closing festivities paid rich homage to the host city with an array of artistic and cultural expressions. Alain Roche’s piano performance, suspended mid-air, resonated with grandeur while Benjamin Bernheim’s opera singing added an element of classical charm. Further elevating the evening, French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix graced the stage with their engaging performances.
A key highlight of the evening was the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic torch, an act carried out by French swimmer Leon Marchand, signaling the official conclusion of the 2024 Games. The ceremony also marked the city's transition from hosting the Olympics to gearing up for the Paralympic Games, which are scheduled to take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. This transition was symbolized by French rugby star Antoine Dupont handing over a French flag to Paralympic runner Nantenin Keita.
Stunning Conclusion and Future Aspirations
The sporting prowess showcased by the United States remained unparalleled, as the nation finished the Games with an impressive tally of 126 medals, including 40 golds which it shared in number with China. The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, bathing the city in a radiant glow.
As the Olympic flame was finally extinguished, Paris bid a heartfelt farewell, their role as host city gracefully transitioning to Los Angeles. With memories of the 2024 Games still fresh, the world now looks towards Los Angeles, eagerly anticipating the spectacle that the 2028 Olympic Games promise to deliver.