The 2024 Paris Olympic Games culminated in grand fashion with a star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday, officially drawing the curtain on a thrilling international sporting event. As the world celebrated the spectacle that was Paris 2024, attention now shifts to Los Angeles, the host city for the next summer Olympics in 2028.
A Dazzling Closing Ceremony
The passing of the Olympic flag was executed with remarkable grandeur, featuring an array of dazzling performances and iconic moments. The ceremony blended Hollywood theatrics with the prestigious tradition of the Olympics. Renowned actor Tom Cruise captivated the audience by descending from the roof into the crowd, proudly holding the Olympic flag. This dramatic entrance was merely the beginning of an evening filled with entertainment and celebration.
In a symbolic handoff, legendary gymnast Simone Biles passed the Olympic flag to Cruise, signifying the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The actor then took the flag on a thrilling journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. The visual spectacle continued with Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, where he transformed the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. This seamless blend of film and sport set the stage for a memorable event.
The ceremony proceeded to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue that holds historical significance, having previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. Music played a central role in bridging the cultural energy of Paris and Los Angeles, adding vibrancy to the ceremony.
Musical Extravaganza
American skateboarder Jagger Eaton contributed to the dynamic atmosphere by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the audience with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance from Billie Eilish 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 colorful cannons firing off the Olympic colors against the picturesque California beach backdrop provided a fitting end to the musical extravaganza.
Paris' Farewell
Back in Paris, the closing festivities presented an artistic and cultural homage to the host city. Musical performances by Alain Roche, who played the piano suspended in the air, and opera singer Benjamin Bernheim enriched the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further underscored the celebration with their performances. The torch, symbolizing the Olympic legacy, was carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand before being ceremoniously extinguished, marking the end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult's performance of "Comme d'habitude" added a poignant touch to the farewell.
The ceremony also signified Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to 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 Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
A Dominant Performance
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China achieved an impressive 40 gold medals each, showcasing 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 an emotional farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles, where the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in Olympic history.