The 2024 Paris Olympic Games ended on a high note with a visually stunning and star-studded Closing Ceremony held at the Stade de France. This grand event brought an official end to an exhilarating international sporting spectacle and raised the curtain for Los Angeles, the host for the 2028 Summer Games.
The Handover to Los Angeles
The transition of the Olympic flag to Los Angeles was marked by a series of breathtaking performances and memorable theatrics. Hollywood icon Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the roof with the Olympic flag held high. This exciting moment set the tone for a symbolic handoff where gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, beautifully capturing the spirit of the Games.
Cruise took the Olympic flag on an adventurous journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. In an elaborately filmed montage, Cruise was seen skydiving into Los Angeles, creatively transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. The visual narrative concluded at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, an iconic venue that has previously hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1984.
A Blend of Music and Culture
Music played a pivotal role in bridging the cultural energies of Paris and Los Angeles during the ceremony. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic display by skating with the Olympic flag along a quintessential Southern California beach. The musical acts drew significant attention, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers energizing the audience with their hit "Can't Stop," Billie Eilish delivering a riveting performance, and Snoop Dogg joining forces with Dr. Dre for a performance of "The Next Episode."
The night exploded with color as cannons launched the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, creating an unforgettable visual experience for attendees and viewers worldwide.
A Parisian Farewell
Meanwhile, back in Paris, the Closing Ceremony paid tribute to the host city's artistic and cultural heritage. Alain Roche captivated the crowd with a piano performance suspended in the air, while opera singer Benjamin Bernheim added a touch of elegance with his vocal talent. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further enriched the festivities with their performances.
The symbolic Olympic torch, carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand, was ceremoniously extinguished, officially marking the end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult's rendition of "Comme d'habitude" added a poignant note to the ceremony.
Transition to the Paralympic Games
The ceremony also signaled Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to welcoming the Paralympic Games. French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed the French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly marking the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games, which are scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8.
Medal Tally and Final Farewell
The United States emerged as a dominant force throughout the Games, amassing a total of 126 medals and tying with China at 40 gold medals each. This strong performance highlighted the competitive spirit and dedication of the athletes.
The grand finale of the Closing Ceremony featured a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, illuminating the night sky and creating a spectacular visual farewell. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid adieu to the Games and passed the torch to Los Angeles, setting the stage for the next chapter in Olympic history.