Movie star Tom Cruise descended onto France’s 80,000-seat Stade de Franc to the sound of H.E.R.
performing the “Star Spangled Banner” to transport the Olympic flag, ushering in a suitably Hollywood vibe to the closing ceremony of the Paris Games as it handed the torch to the Games’ next host, Los Angeles. After weeks of fierce competition, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a close on Aug. 11, with France’s President Emmanuel Macron kicking off its final ceremony to the French national anthem.
The ceremony featured more than a hundred performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists. Directed by Thomas Jolly, who also helmed the opening ceremony, the event’s theme was “Records.” Traditional elements such as the athlete parade, flag presentations, and the lowering of the Olympic flag were included.
A highlight was the official handover of the Olympic flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, symbolizing the transition to the next Olympic host city. Bass then passed the flag to Cruise, who headed out of the stadium on a motorbike. The closing ceremony included the awarding of the women’s marathon medals and the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic flame.
As the Olympic torch was lowered, preparations will begin for the Paralympic Games, set to take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
The Paralympic flame will be ignited in Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement, shortly after the Olympic closing ceremon.