The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded with a spectacular and star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday, officially drawing the curtain on what has been a memorable and thrilling international sporting event.
Los Angeles is now eagerly preparing to take the reins for the upcoming summer event in 2028. The passing of the Olympic flag was a moment of grandeur and seamless transition, marked by an array of dazzling performances and iconic moments.
An Extraordinary Closing Ceremony
The Closing Ceremony was a showcase of Hollywood-meets-Olympics theatrics. Renowned actor Tom Cruise executed an exhilarating descent from the roof into the crowd, proudly holding aloft the Olympic flag. This event was capped by a symbolic handoff wherein gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, marking the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Cruise's involvement didn't stop there. He took the Olympic flag on an adventurous ride, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. In an elaborate montage, Cruise was shown skydiving into Los Angeles, dramatically transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. The visual spectacle proceeded to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a hallowed ground that has previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
Musicians Set the Stage Ablaze
Music was a central element of the ceremony, bridging the cultural energy of Paris and L.A. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton contributed to the dynamic blend by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop," while Billie Eilish delivered a riveting performance on an adjacent stage. Not to be outdone, the iconic Snoop Dogg took the celebration to another level with "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre as the duo performed "The Next Episode," embodying the essence of California's musical heritage.
The night came alive with color cannons firing off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, a fitting visual metaphor for the handoff from Paris to Los Angeles.
Paris' Cultural Tribute
Back in Paris, the closing festivities were marked by an artistic and cultural homage to the host city. Alain Roche's piano performance, suspended in the air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim enriched the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the French band Phoenix further underscored the celebration with their performances.
The torch, a symbol of Olympic legacy, was carried by the star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. Adding another layer of poignancy, French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude," resonating deeply with the audience.
Transition to the Paralympics
The ceremony also symbolized Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to the Paralympic Games. French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. This act elegantly marked the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Final Medal Tally
As the Games drew to a close, the United States emerged as a dominant force, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, reflecting the high level of competition and excellence exhibited throughout the event.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, a fitting finale to an Olympics that captivated the world.
As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles, where the anticipation and preparations for the 2028 Games have already begun, carrying forward the enduring spirit and legacy of the Olympics.