As the sun set over the Stade de France, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a breathtaking close with a Closing Ceremony that will be etched in the annals of Olympic history. The star-studded event marked the culmination of a fortnight filled with unforgettable athletic performances and international camaraderie.
A Dazzling Display of Hollywood and Sports
Los Angeles, the next host for the summer games in 2028, eagerly took the mantle in a ceremony that bridged Parisian elegance with Hollywood flair. The Olympic flag was passed in grand style, a transition highlighted by a series of captivating performances. Renowned actor Tom Cruise descended dramatically from the stadium roof, clutching the Olympic flag in a moment that harmonized the theatrics of Hollywood with the solemnity of the Olympic tradition.
In a symbolic gesture, gymnast Simone Biles handed the flag to Cruise, further cementing the transition to the Los Angeles Games. Cruise then embarked on an adventurous journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. Through an imaginative montage, viewers saw him skydiving into Los Angeles and transforming the iconic Hollywood sign into the Olympic rings, setting the stage for the next chapter in Olympic history.
Musical Extravaganza Bridges Two Cultures
The closing festivities did not stint on musical grandeur. A vibrant mix of performances underscored the cultural vibrancy of both Paris and Los Angeles. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added a dynamic touch, skating with the Olympic flag along a quintessential Southern California beach.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers fired up the crowd with their hit song "Can't Stop," while Billie Eilish's riveting performance on an adjacent stage left the audience in awe. The ceremony escalated in energy as Snoop Dogg performed "Drop It Like It's Hot," later joined by Dr. Dre for "The Next Episode." The colorful cannons fired Olympic hues against a picturesque California beach backdrop, encapsulating the spirit of celebration.
Artistic and Cultural Homage to Paris
In Paris, the festivities were marked by an artistic tribute to the host city. Suspended in the air, Alain Roche's piano performance offered an ethereal atmosphere, complemented by the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix further enriched the ceremony with their performances. The extinguishing of the Olympic flame was a poignant moment, carried out by French swimmer Leon Marchand, symbolizing the end of the 2024 Games and the seamless transition to the future.
With French rugby star Antoine Dupont passing a French flag to Paralympic runner Nantenin Keita, the ceremony also highlighted the upcoming Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8.
A Memorable Medal Count
The United States asserted its dominance in the medal tally, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China ended the games with an impressive haul of 40 gold medals each, showcasing their athletic prowess.
The Closing Ceremony concluded in a crescendo of colors and lights, with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a fond farewell to the games, passing the torch to Los Angeles, setting in motion the next four years of anticipation and preparation for the 2028 Olympics.