The Paris 2024 Olympic Games concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony that brought together an impressive array of stars from sports, entertainment, and music to mark the end of this extraordinary event and hand over the torch to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games.
The ceremony began with a dramatic and unforgettable moment as actor Tom Cruise made a grand entrance. Descending from the roof of the Stade de France, Cruise gracefully landed to collect the Olympic flag. This symbolic gesture marked the beginning of the flag’s journey across the Atlantic to Los Angeles. With a burst of energy, Cruise then departed on a sleek motorcycle, further adding to the event’s flair and excitement.
Following Cruise’s dramatic exit, the celebration continued with an exhilarating music performance set against the iconic backdrop of Venice Beach. The lineup included some of the biggest names in music: the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr Dre. Their performances created an electrifying atmosphere, wrapping up the ceremony with a high-energy finale that had the crowd cheering.
Inside the Stade de France, the ceremony also honored outstanding athletes. Great Britain’s flagbearers were gold medallists Alex Yee and Bryony Page. Yee had achieved a thrilling victory in the men’s triathlon, while Page made history by winning Britain’s first-ever Olympic gold in trampoline gymnastics. Their selection as flagbearers was a testament to their remarkable achievements and the inspiration they provided throughout the Games.
In the overall medal standings, Great Britain finished seventh, with a total of 65 medals. This tally included 14 gold, 22 silver, and 29 bronze, surpassing their previous record of 64 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games. This performance reflected a strong showing and added a note of pride to the closing ceremony.
During his closing speech, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach reflected on the success of the Paris 2024 Games. He described them as “sensational,” cleverly playing on the word “Seine-sational,” a nod to the Seine River that flows through Paris. Bach emphasized that these Games represented a “new era” for the Olympics, one that was more aligned with the reforms of the Olympic agenda: embracing a younger audience, becoming more urban, more inclusive, and more sustainable. Notably, Paris 2024 was the first Games to achieve full gender parity, marking a significant milestone.
Bach praised the athletes for their “simply amazing” performances, highlighting how their feats showcased the remarkable potential of humanity. He spoke about the spirit of unity and peace that prevailed in the Olympic Village, where athletes from diverse nations lived and competed together harmoniously, even in the face of global conflicts. Bach’s speech underscored the role of the Olympics in creating a culture of peace, inspiring billions around the world and promoting a vision of a better, more inclusive world.
Special recognition was given to the 45,000 volunteers who played a crucial role in the success of the Games. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in making Paris 2024 a memorable event. The Games had begun with a rain-soaked opening ceremony along the Seine on July 26, and the contributions of these volunteers were a key factor in the seamless execution of the event.
The closing ceremony also served as a showcase for the upcoming 2028 Games in Los Angeles. The transition was highlighted by an engaging segment where R&B artist H.E.R. performed the American national anthem inside the Stade de France. Following this, the Olympic flag embarked on a virtual tour of Los Angeles, visiting notable landmarks such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Venice Beach. The tour was accompanied by vibrant imagery of Cruise in front of the iconic Hollywood sign, decorated with the Olympic rings.
The ceremony culminated with a memorable performance by Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre, adding a final touch of excitement and anticipation for the next Games. Their performance was a fitting end to an eventful closing ceremony, leaving the audience eager for the next chapter in the Olympic journey.
Overall, the Paris 2024 closing ceremony was a celebration of athletic excellence, cultural diversity, and the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games. It was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable Games and a promising preview of what’s to come in Los Angeles in 2028.
