The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a close with a stunning and illustrious Closing Ceremony held at the Stade de France. This event marked the end of an exhilarating international sporting spectacle and paved the way for Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympics, to begin its preparations.
A Grand Finale in Paris
The passing of the Olympic flag was a moment to remember, filled with impressive performances and unforgettable scenes. The star of the evening, renowned actor Tom Cruise, made a breathtaking descent from the stadium roof, proudly brandishing the Olympic flag. In a symbolic gesture, gymnast Simone Biles handed the flag to Cruise, signifying the transition to the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games. What followed was straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster: Cruise, along with the precious flag, embarked on a thrilling adventure in a military cargo plane with his motorcycle, eventually skydiving into Los Angeles and transforming the iconic Hollywood sign into the Olympic rings.
The ceremonial activities reached the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1984. Music served as a cross-cultural bridge, linking Paris and Los Angeles's vibrant energies. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton contributed to the dynamic ambiance by carrying the Olympic flag to a classic Southern California beach scene.
Musical Celebrations
The musical performances further underscored the festive atmosphere. The Red Hot Chili Peppers electrified the crowd with their hit song "Can't Stop," while Billie Eilish delivered a spellbinding performance on a neighboring stage. Rap legend Snoop Dogg took center stage with his timeless track "Drop It Like It's Hot," joined by Dr. Dre for a rousing rendition of "The Next Episode." The night burst into a riot of colors with cannons spraying Olympic hues over a scenic California beach setting.
Simultaneously, back in Paris, the celebrations continued with a rich display of artistic and cultural tributes to the host city. Aerial piano performances by Alain Roche and the operatic voice of Benjamin Bernheim enchanted the audience. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix added to the jubilant spirit with their performances. The ceremonial extinguishing of the torch, carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand, symbolized the end of the Paris 2024 Games.
Passing the Torch
Another significant moment of the ceremony was the transition from the Olympics to the Paralympic Games, underscored by French rugby star Antoine Dupont handing a French flag to Paralympic track and field athlete Nantenin Keita. This gesture marked the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8.
As the United States emerged as a powerhouse, garnering a total of 126 medals with an impressive 40 golds, the Closing Ceremony concluded with a riveting fireworks display over the Stade de France. The extinguishing of the Olympic flame signaled Paris's farewell to the Games and the official handover to Los Angeles.
With these dazzling closing festivities, the rich legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was etched into history, while the world eagerly looks forward to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.