The 2024 Paris Olympic Games ended in a spectacular fashion at the Stade de France, captivating the world with a star-studded Closing Ceremony. This grand finale not only celebrated the conclusion of a memorable event but also set the stage for the next host city, Los Angeles, in 2028.
A Night of Grandeur and Transition
The evening was marked by the symbolic passing of the Olympic flag, transitioning the baton from Paris to Los Angeles. Renowned actor Tom Cruise added an extra layer of Hollywood theatrics with his dramatic descent from the stadium roof into the crowd, proudly holding the Olympic flag. This grand gesture highlighted the connection between the glamour of Hollywood and the grandeur of the Olympics.
The ceremony reached a peak when gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, symbolizing the official handoff to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Cruise, ever the showman, embarked on an adventurous journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. The subsequent montage showcased Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, transforming the iconic double O's of the Hollywood sign into the Olympic rings, providing a visual feast that resonated with the audience.
Musical Extravaganza Bridges Cultures
Music played a pivotal role in the ceremony, seamlessly blending the cultural energies of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic atmosphere by skating with the Olympic flag on a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the proceedings with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance from Billie Eilish on an adjacent stage.
The excitement escalated when Snoop Dogg took the stage with "Drop It Like It's Hot," joined later by Dr. Dre for a powerful rendition of "The Next Episode." The night came alive with color cannons firing off the Olympic colors, set against a picturesque California beach backdrop, creating a visually stunning conclusion to the performances.
Cultural Homage to Paris
Back in Paris, the closing festivities were enriched by artistic and cultural elements that paid tribute to the host city. Alain Roche's piano performance, suspended in the air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim added a touch of elegance to the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further underscored the celebration with their captivating performances.
The torch, a symbol of the Olympic legacy, was carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult's performance of "Comme d'habitude" provided a fitting emotional touch to the closing segment.
Looking Ahead to the Paralympic Games
The ceremony also symbolized Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to the Paralympic Games. French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly marking the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Medal Count Highlights
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games saw the United States emerge as a dominant force, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, showcasing their athletic prowess on the global stage.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, as the Olympic flame was extinguished. Paris bid a fond farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles, promising another chapter of unforgettable moments in Olympic history.