The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a thrilling and unforgettable end with a Closing Ceremony that illuminated the Stade de France on Sunday night. This memorable event celebrated the conclusion of a historic gathering of athletes and marked the symbolic handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games.
A Grand Spectacle of Celebration
The ceremony was a brilliant fusion of Hollywood flair and Olympic tradition. In a moment that wowed the audience, acclaimed actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the stadium roof while holding the Olympic flag. This incredible stunt set the tone for an evening filled with captivating performances and heartfelt moments.
The transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games was symbolized through an exhilarating passing of the flag. Gymnast Simone Biles played a crucial role in this significant moment as she handed the flag to Cruise. Following this, Cruise embarked on an adventurous journey, proudly displaying the flag as he boarded a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. His journey, captured in an elaborate montage, showcased him skydiving into Los Angeles and transforming the iconic Hollywood sign into the Olympic rings. The visual extravaganza concluded at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue rich in Olympic history, having hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
Music and Energy: A Transatlantic Bridging
The Closing Ceremony seamlessly blended the cultural energies of Paris and Los Angeles through a dynamic musical showcase. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton infused the event with Southern California spirit as he skated with the Olympic flag to a quintessential beach setting. The musical part of the night ignited when the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed their electrifying hit song "Can't Stop." Following this, Billie Eilish captivated the crowd with a powerful performance on an adjacent stage.
The atmosphere reached new heights when Snoop Dogg took the stage with "Drop It Like It's Hot." He was later joined by Dr. Dre, and together they delivered a rousing rendition of "The Next Episode." As color cannons fired off the Olympic colors against a stunning California beach backdrop, the ceremony beautifully encapsulated the synergy between Paris and Los Angeles.
Paris Bids Farewell
Back in Paris, the closing festivities paid homage to the host city with an artistic and culturally rich display. The event began with Alain Roche performing a piano piece while suspended in the air, and opera singer Benjamin Bernheim added a layer of grandeur with his powerful voice. The celebration continued with performances by French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix, whose music resonated throughout the Stade de France.
A poignant moment came when French swimmer Leon Marchand carried the torch, a symbol of Olympic legacy, before ceremonially extinguishing it to mark the end of the 2024 Games. French R&B singer Yseult's rendition of "Comme d'habitude" added a touching note to the evening.
Transition to the Paralympic Games
The ceremony also marked Paris's transition from the Olympic to the Paralympic Games, which are scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8. French rugby star Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly symbolizing the shift to the upcoming Paralympic events.
A Stellar Performance by the United States
On the competitive front, the United States emerged as a dominant force, amassing an impressive total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China demonstrated their prowess, each clinching 40 gold medals. This outstanding performance by the athletes added to the excitement and prestige of the Games.
Farewell Paris, Welcome Los Angeles
The night concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, casting a brilliant glow over the celebrations. As the Olympic flame was ceremonially extinguished, Paris bid farewell to the wonder and spirit of the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles. The transition promises another chapter of Olympic excellence in 2028.