Hollywood actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, abseiling from the roof of the Stade de France in front of a crowd of 71,500 spectators. The „Mission Impossible“ star descended on a wire, grabbed the Olympic flag, and then jumped on a motorbike, thrilling athletes and fans alike. This spectacle was a preview of what the world can expect when the games head to Los Angeles in 2028, as Cruise was later shown skydiving into the city and adorning the iconic Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings.
Following Cruise’s daring stunt, Los Angeles band Red Hot Chili Peppers, singer Billie Eilish, and rappers Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre performed a mini-concert on a beach with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. The closing ceremony marked the beginning of the four-year countdown to the LA Games, with US gymnastics icon Simone Biles joining Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the formal handover of the Olympic flag.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praised the Paris Games as „sport at its best,“ describing them as „sensational Olympic Games from start to finish.“ Bach’s pun about the Seine River flowing through Paris added a touch of humor to his remarks, as he expressed gratitude to the French hosts for their love of the Olympic Games.
The closing ceremony featured 9,000 athletes and 270 performers and artists, with a focus on celebrating humanity and the unifying power of sport. Paris 2024 organising chief Tony Estanguet commended the athletes for their brilliance and magic, stating that they had brought joy and vitality to the world when it was needed most.
Overall, the Paris Olympic Games were hailed as a success, with memorable moments like Tom Cruise’s abseil and the star-studded closing ceremony leaving a lasting impression on spectators. As the torch is passed to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games, the world eagerly anticipates another spectacular showcase of athleticism, entertainment, and unity on the Olympic stage.