The 2024 Paris Olympic Games reached a grand conclusion with a star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France. The event put an exclamation point on a fortnight of electrifying competition that captivated audiences worldwide. Now, the baton has been passed to Los Angeles, which is gearing up to host the next summer event in 2028.
A Grand Transition
The passing of the Olympic flag was both ceremonial and spectacular. Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the roof while proudly holding the Olympic flag. Gymnast Simone Biles took center stage to officially hand over the flag to Cruise, symbolizing the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
In true Hollywood fashion, Cruise took the flag on a whirlwind adventure, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle, and was seen skydiving into Los Angeles in an elaborate sequence. This montage culminated in his dramatic transformation of the Hollywood sign's double O's into the lower part of the Olympic rings logo.
Cultural Melange
The Closing Ceremony was a dazzling blend of Hollywood glamour and Olympic tradition. It was a visual and auditory feast that celebrated not only the conclusion of the Paris Games but also the cultural energy that Los Angeles will bring to the next edition of the Olympics. Among the standout moments was American skateboarder Jagger Eaton, who skated with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach.
Music played a central role, bridging the cultural divide between Paris and Los Angeles. The Red Hot Chili Peppers set the tone with their hit song "Can't Stop." Following that, Billie Eilish delivered a stirring performance from an adjacent stage. The excitement only heightened when Snoop Dogg performed "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a rendition of "The Next Episode." The night was capped off with color cannons firing the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach scenery.
Paris Bids Adieu
Back in Paris, the ceremony was equally compelling, marked by artistic and cultural performances that paid homage to the host city. Alain Roche captivated the audience with a piano performance while suspended in the air, and opera singer Benjamin Bernheim added an elegant touch. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix also graced the stage with their performances. French R&B singer Yseult's rendition of "Comme d'habitude" left the audience in awe.
The torch, symbolizing the Olympic legacy, was carried by French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the formal end of the 2024 Olympic Games.
Looking to the Future
Even as Paris bade farewell to the Games, the ceremony gracefully transitioned to focus on the upcoming Paralympic Games, scheduled from August 28 to September 8. French rugby star Antoine Dupont, serving as a flag bearer, passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, marking this shift.
Dominance on Display
The United States emerged as a dominant force at the Games, claiming a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China achieved an impressive haul of 40 gold medals each, showcasing their athletic prowess on this global stage.
The Closing Ceremony reached its climax with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris officially ended its role as the host city, passing the torch to Los Angeles with a promise of yet another spectacular Olympic event in 2028.