The 2024 Paris Olympic Games culminated in an unforgettable and star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France, officially drawing the curtain on a spectacular and thrilling international sporting event. The spotlight now shifts to Los Angeles, which is eagerly preparing to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The passing of the Olympic flag was a moment of grandeur, highlighted by stellar performances and breathtaking moments. The Closing Ceremony was an extravagant affair that blended Hollywood razzmatazz with Olympic tradition.
An Exhilarating Descent
Renowned actor Tom Cruise added a touch of cinematic flair to the event, executing a thrilling descent from the stadium roof into the crowd while proudly holding the Olympic flag. This dramatic entry was followed by a momentous handoff from decorated gymnast Simone Biles to Cruise, symbolizing the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
As the centerpiece of the ceremony, Cruise took the Olympic flag on an audacious journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. Through an elaborate visual montage, he was seen skydiving into Los Angeles, transforming the double O's of the iconic Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. The spectacle concluded at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that has previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
Music Bridges Cultures
Music played a vital role in bridging the cultural essence of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic display by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers electrified the crowd with their hit song "Can't Stop," while Billie Eilish delivered a mesmerizing performance on an adjacent stage.
Snoop Dogg elevated the celebration with "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a powerful rendition of "The Next Episode." The night was illuminated with color cannons firing off the Olympic colors against a stunning California beach backdrop.
Paris Bids Farewell
Back in Paris, the closing festivities paid homage to the city through artistic and cultural displays. Alain Roche's suspended piano performance and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim enriched the ceremony. The musical performances of French artists Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further underscored the celebration.
The symbolic torch, representing the Olympic legacy, was carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand before being ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude" as part of the closing act.
Transition to the Paralympic Games
The ceremony also signified Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to preparing for the Paralympic Games. French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed the French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly marking the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8.
Medal Count
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Paris Olympics, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, highlighting their athletic prowess on the global stage.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a poignant farewell to the Games, passing the torch with great anticipation to Los Angeles.