Paris Wraps Up the 2024 Olympics with a Spectacular Star-Studded Finale

The French capital has handed over hosting duties for the Summer Games to the next city in line: Los Angeles in 2028.

SAINT-DENIS, France — Los Angeles has officially taken over the Olympic hosting duties for 2028, with a ceremony that featured Hollywood’s Tom Cruise and Grammy winner Billie Eilish. The transition took place after Paris concluded its 2024 Games with grand celebration and a plea for peace from IOC President Thomas Bach.

Over the last two and a half weeks, Paris’ national stadium was a stage for Olympic sports, filled with emotion and excitement. The closing ceremony blended vibrant celebration with a poignant call for global peace, highlighting the remarkable games that utilized Paris’ iconic landmarks as backdrops.

LA made its presence known with a series of spectacular acts. Cruise, in his “Ethan Hunt” persona, descended from the stadium to “Mission Impossible” riffs, took the Olympic flag from Simone Biles, and left the arena dramatically on a motorcycle, showcasing LA’s readiness to host the 2028 Games.

Paris set a high bar, brilliantly using its monuments like the Eiffel Tower. LA, however, showed it also has significant plans to offer an equally mesmerizing experience. The handover ceremony was a mix of live and pre-recorded segments, including Cruise skydiving over the Hollywood Hills.

The closing ceremony saw athletes from around the world celebrating their achievements and the artistic presentation of the Olympic themes. French pop-rock band Phoenix’s performance stirred the crowd, despite brief disruptions as enthusiastic athletes joined the stage.

Multiple zones away, California’s own Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg performed at Venice Beach. The event highlighted the local pride and excitement surrounding the upcoming Los Angeles Games.

French swimmer Léon Marchand played a prominent role, collecting the Olympic flame and later blowing it out to mark the end of the Paris Games. The announcement ceremony emphasized global unity, as athletes from 205 countries waved their flags in a display of unity during turbulent global times.

As Paris bid farewell, it left a lasting impression. The closing ceremony awarded the final medals, adding historical significance with chunks from the Eiffel Tower embedded in them. For the first time, the women’s marathon closed the event, reflecting efforts for gender equity in the Olympics.

The U.S. topped the medal tally with 126, showcasing Simone Biles’ triumphant return. The Paris Games, which started with a rain-soaked but joyous opening, concluded with a more reflective note, celebrating Olympic ideals against a backdrop of swirling stars and historical symbols.

The transition from Paris to Los Angeles promises a continuation of Olympic grandeur, with LA gearing up to host its memorable Games in 2028.