The 2024 Paris Olympic Games wrapped up with a stunning Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday, marking the end of an extraordinary international sporting event. The finale featured a seamless blend of grandeur and Hollywood flair, setting the stage for Los Angeles to host the next summer Olympics in 2028.
A Night of Glitz and Glamour
The Closing Ceremony was nothing short of a spectacular showcase. Renowned actor Tom Cruise delivered a thrilling entrance, descending from the stadium roof while proudly holding the Olympic flag. This dramatic moment was further elevated when gymnast Simone Biles handed the flag to Cruise in a symbolic gesture signifying the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Cruise then embarked on an adventurous journey, taking the Olympic flag on a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. The adventure continued with a visually captivating montage that saw Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles and transforming the double O's of the iconic Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo.
A Celebration of Culture and Music
The ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the historic venue that hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984, served as the backdrop for a celebration that bridged the cultural energy of Paris and Los Angeles. Music played a central role in the festivities, with American skateboarder Jagger Eaton skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach.
Rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers electrified the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop." Billie Eilish added to the excitement with a riveting performance on an adjacent stage, followed by Snoop Dogg, who elevated the celebration with "Drop It Like It's Hot." The night reached a peak when Dr. Dre joined Snoop Dogg for a performance of "The Next Episode."
The celebration culminated with color cannons firing the Olympic colors against the picturesque California beach backdrop, creating a stunning visual spectacle that highlighted the evening's exuberance.
Paris Bids Farewell
Back in Paris, the closing festivities echoed the city's rich artistic and cultural heritage. Alain Roche delivered a mesmerizing piano performance while suspended in the air, and opera singer Benjamin Bernheim added a layer of sophistication to the event. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further enriched the celebration with their performances.
The torch, symbolizing the Olympic legacy, was prominently carried by French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. To further punctuate the transition, French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude."
Transition to the Paralympic Games
The ceremony also highlighted the transition from the Olympic Games 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 setting the stage for the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8.
A Showcase of Athletic Excellence
The United States emerged as a dominant force in these Games, securing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, further emphasizing their prowess in various sports.
As the night came to an end, a mesmerizing fireworks display lit up the sky over the Stade de France. The Olympic flame was extinguished, symbolically passing the torch to Los Angeles, and bringing the curtain down on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The anticipation now builds as Los Angeles eagerly prepares to host the next summer Olympics, promising another chapter of unforgettable moments in the spirit of athletic excellence and international unity.