Paris 2024 has come to a close with a star-studded closing ceremony led by none other than Tom Cruise. The Mission Impossible megastar made a grand entrance by descending into the stadium on a cable from the roof, attached to what appeared to be the Olympic flag. Cruise’s controlled descent on a suspension wire was a mixture of dramatic, thrilling, and deeply silly – a classic Cruise move.
As Cruise made his way through a throng of athletes, one enthusiastic participant grabbed him and gave him a full-on smooch, adding a touch of unexpected excitement to the ceremony. Cruise then hopped on a motorcycle and rode around the city of Paris before magically transitioning to Los Angeles through the magic of movies.
The Red Hot Chilli Peppers provided the soundtrack for Cruise’s journey, playing in iconic LA locations like the Hollywood sign and Venice Beach. The closing ceremony also featured a mix of musical performances, with artists like Phoenix and Angele taking the stage to entertain the audience.
Despite some unexpected moments, including athletes crowding the stage in a misheard instruction, the closing ceremony concluded on a high note. The event marked the official handover of the Olympic baton to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Summer Games. LA28 has promised a star-studded lineup for their closing ceremony, including performances by Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg.
As the athletes bid farewell to Paris 2024 and look ahead to the next Olympic Games, the closing ceremony provided a fitting end to an eventful and memorable Games. With performances, speeches, and celebratory moments, the ceremony captured the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that define the Olympic Games. Paris may have closed its chapter, but the Olympic flame continues to burn brightly as it passes on to the next host city.
