With the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a spectacular and star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France brought down the curtain on a memorable international sporting event. Paris handed over the baton to Los Angeles, which is now eagerly preparing to host the summer event in 2028.
A Grand Handoff Ceremony
The passing of the Olympic flag was a moment of grandeur and seamless transition, marked by an array of dazzling performances and iconic moments. The Closing Ceremony was a perfect showcase of Hollywood-meets-Olympics theatrics. One of the evening's highlights featured renowned actor Tom Cruise executing an exhilarating descent from the stadium roof into the crowd, proudly holding aloft the Olympic flag.
This act was followed by an iconic handoff where gymnast Simone Biles passed the Olympic flag to Cruise, symbolizing the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. In true action-movie fashion, Cruise took the Olympic flag on an adventurous ride, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. An elaborate montage depicted Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, where he dramatically transformed the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo.
Musical Extravaganza Bridging Cultures
The visual spectacle continued to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that has previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. Music played a central role in the ceremony, bridging the cultural energy of Paris and L.A. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton contributed to the dynamic blend by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop." Billie Eilish delivered a riveting performance on an adjacent stage, followed by Snoop Dogg who took the celebration to another level with "Drop It Like It's Hot." Later, Dr. Dre joined Snoop Dogg as the duo performed "The Next Episode." The closing moments of the musical segment were marked by color cannons firing off the Olympic colors against the picturesque California beach backdrop.
Paris' Artistic Homage
Back in Paris, the closing festivities were marked by an artistic and cultural homage to the host city. Alain Roche's piano performance, suspended in the air, along with the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim, enriched the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the French band Phoenix further underscored the celebration with their performances.
The torch, a symbol of the Olympic legacy, was carried by the star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude," adding a melodious conclusion to the night's events. The ceremony also symbolized Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to the Paralympic Games, with French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passing a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. This act elegantly marked the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
A Legacy of Dominance
Throughout the Paris Games, the United States emerged as a dominant force, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, underscoring their prowess in the global sporting arena. The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, painting the night sky in vibrant hues.
As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles. With the world now turning its attention to the 2028 Games, the spirit of the Olympics will continue to inspire athletes and fans alike, fostering a legacy of excellence and unity.