Tom Cruise made a thrilling entrance at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games by abseiling from the roof of the Stade de France, marking the end of an event celebrated as one of the most successful in Olympic history.
In front of a crowd of 71,500 on Sunday evening, Cruise descended on a wire, seized the Olympic flag, and then jumped onto a motorcycle, captivating both athletes and fans alike. He gave viewers a glimpse of what to expect when the Olympics head to Los Angeles in 2028 by boarding a plane for a skydiving stunt landing in the California city, where he adorned the famous Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings.
The event continued with performances from the Los Angeles band Red Hot Chili Peppers, along with Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, who entertained the audience with a mini-concert on a beach set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
This closing spectacle initiated the countdown to the Los Angeles Games, with US gymnastics star Simone Biles joining Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the official transfer of the Olympic flag.
Earlier, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praised the Paris Games as “sport at its best,” describing them as sensational from beginning to end. He humorously referred to them as “Seine-sational Games,” acknowledging the river that runs through Paris and was central to the opening ceremony.
Bach expressed admiration for the French enthusiasm, stating, “Dear French friends, you have fallen in love with the Olympic Games. And we have fallen in love with all of you.”
Approximately 9,000 athletes participated in the closing ceremony, which featured performances by 270 artists, showcasing a celebration of humanity and the unifying spirit of sports. Paris 2024 organizing chief Tony Estanguet commended the athletes, saying, “You made us happy, you made us feel alive — the world needed this moment so much.”