The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a close with a breathtaking and celebrity-filled Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France, officially ending what has been an extraordinary international sporting spectacle. As the world bid adieu to the Paris Games, attention now turns to Los Angeles, which is eagerly preparing to host the summer event in 2028.
Star-Studded Moments and Unforgettable Performances
The transition to the 2028 Games was symbolized by the grand passing of the Olympic flag. Renowned actor Tom Cruise made an exhilarating descent from the roof into the crowd, proudly holding the flag, setting the stage for Hollywood-meets-Olympics theatrics. The highlight of the evening included gymnast Simone Biles handing over the flag to Cruise, marking the official shift to Los Angeles 2028.
Cruise then took the flag on a thrilling journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. The visual spectacular continued with Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, dynamically transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo, creating a cinematic moment that captivated the audience.
The journey culminated at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that had previously hosted the Olympic Games in 1932 and 1984. This iconic location will once again play a central role in the upcoming Olympics.
A Musical Feast Bridging Paris and Los Angeles
Music played a pivotal role in the ceremony, blending the vibrant cultural energies of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton thrilled spectators by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach scene. The musical performances kicked off with the Red Hot Chili Peppers electrifying the atmosphere with their hit "Can't Stop."
Billie Eilish wowed the audience with a riveting performance from an adjacent stage. Ramping up the celebration, Snoop Dogg took to the stage with "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre as the duo performed their classic "The Next Episode." The night was illuminated by color cannons firing off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, creating a memorable visual display.
Paris: A Farewell and a Cultural Homage
Back in Paris, the closing festivities honored the host city with artistic and cultural tributes. Alain Roche delivered a mesmerizing piano performance while suspended in the air, and opera singer Benjamin Bernheim added to the evening with his powerful vocals. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further enriched the ceremony with their performances, showcasing the musical diversity of the host nation.
The Olympic torch, a symbol of the Games' legacy, was carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude," adding an emotional layer to the concluding moments.
Transition to Paralympic Glory
The ceremony also highlighted Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to preparing for the Paralympic Games. French rugby star Antoine Dupont handed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly marking the shift to the Paralympic competition scheduled from August 28 to September 8.
Medal Tally and Fireworks Finale
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China celebrated significant achievements, each clinching an impressive 40 gold medals. The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, sealing the event with a vibrant farewell.
As the Olympic flame was extinguished and Paris bid goodbye to the Games, the world now looks towards Los Angeles, where the anticipation for another spectacular Olympic event begins to build.