The Olympic Games wrapped up in Paris with a striking closing ceremony that featured a “Golden Voyager” from outer space and Tom Cruise making a dramatic entrance by abseiling into the stadium. “The most difficult thing when you love is to say goodbye,” remarked the president of this year’s organising committee before passing the responsibility to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympics.
Simone Biles and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass accepted the Olympic flag, followed by singer H.E.R. performing the US national anthem. H.E.R. remained on stage to welcome Tom Cruise, who abseiled into the stadium, hinting at the excitement to come in LA. After receiving the flag, Cruise sped out of the stadium on his motorcycle. A high-octane video montage showed him taking the flag to the US, complete with skydiving and a race to the Hollywood sign. The Red Hot Chili Peppers then delivered a live performance from Venice Beach, followed by Billie Eilish singing her new hit, “Birds of a Feather.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales sent a message to Team GB, joined by Snoop Dogg and David Beckham. Hours before the ceremony, a video surfaced showing a man climbing the Eiffel Tower, leading to an evacuation. The Paris 2024 Olympics also saw athletes making comebacks after breaks.
Thank you, Paris! Now off to LA. pic.twitter.com/MxlAb0hZbT
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) August 11, 2024
Snoop Dogg performed “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” followed by Dr Dre. This year’s Games achieved gender parity, with women making up 50% of the athletes. To honour this, the Women’s Marathon concluded the Games, and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands received her gold medal at the closing ceremony. Despite controversy over a French ban on hijabs for Olympic athletes, Hassan appeared on the podium wearing one.
A dystopian acrobatic display then took over, with the “Golden Voyager,” portrayed by French dancer Arthur Cadre, descending from the sky. The figure explored a barren landscape before discovering elements of humanity and the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee described the scene as the “Golden Voyager landing in a deserted and mysterious world.”
The performance continued with other space travellers paying homage to the Olympics’ origins in Ancient Greece. Artistic director Thomas Jolly filled the stadium with gymnasts and acrobats who rediscovered the Olympics in a world where the Games had ceased to exist. Alain Roche played a floating piano, leading a rendition of the ancient Greek Hymn to Apollo. After the aliens uncovered the Olympic rings, the iconic symbols were raised into the air.
As a highlights reel of the Paris Olympics played, featuring bike crashes, heavy punches, and emotional moments, athletes danced around bands and musicians. French band Phoenix performed with electronic musician Kavinsky, Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, and Belgian singer-songwriter Angèle. The ceremony ended with a grand rendition of “My Way” by French singer Yseult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was unique about the Paris Olympics closing ceremony?
It featured a ‘Golden Voyager’ and Tom Cruise abseiling into the stadium.
Who accepted the Olympic flag for Los Angeles 2028?
Gymnast Simone Biles and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass accepted the flag.
What was special about the women’s marathon in Paris 2024?
It concluded the Olympic Games for the first time and honored gender parity.
Why was there controversy around the Paris Olympics?
A French ban on Olympic athletes wearing hijabs caused controversy.
How did the closing ceremony honor Ancient Greece?
A dystopian tribute included acrobats and gymnasts rediscovering the Olympics’ origins.
