The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games brought together stars from sports, film, and music to mark the end of the 33rd edition of the Games. Actor Tom Cruise descended from the roof of Stade de France to receive the Olympic flag, symbolizing the handover to Los Angeles, which will host the next Games in 2028. Following this, a star-studded lineup including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr Dre performed on Venice Beach to conclude the ceremony. Great Britain’s gold medalists Alex Yee and Bryony Page were the flagbearers for their team at the ceremony, with Yee winning the men’s triathlon and Page securing Britain’s first-ever Olympic trampoline gold. Great Britain finished seventh in the medal table, surpassing their tally from the previous Games in Tokyo.
In his closing speech, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach praised the athletes for their exceptional performances, describing the Games as “sensational” and a representation of a new era in Olympic history. Bach highlighted the Games’ adherence to the Olympic agenda reforms, focusing on aspects such as youth, urbanism, inclusivity, sustainability, and gender parity. He commended the athletes for showcasing the greatness of humanity through their performances and creating a culture of peace within the Olympic Village, despite geopolitical conflicts. Bach called on individuals worldwide to embrace this culture of peace every day and continue to inspire others to strive for a better world through the Olympic spirit.
The closing ceremony also provided a preview of the upcoming Games in Los Angeles in 2028. R&B artist H.E.R. performed the American national anthem, setting the stage for a showcase of the iconic city. The Olympic flag was toured around Los Angeles by athletes Kate Courtney, Michael Johnson, and Jagger Eaton, visiting landmarks like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Venice Beach. Tom Cruise was featured in front of the Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings, symbolizing the city’s readiness to host the Games once again. The performance by Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre at the finale of the ceremony left viewers excited for the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles, setting the stage for an unforgettable event in four years’ time.
The Paris 2024 Olympics were praised for their organization and execution, with special recognition given to the 45,000 volunteers who contributed to the success of the Games. The event was marked by memorable moments, including the rain-soaked opening ceremony along the Seine on 26 July, which set the tone for an action-packed sporting event. Great Britain’s strong showing in the medal table and the performances of standout athletes like Alex Yee and Bryony Page added to the excitement and competitiveness of the Games. As the Paralympics are set to take place in Paris from 28 August to 8 September, the legacy of the 2024 Olympics is expected to continue, inspiring future generations of athletes and fans.
The vision of creating a culture of peace through sports and the Olympic spirit was a central theme of the Paris 2024 closing ceremony. IOC president Thomas Bach emphasized the power of the Games to unite people from different nations and backgrounds, fostering a sense of harmony and cooperation. The message of peace and unity resonated with billions of viewers worldwide, highlighting the transformative potential of sports and international events like the Olympics. As the world looks ahead to future editions of the Games, the legacy of Paris 2024 will be remembered as a testament to the enduring values of athleticism, camaraderie, and global solidarity.
