The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a triumphant close with a dazzling and star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France. The event was a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating international sporting spectacle that captured the world’s imagination.
A Spectacular Closing Ceremony
The ceremony featured a blend of Hollywood glamour and Olympic tradition. Renowned actor Tom Cruise captivated the crowd with a heart-stopping descent from the stadium’s roof, holding the Olympic flag high. This thrilling moment was complemented by gymnast Simone Biles, who symbolically passed the flag to Cruise, marking the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Cruise's adventurous spirit was on full display as he took the Olympic flag on a ride, first boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle and then skydiving into Los Angeles. The visual montage creatively transformed the double O’s of the iconic Hollywood sign into the Olympic rings, setting the stage for the next Games.
Music and Culture Unite
The Closing Ceremony was a celebration of music and culture, bridging the best of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic atmosphere, skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The musical performances were nothing short of spectacular, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers igniting the crowd with "Can't Stop," followed by Billie Eilish's riveting performance. Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre elevated the energy, performing "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "The Next Episode."
As the visual spectacle unfolded back in Los Angeles, Paris also delivered an artistic homage to its cultural heritage. Alain Roche’s aerial piano performance and Benjamin Bernheim’s opera singing added a layer of sophistication to the festivities. Performances by French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix highlighted the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Paris Bids Farewell
The torch, a symbol of Olympic legacy, was carried by French swimmer Leon Marchand before being ceremoniously extinguished. This poignant moment marked the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. In a nod to the upcoming Paralympic Games, French rugby star Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly signaling the transition to the Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
A Dominant Performance
The United States emerged as a dominant force throughout the Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China secured an impressive 40 gold medals each, showcasing their athletic prowess on the international stage.
Fireworks and Final Farewells
The Closing Ceremony culminated in a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, lighting up the Parisian sky in a kaleidoscope of colors. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a heartfelt farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles with great anticipation for what the 2028 Games will bring.
The night was a fitting tribute to the spirit of the Olympics, celebrating the triumphs, talents, and unity of athletes from around the globe. With Los Angeles now taking the reins, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Olympic history.