Tom Cruise Hands Over Olympic Flag to LA, Closing Paris 2024 Games

PARIS, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, rappelling from the roof of France's national stadium to receive the Olympic flag. The grand finale of the ceremony marked the handover from Paris to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games, blending traditional elements with the glamour of Tinseltown.

Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. set the stage by teasing the Mission Impossible soundtrack as Cruise made his jaw-dropping 50-meter descent to the floor of Stade de France. The spectacle left the audience in awe, perfectly encapsulating the mix of cultural celebration and high-energy entertainment that defined the closing ceremony.

Paris 2024: A Celebration of Sport and Spirit

Paris brought the world’s attention to its iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, creating a backdrop of grandeur for the Games. The French capital breathed new life into the Olympic brand, overcoming the challenges faced in Rio de Janeiro's 2016 Games and the subdued atmosphere of Tokyo’s COVID-impacted event.

Tony Estanguet, the head of Paris 2024, reflected on the Games’ impact, noting how the event transformed the city. "We wanted to dream. We got Leon Marchand," he said, referring to the French swimmer who won four gold medals. "From one day to the next, Paris became a party, and France found itself."

The Games showcased intense sporting drama, with China and the United States battling for supremacy on the medal table until the final event. The U.S. clinched the top spot, securing their 40th gold medal in a nail-biting one-point victory over France in the women's basketball final.

A High Bar for Los Angeles

As the torch was passed to Los Angeles, the City of Angels embraced its Hollywood heritage, promising a Games that would reflect its diversity and star power. Cruise’s exit on a motorbike transitioned to a prerecorded video of him skydiving to the Hollywood sign, where the Olympic rings were illuminated.

The flag’s journey through Los Angeles was symbolized by a handoff among U.S. Olympians, culminating in a beach party featuring performances by LA music icons Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the high standard set by Paris, but emphasized that LA is ready to rise to the occasion, leveraging its unique cultural and entertainment strengths.

Memorable Moments and Challenges

The Paris Games provided unforgettable moments, with French swimmer Leon Marchand and judoka Teddy Riner emerging as national heroes. Simone Biles, the world’s most decorated gymnast, made a triumphant return, adding three more gold medals to her collection.

The Games also saw the Olympic debut of breaking (breakdancing), alongside the return of 3x3 basketball, sports climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. Despite some controversies, including a doping dispute involving Chinese athletes and a gender eligibility debate in women’s boxing, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) successfully navigated these challenges.

A highlight of the Games was the $1.5 billion cleanup of the Seine, allowing triathlon and marathon swimming events to take place in the river through central Paris, without any health incidents.