Paris concluded two and a half remarkable weeks of Olympic events and emotions with a vibrant, star-studded closing ceremony at France’s national stadium. The event marked the handover of the Summer Games to Los Angeles for 2028.
The closing ceremony featured a dynamic artistic show that celebrated Olympic themes, highlighted by golden fireworks and thousands of athletes enjoying the festivities late into the night. Paris’ first Games in a century ended with a spectacular flourish.
In a moment of excitement, crowds of athletes surged onto the stage during a highlight video, prompting announcements in both French and English for them to return to their seats. Some athletes remained on stage, joining Grammy-winning French pop-rock band Phoenix for their performance until security and volunteers cleared the area.
The ceremony also included Hollywood star Tom Cruise making a dramatic entrance, descending from the top of the stadium to the “Mission Impossible” theme. He shook hands with athletes, took the Olympic flag from star gymnast Simone Biles, and then rode off on a motorcycle.
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to bring the Olympic flag to Los Angeles.”
Tom Cruise: #Paris2024 #LA28 #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/bLsZJTc0xy
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 11, 2024
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, who attended the ceremony with French President Emmanuel Macron, delivered a speech emphasizing the Games’ potential to foster “cultural peace that inspires the world” and praised the athletes for their mutual respect despite national conflicts.
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From Paris to LA. The Olympic flag is officially handed over! 🏳️#Paris2024 #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/APPVwv17YV
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 11, 2024
For Los Angeles, the challenge will be to outshine Paris. The French capital utilized its iconic cityscape brilliantly for its centennial Games, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower serving as both backdrops and venues for events.
