The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded with a magnificent Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday, bringing to an end a memorable and thrilling international sporting event. The city of Los Angeles now eagerly prepares to host the next summer event in 2028, following a seamless transition marked by grandeur and extraordinary performances.
A Hollywood-Style Closing
The ceremony offered a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and Olympic spirit, transforming Stade de France into a theater of dazzling theatrics. The event's peak came when renowned actor Tom Cruise made a stunning descent from the stadium roof, proudly holding aloft the Olympic flag. This was no ordinary handoff; gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, symbolizing the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. In true Hollywood fashion, Cruise then embarked on an adventurous journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle in tow.
Symbolic Transitions
This cinematic montage continued with Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, where the famous Hollywood sign's double O's transformed into the Olympic rings logo. The journey culminated at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that had previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. The sense of history and excitement was palpable as the ceremony seamlessly connected Paris and Los Angeles, past and future.
Musical Extravaganza
Music played a central role in the festivities, bridging the cultural energies of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton contributed to the dynamic atmosphere by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers electrified the crowd with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance by Billie Eilish on an adjacent stage.
The high-energy celebration reached new heights when Snoop Dogg took the stage with "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a memorable performance of "The Next Episode." As color cannons fired off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, the night was alive with celebration.
Paris Bids Farewell
Meanwhile, back in Paris, the closing festivities were an artistic and cultural homage to the host city. Alain Roche's ethereal piano performance, suspended in mid-air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim enriched the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further highlighted the celebration with their performances.
The torch, a symbol of the Olympic legacy, was carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult added to the emotional farewell with her rendition of "Comme d'habitude."
Transition to the Paralympic Games
This ceremony also marked Paris’ transition from hosting the Olympics to the upcoming 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 these Games, which are scheduled to take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
A Stellar Performance by Team USA
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Games, amassing an impressive total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, underscoring their prowess in various disciplines.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a breathtaking fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a heartfelt farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles with the promise of new memories and triumphs in 2028.