The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have wrapped up with a closing ceremony that was nothing short of spectacular. This star-studded event at the Stade de France on Sunday night brought to an end an unforgettable celebration of athletic excellence and international camaraderie.
A Grand Transition to Los Angeles
As Paris bid farewell to the Games, Los Angeles stepped up as the next host city for the 2028 Summer Olympics with great anticipation. The Olympic flag's handover was marked by a grand display of performances and iconic moments, befitting the occasion's significance.
The closing ceremony blended Hollywood spectacle with Olympic tradition. Renowned actor Tom Cruise performed an exhilarating descent from the stadium roof, holding the Olympic flag high to the crowd's delight. This visually stunning act was highlighted by gymnast Simone Biles handing the flag to Cruise, symbolizing the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
In a thrilling sequence, Cruise took the Olympic flag on a daring journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. The visual narrative continued with Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, transforming the iconic Hollywood sign’s double O's into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. This dynamic display concluded at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
A Fusion of Culture and Entertainment
Music played a central role in bridging the vibrant cultures of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the energetic atmosphere by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers lit up the ceremony with their hit song "Can't Stop."
The musical momentum continued with Billie Eilish delivering a compelling performance on an adjacent stage. The legendary Snoop Dogg elevated the celebrations with "Drop It Like It's Hot," joining forces with Dr. Dre to perform "The Next Episode." This high-energy performance was accompanied by color cannons sending the hues of the Olympic colors into the sky against a scenic California beach backdrop.
Meanwhile, back in Paris, the closing festivities honored the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Alain Roche mesmerized the audience with a piano performance suspended in the air, while the powerful opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim added a touch of elegance to the ceremony. Performances by French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix contributed to the vibrant cultural homage to Paris.
A Symbolic Conclusion
The torch, a longstanding symbol of the Olympic legacy, played a pivotal role in the closing ceremony. French swimmer Leon Marchand carried the torch in a ceremonial display before it was extinguished, officially marking the end of the 2024 Olympic Games.
The ceremony also signified Paris' shift from the Olympics to the upcoming Paralympic Games. French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont handed over a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly marking the transition to the Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Medal Triumphs and Final Farewell
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the competitions, amassing an impressive total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China captured 40 gold medals each, underlining their athletic prowess on the global stage.
The closing ceremony was capped by a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the fireworks illuminated the Parisian night sky, the Olympic flame was extinguished, officially concluding the 2024 Games. Paris bade a heartfelt farewell to the Games, passing the torch with great optimism and anticipation to Los Angeles.