Paris Bids Adieu to the 2024 Olympic Games with a Spectacular Closing Ceremony
The curtains have fallen on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, bringing the international sporting extravaganza to a memorable close with a star-studded and visually stunning Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France. Audiences around the globe were treated to a night of dazzling performances and iconic moments, as Paris handed over the torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.
The ceremony exuded a blend of Hollywood flair and Olympic grandeur. Among the night's highlights was renowned actor Tom Cruise, who made a dramatic entrance by descending from the stadium's roof with the Olympic flag in hand. This breathtaking moment set the tone for a series of performances that bridged the cultures of Paris and the upcoming host city, Los Angeles.
In a symbolic gesture, gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, marking the transition to the next Olympics. Cruise then embarked on an adventurous journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle and engaging in a thrilling sequence that included skydiving into Los Angeles. The sequence culminated in a creative transformation of the Hollywood sign, turning the double O's into the Olympic rings.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, steeped in Olympic history from hosting the Games in 1932 and 1984, was prominently featured in the visuals. The ceremonial passing of the flag was further underscored by an evocative musical blend that captured the spirit of both cities.
American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added a unique touch by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach, epitomizing the relaxed and vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles. The Red Hot Chili Peppers took the stage with their hit song "Can't Stop," energizing the crowd. Billie Eilish followed with a powerful performance, while Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre brought the house down with their rendition of "The Next Episode" against a backdrop of color cannons firing off the Olympic colors.
Back in Paris, the celebration was equally vibrant. An artistic homage to the city included a mesmerizing aerial piano performance by Alain Roche and an operatic display by Benjamin Bernheim. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and Phoenix contributed to the ceremony's rich musical tapestry.
The torch, symbolizing the Olympic legacy, was carried by French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the 2024 Games. French R&B singer Yseult delivered a moving rendition of "Comme d'habitude," adding a poignant note to the closing moments.
The ceremony also paved the way for the upcoming Paralympic Games, scheduled from August 28 to September 8. French rugby star Antoine Dupont handed the national flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, symbolizing the transition from the Olympics to the Paralympics.
On the competitive front, the United States emerged as a dominant force, securing a total of 126 medals, including an impressive 40 gold medals shared with China. The Closing Ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the Stade de France, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid its final farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles with grandeur and grace.