The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a close with an unforgettable Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France. The event, held on a Sunday evening, was a spectacular conclusion to a thrilling international sporting extravaganza. With the festival of sports now behind us, the focus gradually shifts towards Los Angeles, which is gearing up to host the next summer event in 2028.
The highlight of the evening was a seamless transition marked by the grandiosity and spectacular performances that have come to symbolize the Olympics. The pivotal moment, where the Olympic flag was passed from Paris to Los Angeles, embodied the spirit of unity and continuity that the Games represent.
Hollywood Takes the Stage
The Closing Ceremony was a dazzling blend of Hollywood spectacle and Olympic tradition. Renowned actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the roof of the stadium with the Olympic flag in hand. This exhilarating spectacle set the stage for an unforgettable night.
In a symbolic and memorable sequence, iconic gymnast Simone Biles handed the flag to Cruise, signifying the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Cruise continued the adventure by taking the Olympic flag on a thrilling ride, boarding a military cargo plane and taking off with his motorcycle. The ensuing montage showcased him skydiving into Los Angeles, creatively transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottoms of the Olympic rings logo before making his way to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—an iconic venue that previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
A Musical Extravaganza
The role of music in the ceremony was undeniable, bridging the cultural energy of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added a dynamic touch by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach setting. The Red Hot Chili Peppers electrified the crowd with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance from Billie Eilish on an adjacent stage.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch when Snoop Dogg performed "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for "The Next Episode." This musical celebration was capped by color cannons firing off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, encapsulating the evening's vibrant spirit.
Paris' Cultural Homage
Back in Paris, the closing festivities paid tribute to the host city's rich artistic and cultural heritage. Alain Roche’s piano performance, dramatically suspended in the air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim added an artistic flourish to the ceremony. Performances from French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the French band Phoenix further underscored the celebration.
The torch, symbolizing the Olympic legacy, was carried by French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the Paris 2024 Games. French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude," adding emotional depth to the ceremony.
In another symbolic act, French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. This elegant gesture signaled the transition from the Olympics to the Paralympic Games, set to take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Medal Count and Final Farewell
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Games, amassing a total of 126 medals, including 40 golds. China matched the U.S. in gold medals, also clinching 40.
The Closing Ceremony reached its climax with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a poignant farewell to the Games, gracefully passing the torch to Los Angeles, setting the stage for yet another chapter in the storied history of the Olympics.