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The best moments of the closing ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, highlights from Tom Cruise to Snoop Dogg

The best moments of the closing ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, highlights from Tom Cruise to Snoop Dogg
Posted on | Posted on Jasper

For two weeks, Olympic athletes captivated the sporting world with extraordinary performances, moments of vulnerability and honesty in defeat. Off the field, the Olympics had something for everyone, whether it was Olympians flaunting their personalities, arguing with fans on social media or a famous ambassador dancing with a horse.

As with all Olympic Games, after the final event is over, there is a celebration to honor the athletes’ achievements – the Closing Ceremony. A final chance for the athletes to march into the stadium and represent their respective countries. It is also an opportunity to say goodbye to the current Games and take a look ahead to the next ones, which will be held in Los Angeles in four years.

At the end, the flame goes out and marks the end of the Summer Olympics.

The closing ceremony had its share of unforgettable moments. Here are some of the highlights from Sunday’s celebrations in Paris:

An ode to Los Angeles

It began with HER’s rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” The camera then panned up to the roof of the Stade de France, where actor Tom Cruise stood before descending to the ground in a memorable stunt.

In true “Top Gun” and “Mission: Impossible” style, Cruise escorted the Olympic flag on a motorcycle from Paris to Los Angeles, standing under the Hollywood sign, which also featured the Olympic rings.

From the Hollywood sign, the camera moved to the beaches of LA, where the Red Hot Chili Peppers got the crowd going with “Can’t Stop.” Nine-time Grammy winner Billie Eilish sang “Birds of a Feather” before Snoop Dogg took the stage, rapping his famous song “Drop It Like It’s Hot” before joining Dr. Dre for an epic rendition of “The Next Episode.”

It was a “lights, camera, action!” sequence in which the stars of Los Angeles shone. In four years (1,433 days), the LA 2028 Games will be a movie to remember.

Leon Marchand carries Olympic lantern

Leon Marchand provided some of the most notable moments of the Paris Olympics, delivering exceptional performances in the pool and winning five medals (four gold and one bronze).

The 22-year-old Frenchman swapped his swimsuit for a suit and tie on Sunday. In the Jardins des Tuileries, Marchand walked to the hot air balloon that had been carrying the Olympic cauldron for the past two weeks. He grabbed the lantern and continued on to the Stade de France for the closing ceremony. Once at the Stade de France, Marchand helped extinguish the flame in the lantern – the symbolic conclusion of the Olympic Games in Paris.


(Franck Fife / AFP via Getty Images)

It is fitting that Marchand, who has produced the loudest cheers at the Olympics, will open and close the closing ceremony.

Parade of athletes

During the opening ceremony, athletes from the participating countries sailed along the Seine in boats.

The closing ceremony took place again at the Stade de France. The flag bearers came out together and proudly waved their flags before being joined by the athletes from the various delegations.

While the parade of nations at the opening ceremony is staggered and each country is announced by an official, at the closing ceremony all countries enter together.

Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead were the flag bearers for the USA at the closing ceremony. Ledecky won four medals in Paris, including two gold medals. Mead won gold in the men’s coxless four.

There was a party atmosphere: the athletes showed their medals, took photos and sang “We Are the Champions” by Queen.

Hassan receives her gold

On Sunday morning, Sifan Hassan won gold in the women’s marathon with an Olympic record time of 2:22.55. It was Hassan’s third medal at these Olympic Games after winning bronze in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters.

On Sunday evening, Hassan, silver medalist Tigst Assefa and bronze medalist Hellen Obiri received their medals at the closing ceremony at the Stade de France. It was the first time that medals were awarded during the closing ceremony in the women’s marathon.

Hassan accepted her medal from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach while wearing a hijab. France has been criticized during these games for banning its female athletes from wearing hijabs at the Olympics.


(David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)

Golden Voyager forms Olympic rings

The opening ceremony included several “tableaux” highlighting different elements of French history and culture.

During the closing ceremony, the lights went out as a figure known as the “Golden Voyager” floated into the stadium. The performance depicted a dystopian future without the Olympic Games. The “Golden Voyager,” a tribute to French heritage, saw the Greek flag and discovered the history of the Olympic Games. The “Golden Voyager” encountered Nike, the goddess of victory associated with the ancient Olympic Games.

As the performance progressed, it symbolized the awakening and rediscovery of the Olympic spirit. The various dancers made large circles, which were then raised to form the Olympic rings. The Olympic rings hung above the stage at the Stade de France during the closing ceremony. The dancers raised the “Golden Voyager” before fireworks were set off on the roof of the Stade de France.

International artists take center stage

Lady GaGa and Celine Dion were among the highlights of the opening ceremony with their rousing performances.

The trend of music artists continued during the closing ceremony. It started with French band Phoenix, who opened the party with “Lisztomania” while the athletes formed a circle around them. Kavinsky continued the celebrations with “Nightcall”.

VannDa, a Cambodian rapper, warmed up the crowd with “Time to Rise.” Even Thomas Mars, the lead singer of Phoenix, danced with the French athletes.

It ended with Yseult’s soulful interpretation of “My Way” as the crowning conclusion to the Olympic Games in Paris.

Required reading

(Photo: Michael Kappeler / picture alliance via Getty Images)

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