Paris Bids Adieu as Los Angeles Prepares for 2028
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded with an unforgettable spectacle at the Stade de France on Sunday. A dazzling Closing Ceremony brought the curtain down on a memorable international sporting event and set the stage for Los Angeles to take the reins for the 2028 Summer Games.
The transition to Los Angeles began with the passing of the Olympic flag, a moment marked by a grandeur that showcased the seamless blend of Parisian elegance and Hollywood theatrics. Renowned actor Tom Cruise captured the essence of this transition with an exhilarating descent from the roof into the crowd, Olympic flag in hand. This breathtaking arrival was capped by gymnast Simone Biles handing the flag to Cruise, symbolizing the official handoff to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Cruise’s adventurous spirit continued as he boarded a military cargo plane with his motorcycle, embarking on a cinematic journey. A montage showed him skydiving into Los Angeles, creatively transforming the double O's of the Hollywood sign into the Olympic rings, a visual moment that captivated audiences worldwide.
The ceremony transitioned to the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, an arena that has twice hosted the Games, first in 1932 and then in 1984. Music played a central role in the evening’s festivities, bridging the cultural vibrancy of Paris and Los Angeles with performances that echoed the spirit of both cities.
American skateboarder Jagger Eaton added to the event's dynamic fusion by skating with the Olympic flag to a quintessential Southern California beach. The energy peaked when the Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the atmosphere with their hit song "Can't Stop." Billie Eilish then delivered a riveting performance on an adjacent stage, followed by Snoop Dogg taking the celebration to another level with "Drop It Like It's Hot." The hip-hop legend was later joined by Dr. Dre for a powerful rendition of "The Next Episode."
As color cannons fired off the Olympic colors against a picturesque California beach backdrop, the celebration hit a high note. Back in Paris, the closing festivities honored the host city through artistic and cultural tributes. Alain Roche's ethereal piano performance, suspended in the air, and the opera singing of Benjamin Bernheim enriched the ceremony, creating poignant moments for viewers.
French musicians Thomas Mars, Angèle, and the band Phoenix contributed to the celebration with their performances, emphasizing the artistic heritage of Paris. The torch, emblematic of the Olympic legacy, was carried by the star French swimmer Leon Marchand before it was ceremoniously extinguished, signaling the official end of the 2024 Games.
French R&B singer Yseult added a final touch with a heartfelt rendition of "Comme d'habitude." The ceremony also marked Paris’ transition from hosting the Olympics 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 August 28 to September 8.
The United States emerged as a dominant force throughout the Games, amassing a total of 126 medals. Both the United States and China clinched an impressive 40 gold medals each, showcasing their prowess across various sporting disciplines.
The Closing Ceremony’s grand finale featured a mesmerizing fireworks display over the Stade de France, a fitting end to a historic chapter. As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris bid a poignant farewell to the Games while the torch was ceremoniously passed to Los Angeles, igniting the countdown to 2028.