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. With the city of Los Angeles eagerly preparing to take the reins for the upcoming summer event in 2028, the transition was marked by moments of grandeur and seamless artistic exchanges.
From Paris to Los Angeles
The passing of the Olympic flag stood out as a centerpiece of the event, symbolizing a smooth handover between the two iconic cities. Renowned actor Tom Cruise, in a dramatic display of Hollywood-meets-Olympics theatrics, executed an exhilarating descent from the roof into the crowd, proudly brandishing the Olympic flag. The moment took a symbolic turn as gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, officially marking the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Cruise's adventurous spirit didn't stop there. He took the Olympic flag on a thrilling journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. This elaborate montage showed Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles and transforming the iconic double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo, setting the tone for what promises to be an upcoming spectacle in the City of Angels.
Highlights from Hollywood to Paris
The visual showcase then proceeded to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a site of historical significance that had previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. Music was a central element of the ceremony, blending the cultural energies of Paris and L.A. seamlessly. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic mix by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach scene. The Red Hot Chili Peppers further ignited the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance by Billie Eilish on an adjacent stage.
Snoop Dogg later elevated the celebration with "Drop It Like It's Hot," and was joined by Dr. Dre as the duo performed "The Next Episode." With color cannons firing off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, the exuberance of the Closing Ceremony was palpable.
Artistic Homage in Paris
Back in Paris, the closing festivities carried an air of cultural and artistic homage to the host city. Alain Roche's piano performance, which had him suspended in the air, along with the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim enriched the ceremony's ambiance. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further underscored the celebration with their captivating performances.
The torch, an enduring symbol of the Olympic legacy, was carried by the star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end to the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult added a soulful touch with her performance of "Comme d'habitude."
Transition to the Paralympic Games
In a ceremonious act marking the shift from 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 graceful transition set the stage for the Paralympic Games scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8.
Dominant Performances
The 2024 Paris Olympics also highlighted powerhouse performances, particularly from the United States, which emerged as a dominant force by amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, underscoring their athletic prowess on the global stage.
The Closing Ceremony culminated in a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid an emotional farewell to the Games, gracefully passing the torch to Los Angeles.