The 2024 Paris Olympic Games ended on a high note, wrapping up with a star-studded and spectacular Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France. The event marked the official end of what has been a thrilling international sporting spectacle, rich with unforgettable moments and achievements.
A Seamless Transition to Los Angeles 2028
As Paris bade farewell to the Games, Los Angeles began its preparation for hosting the 2028 summer event. The passing of the Olympic flag was a moment of grandeur, filled with dazzling performances and iconic moments. The spectacle was a blend of Hollywood flair and Olympic tradition, symbolizing the seamless transition between the two host cities.
Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the roof into the crowd while holding the Olympic flag aloft. The excitement reached another level as gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, signifying the transition to Los Angeles 2028. Cruise then took the Olympic flag on a memorable ride, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle.
A Star-Studded Montage
The visuals were nothing short of captivating. Tom Cruise was shown skydiving into Los Angeles and transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. This continuous thread of Hollywood-meets-Olympics extended to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
Music played a significant role in the ceremony, bridging the cultural vibrancy of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton carried the Olympic flag on a skateboard to a Southern California beach, adding a dynamic twist to the ceremony. The Red Hot Chili Peppers elevated the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by riveting performances from Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg, who later teamed up with Dr. Dre to perform "The Next Episode."
The Parisian Farewell
Back in Paris, the closing festivities celebrated the host city's rich artistic and cultural heritage. Alain Roche’s piano performance, suspended in air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim added a touch of class. The celebratory mood was further bolstered by performances from French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix.
The symbolic elements were deeply moving. French swimmer Leon Marchand carried the torch before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult also added emotional depth with her rendition of "Comme d'habitude."
Looking Toward the Paralympics
Signifying the transition from the Olympics to the Paralympic Games, French rugby star Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. This elegant gesture marked the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled to take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
The Medal Counts and Final Curtain
The performance of athletes from around the world added to the electrifying atmosphere of the Games. 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, epitomizing athletic excellence on the grandest stage.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the Stade de France, encapsulating the spirit and energy of the entire event. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a poignant farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles. The transition was complete, leaving a lasting impression that will be remembered as the world looks forward to the next chapter in Olympic history.