The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have come to a close with a spectacular, star-studded ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday evening. This memorable and thrilling international sporting event ended on a high note, paving the way for Los Angeles to take over the reins for the upcoming summer games in 2028.
An Exhilarating Transition
The transition from Paris to Los Angeles was marked by a grand and seamless passing of the Olympic flag, featuring dazzling performances and iconic moments. The evening was a visual feast of Hollywood-meets-Olympics theatrics, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the event. Renowned actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance by descending from the roof into the crowd, proudly carrying the Olympic flag. This exhilarating descent set the tone for the evening, capturing the essence of excitement and anticipation for the future games.
One of the highlights was the symbolic handoff where gymnast Simone Biles passed the Olympic flag to Tom Cruise. This pivotal moment marked the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, promising a continuation of the Olympic spirit and grandeur. Cruise further took the flag on an adventurous ride, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. His journey was documented in an elaborate montage, where he was shown skydiving into Los Angeles and transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. The visual spectacle culminated at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a revered site that has previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
A Spectacular Celebration
Music played a central role in bridging the cultural energy of Paris and Los Angeles. The ceremony featured an impeccable blend of both cities' dynamic musical talents. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton contributed to the vibrant atmosphere by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the crowd with their hit song "Can't Stop," while Billie Eilish delivered a riveting performance on an adjacent stage. Snoop Dogg elevated the celebration to another level with "Drop It Like It's Hot," and later, he was joined by Dr. Dre for an electrifying rendition of "The Next Episode." The night came alive with color cannons firing off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop.
A Farewell to Paris
Back in Paris, the closing festivities honored the host city with a blend of art and culture. Alain Roche's piano performance, executed while suspended in the air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim added a dramatic and emotional touch to the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and Phoenix further enriched the atmosphere with their performances. The torch, a symbol of Olympic legacy, was carried by French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude," adding a fitting end to the Parisian celebrations.
A Look Towards the Paralympic Games
The closing ceremony also marked Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to preparing for the Paralympic Games. French rugby star Antoine Dupont, acting as the flag bearer, passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. This elegant act symbolized the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games, scheduled from August 28 to September 8.
Medal Standings
The United States emerged as a dominant force during the Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, showcasing their athletic prowess and competitive spirit.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, a fitting finale to the vibrant and unforgettable celebration. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a heartfelt farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles, which now carries the weight of Olympic legacy and the promise of further unforgettable moments in 2028.