The 2024 Paris Olympic Games culminated in a grandiose and star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday, drawing the curtain on a memorable and thrilling international sporting event.
A Seamless Transition to Los Angeles 2028
With Paris passing the Olympic flag to Los Angeles, attention now shifts to the preparations for the 2028 Summer Games. The flag handover was filled with pomp, showcasing a seamless blend of culture and spectacle. This transition, embodying grandeur and entertainment, promises an exciting future for the Games.
Hollywood Meets Olympics
The Closing Ceremony was nothing short of a Hollywood blockbuster. Renowned actor Tom Cruise made a breathtaking entrance, descending from the Stade de France roof while proudly holding the Olympic flag. In a symbolic gesture, gymnast Simone Biles handed over the flag to Cruise, officially marking the transition to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Cruise's adventure didn't stop there. He boarded a military cargo plane with his motorcycle and was shown skydiving into Los Angeles in an elaborate montage. The transformation of the double O's in the Hollywood sign into the Olympic rings was a visual spectacle that captured global attention.
A Melody of Cultures
Music played a central role in the Closing Ceremony, bridging the vibrant cultures of Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the dynamic energy by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop," followed by a riveting performance from Billie Eilish.
Snoop Dogg elevated the celebration with a performance of "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for "The Next Episode." The night was further accentuated by color cannons that fired Olympic colors against the stunning backdrop of a California beach.
Paris Bids Farewell
Back in Paris, the closing festivities were imbued with artistic and cultural homages to the host city. Alain Roche’s piano performance, suspended in the air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim added a rich cultural dimension to the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further enriched the celebration.
The torch, a lasting symbol of the Olympic legacy, was carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, marking the official end of the 2024 Games. Adding to the emotional vibe, French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude."
Transition to the Paralympic Games
In a graceful gesture symbolizing the upcoming Paralympic Games, French rugby star Antoine Dupont passed the French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita. The Paralympic Games are set to take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, continuing the legacy of athletic excellence.
Medal Tally Highlights
The United States emerged as a dominant force in the 2024 Games, amassing a remarkable total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China secured an impressive 40 gold medals each, underscoring their athletic prowess on the global stage.
A Dazzling Finale
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid an emotional farewell, passing the torch to Los Angeles. The stage is now set for another chapter in Olympic history, with Los Angeles eagerly preparing to host the world in 2028.