A Dazzling Finale to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games ended on a high note with a spectacular Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday. The event, which featured stars from both the sporting and entertainment worlds, marked the end of an unforgettable international sporting extravaganza.
As the world bid adieu to the Paris Games, the focus shifted to Los Angeles, which is set to host the next summer event in 2028. The passing of the Olympic flag symbolized a seamless transition, highlighted by grand performances and iconic moments.
Hollywood blended with Olympic spirit in a theatrical display at the ceremony. Renowned actor Tom Cruise captivated the audience by making a thrilling descent from the roof, proudly holding the Olympic flag. This was followed by a symbolic handoff as gymnast Simone Biles passed the flag to Cruise, signifying the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
In a dramatic sequence, Cruise went on an adventurous ride, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. A visually stunning montage showed him skydiving into Los Angeles and transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the bottom of the Olympic rings logo. The spectacle then led to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue steeped in Olympic history, having hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984.
Music Bridges Two Worlds
Music played a pivotal role in uniting the cultural energies of Paris and Los Angeles during the ceremony. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton contributed to the dynamic display by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers set the stage alight with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by Billie Eilish, who delivered a riveting performance on an adjacent stage.
The celebration reached new heights when Snoop Dogg performed "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for a rousing rendition of "The Next Episode." The night was brought to life with cannons firing Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop.
A Tribute to Paris
Back in Paris, the closing festivities were a heartfelt homage to the host city. Alain Roche's aerial piano performance and Benjamin Bernheim's operatic singing added an artistic touch to the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix enriched the celebration with their performances.
French swimmer Leon Marchand carried the torch, a symbol of Olympic legacy, before it was ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude" as part of the ceremony, which also signaled Paris' transition from hosting the Olympics to the Paralympic Games.
In a poignant moment, French rugby star Antoine Dupont, the flag bearer, passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. This act elegantly marked the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games, scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Medal Tally and Future Prospects
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. The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, sealing Paris' farewell to the Olympics and passing the torch to Los Angeles.