Tom Cruise brought Hollywood flair to the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics by rappelling from the roof of the Stade de France to receive the Olympic flag.
His dramatic descent, accompanied by a tease of the Mission: Impossible soundtrack from Grammy-winning artist H.E.R., drew gasps from the audience. The ceremony, which showcased a blend of traditional elements, unique touches, and Hollywood glamour, marked the handover from Paris to the upcoming Los Angeles Games.
Paris used its iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, to captivate both athletes and spectators. In contrast, Los Angeles immediately turned to its star power, featuring A-list celebrities in its presentation.
The Paris Games were a rejuvenating spectacle after the challenges faced by Rio in 2016 and the subdued atmosphere of Tokyo’s COVID-affected event. Even locals were swept up in the Olympic excitement, with Paris transforming from a nation known for its complaints into one of enthusiastic sports fans.
Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet celebrated the French swimmer Leon Marchand, who won four gold medals, as a symbol of the Games’ success. The event also saw China and the United States competing fiercely for the top spot in the medal standings. The American women’s basketball team dealt France a heart-wrenching one-point defeat in the final, securing their 40th gold medal and topping the medal table.
As the world emerged from the pandemic, Paris promised a “light at the end of the tunnel” and a carefree Olympic experience. However, the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and heightened security in France cast a shadow over the Games. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach praised the athletes for living peacefully together despite global tensions, creating a “culture of peace.”
Looking ahead, Los Angeles faces high expectations set by Paris. The City of Angels plans to leverage its diversity and Hollywood allure to make its mark. As Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged, Paris has set a high bar, and the city will need to rise to the challenge.
In addition to the memorable moments of the Games, France celebrated notable achievements such as Leon Marchand’s dominance in swimming and Teddy Riner’s fifth Olympic gold in judo. Simone Biles made a triumphant return, adding three more gold medals to her already impressive collection. The Paris Games also featured the debut of breaking, along with returning sports like 3×3 basketball, sports climbing, skateboarding, and surfing.
Despite some controversies, including doping allegations involving Chinese swimmers and issues surrounding gender eligibility in women’s boxing, the IOC was relieved to avoid major scandals. Paris’s $1.5 billion cleanup of the Seine allowed for a successful and hygienic triathlon and marathon swimming event, showcasing the city’s commitment to environmental improvement.
