Paris bid farewell to the 2024 Olympics with a star-studded closing ceremony at the national stadium in France. The event featured actor Tom Cruise descending from the top of the stadium, taking the Olympic flag from gymnast Simone Biles, and driving off on a motorcycle. The ceremony included a prerecorded ride by Cruise past the Eiffel Tower, skydiving over the Hollywood Hills, and the transformation of the Hollywood sign into Olympic rings.
The closing ceremony celebrated Paris’ first Games in a century with a dazzling display of golden fireworks, artistic performances, and thousands of athletes coming together to party. Despite some athletes rushing the stage during a highlight video, the ceremony was a fitting end to the successful event.
As Paris passed the hosting duties to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics, the City of Angels showcased its star power with performances by Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. The handover ceremony at Venice Beach featured California-native music artists, highlighting the cultural diversity of the city.
The closing ceremony also emphasized unity and peace, with athletes from 205 countries waving their flags as a symbol of global solidarity. The event marked a significant moment for Paris, especially considering the city’s recovery from the 2015 terrorist attacks. The awarding of the final medals, embedded with pieces of the Eiffel Tower, to women marathon runners reflected Paris’ commitment to gender equality in sports.
The U.S. team once again dominated the medal table, with gymnast Simone Biles securing three gold medals. The closing ceremony, while more subdued than the opening ceremony, showcased artistic performances that celebrated Olympic symbols and themes. The event highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and respect among nations, echoing the message of peace and unity.
Despite some controversies surrounding the artistic direction of the ceremonies, Paris successfully hosted a memorable and impactful Olympics that will be remembered for years to come. As the torch is passed to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games, the world eagerly anticipates another spectacular event that will continue to inspire and unite people from around the globe.