PARIS: The 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a grand conclusion with a spectacular closing ceremony on Sunday, marking the official end of the event as Los Angeles takes the reins for the 2028 Games.
In a true display of Hollywood flair, Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the top of the French stadium to the iconic “Mission Impossible” theme. He then took the Olympic flag from star gymnast Simone Biles, placed it on the back of a motorcycle, and rode out of the stadium. Cruise’s thrilling act continued in a pre-recorded segment where he rode his bike past the Eiffel Tower, boarded a plane, and skydived over the Hollywood Hills, where the famous Hollywood sign was temporarily transformed to include the Olympic rings.
French singer Yseult delivered a breathtaking performance during the ceremony, dressed in a stunning Dior Haute Couture outfit that paid tribute to the legendary fashion house. Her ensemble, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, included a black silk New Bar jacket—a modern take on Dior’s iconic 1940s design—paired with a flowing black silk skirt, a hat, gloves, and shoes, epitomizing French haute couture.
Yseult’s powerful rendition of the classic song “My Way,” originally popularized by Frank Sinatra, resonated deeply with the audience, symbolizing the spirit of individuality and perseverance that defined the Games. The performance, both musically and visually, was a fitting finale for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
As the Games came to a close, the Olympic rings were lowered, signaling the end of this chapter. The stadium, once bustling with activity, fell silent, with only the sounds of stage workers dismantling the set remaining. Confetti still covered the ground, a reminder of the celebrations that had just taken place.
The focus now shifts to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics, while Brisbane, Australia, prepares to host the 2032 Games. The host city for 2036 has yet to be decided, with potential contenders like Ahmedabad in India, Berlin, and Santiago in Chile vying for the honor.
The U.S. women’s basketball team secured the final gold medal of the Paris Games by defeating France, helping the U.S. tie China for the most golds at 40. The U.S. led the total medal count with 126, including 42 silver and 44 bronze medals.
As Paris bids farewell to an extraordinary two and a half weeks of sports and emotion, the world now looks ahead to the future Games, starting with the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This will be the first Olympics hosted in Milan, with events taking place across several cities in northern Italy.
