The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded with an event that captivated audiences worldwide, featuring a vibrant and star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France. The event officially brought an end to a series of memorable and thrilling competitions, setting the stage for Los Angeles to take over as host for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
A Moment of Grand Transition
The passing of the Olympic flag was a central highlight, symbolizing the seamless transition between the host cities. Renowned actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the roof while proudly holding the Olympic flag. This moment of grandeur was further celebrated by gymnast Simone Biles, who passed the flag to Cruise, marking the upcoming Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Cruise didn’t stop there; he took the Olympic flag on an adventurous journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. This spectacular visual was part of an elaborate montage that showed Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, transforming the double O's of the iconic Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. The sequence beautifully transitioned to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue with a storied history, having hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
A Hollywood-Infused Spectacle
The Closing Ceremony was a fusion of Hollywood glamour and Olympic spirit. Music played a pivotal role in bridging the cultural vibrancy of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton carried the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach, skateboarding to the beats of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' hit song "Can't Stop."
Adding to the dynamic energy, Billie Eilish delivered a riveting performance on an adjacent stage. The celebration reached another level when Snoop Dogg performed "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a rendition of "The Next Episode." As color cannons fired off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, the night became a spectacle of light and sound.
Paris Pays Tribute
While Los Angeles prepared to take the torch, Paris offered its own artistic and cultural homage as host. Alain Roche’s piano performance, suspended in the air, and the opera vocals of Benjamin Bernheim enriched the ceremonial atmosphere. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further underscored the celebration with captivating performances.
The torch, embodying the Olympic legacy, was ceremoniously carried by French swimmer Leon Marchand before being extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Games. This passing of the flame marked an elegant transition, not just to the next host city but also to the Paralympic Games. French rugby star Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic runner Nantenin Keita, symbolizing the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
The Athletic Achievements
Amidst the pomp and pageantry, the United States emerged as a dominant force in the Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China demonstrated remarkable athletic prowess, each securing an impressive 40 gold medals. These achievements underscored competitive excellence and left an indelible mark on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
As the Olympic flame was extinguished over the Stade de France, Paris bid a heartfelt farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles. A mesmerizing fireworks display lit up the sky, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the Olympic story.