The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded with a dazzling and star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday, officially drawing the curtain on what has been a memorable and thrilling international sporting event.
A Hollywood Twist to the Olympic Closing
This year's Closing Ceremony was nothing short of a Hollywood spectacle. Renowned actor Tom Cruise made an exhilarating descent from the roof into the crowd, proudly holding aloft the Olympic flag. This dramatic entry set the tone for an evening filled with pageantry and celebration. The symbolic transition to the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games was marked by gymnast Simone Biles passing the flag to Cruise. Cruise then took the flag on an adventurous ride, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. An elaborate montage showed him skydiving into Los Angeles, transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo.
The visual spectacle continued at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a landmark that previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. The ceremony's blend of athleticism and artistry captured the essence of both Paris and Los Angeles, creating a bridge between the two iconic cities.
Musical Brilliance Bridges Cultures
Music played a central role in the Closing Ceremony, serving as a cultural bridge between Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton skated with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach, adding a dynamic element to the blend. The atmosphere ignited as the Red Hot Chili Peppers delivered their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance from Billie Eilish. Snoop Dogg elevated the celebration to another level with "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a powerful rendition of "The Next Episode." The night came alive with vibrant colors as cannons fired off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop.
Back in Paris, the celebrations were equally artistic and culturally rich. Alain Roche's piano performance, suspended in the air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim added a touch of sophistication to the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further enhanced the festivities with their captivating performances.
A Transition to the Paralympic Games
The Closing Ceremony also marked Paris' transition from hosting the Olympic Games to the Paralympic Games. French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, symbolizing the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. This elegant gesture showcased the spirit of unity and continuity embodied by the Olympics and the Paralympics.
Medal Tally and Final Moments
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, underscoring their prowess on the international stage. The visual highlight of the night was the mesmerizing fireworks display that illuminated the sky over the Stade de France, creating a fitting finale for the Games.
As the Olympic flame was ceremoniously extinguished, Paris bid a heartfelt farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles. This gesture not only signaled the conclusion of a remarkable event but also heralded the beginning of a new chapter in Olympic history, set to unfold in Los Angeles in 2028.