Paris, August 11, 2024, The Europe Today: The 33rd Olympic Games came to a spectacular end as stars from the world of sports, entertainment, and music gathered at the Stade de France for the Paris 2024 closing ceremony. The event marked the conclusion of a historic Games and set the stage for the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
In a dramatic moment, actor Tom Cruise descended from the roof of the stadium to receive the Olympic flag, symbolizing the handover to Los Angeles, which will host the Games in four years. Cruise’s appearance was a highlight of the ceremony, and he departed the stadium on a motorcycle, adding a cinematic touch to the proceedings.
The celebrations continued on Venice Beach in Los Angeles, where a star-studded music set featured performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, bringing the ceremony to a thrilling close.
Inside the Stade de France, British athletes Alex Yee and Bryony Page served as flagbearers for Great Britain. Yee secured gold in the men’s triathlon, while Page made history by winning Britain’s first-ever Olympic gold in trampoline. Great Britain finished the Games with an impressive tally of 65 medals, including 14 golds, placing them seventh in the medal table.
In his closing remarks, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach reflected on the success of the Paris Games, calling them “sensational, or dare I say, ‘Seine-sational,’” in a nod to the river that runs through the host city. He praised the Games as the first to fully implement the IOC’s Olympic Agenda reforms, emphasizing their youthfulness, urban focus, inclusivity, sustainability, and gender parity.
Bach also commended the athletes for their “simply amazing” performances and highlighted the spirit of unity and peace that the Games fostered. “You embraced each other. You respected each other, even if your countries are divided by war and conflict. You created a culture of peace,” he said. Bach concluded with a call to live this culture of peace every day, recognizing the Olympics’ unique ability to inspire global harmony, even if they cannot directly create it.
Special recognition was given to the 45,000 volunteers who contributed to the Games’ success, which began with a rain-soaked opening ceremony along the Seine on July 26.
As the world said goodbye to Paris 2024, the closing ceremony also offered a glimpse of what’s to come in Los Angeles. R&B artist H.E.R. performed the American national anthem at the Stade de France before the focus shifted to LA. Mountain biker Kate Courtney, track and field legend Michael Johnson, and skateboarder Jagger Eaton carried the Olympic flag on a tour of iconic locations in Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Venice Beach.
Tom Cruise was also seen in front of the Hollywood sign, adorned with Olympic rings, as part of the LA showcase. The ceremony culminated with a performance by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, who have been integral to the buildup to the 2028 Games, leaving audiences excited for the next chapter in Olympic history.
The Paris 2024 Games, celebrated for their inclusivity and innovation, have set a high standard, and the world now turns its attention to Los Angeles, where the Olympic flame will burn brightly once again in 2028.
