End of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded with a spectacular 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. Paris bid farewell with a visual and cultural feast that showcased not only the spirit of the Games but also the essence of the host city.
Transition to Los Angeles 2028
With Paris’ chapter coming to a close, Los Angeles eagerly prepares to take on the mantle for the upcoming summer event in 2028. The ceremony marked this transition with grandeur, featuring a seamless handover that incorporated a variety of dazzling performances and iconic moments, bridging two vibrant cities known for their cultural legacies.
The symbolic passing of the Olympic flag was an unforgettable highlight. Renowned actor Tom Cruise descended exhilaratingly from the roof into the crowd, raising the Olympic flag proudly. This thrilling sequence culminated in gymnast Simone Biles transitioning the flag to Cruise, officially heralding the commencement of the Los Angeles 2028 Games preparations. The ceremony captured the ethos of both Hollywood and the Olympics, merging them into an extraordinary spectacle.
Hollywood Meets the Olympics
Cruise's adventure didn’t end there. He took the Olympic flag on a daring journey, boarding a military cargo plane with his motorcycle. An elaborate montage showcased Cruise skydiving into Los Angeles, theatrically transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the base of the Olympic rings logo. The visual journey symbolically transitioned to the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue that has previously hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984, further anchoring the Olympic legacy in the city.
Music and Culture as Central Elements
Music bridged the cultural energy of Paris and Los Angeles, turning the Closing Ceremony into a vibrant celebration. American skateboarder Jagger Eaton contributed to this dynamic blend by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach, embodying the spirit of youth and sport.
The musical lineup was star-studded. The Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop," setting the stage for a chain of electrifying performances. Billie Eilish delivered a riveting performance on an adjacent stage, while Snoop Dogg took the celebration to another level with "Drop It Like It's Hot," later being joined by Dr. Dre for an energetic rendition of "The Next Episode." The night came alive with color cannons launching the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop.
Paris' Artistic and Cultural Send-Off
While Los Angeles celebrated with pop culture, Paris gave a moving homage to its rich artistic heritage. Alain Roche’s piano performance, suspended in the air, alongside the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim, enriched the ceremony. French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix added to the cultural celebration with their performances.
The torch, a symbol of Olympic legacy, was carried by star French swimmer Leon Marchand before being ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Olympic Games. French R&B singer Yseult performed "Comme d'habitude," encapsulating the bittersweet farewell while marking the transition from the Olympic Games to the Paralympic Games.
Transition to the Paralympic Games
In a symbolic gesture, French rugby star and flag bearer Antoine Dupont passed a French flag to Paralympic track and field runner Nantenin Keita, elegantly marking the shift to the upcoming Paralympic Games scheduled from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
USA's Dominance and Final Farewell
The United States emerged as a dominant force, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, showcasing their sporting prowess on the international stage.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, the night sky lit up in a final, grand celebration. Paris bid farewell to the Games, passing the torch to Los Angeles and looking forward to another chapter in the timeless Olympic story.