Tom Cruise made a dramatic appearance at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games by abseiling from the Stade de France, captivating an audience of 71,500 as he bid farewell to an event celebrated as one of the most successful in history.
Cruise descended on a wire, grabbed the Olympic flag, and hopped on a motorbike, much to the excitement of athletes and spectators. The star of “Mission Impossible” then offered a glimpse of what to expect for the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, showcasing a scene where he boards a plane and skydives into the city, ultimately decorating the Hollywood sign with Olympic rings.
The ceremony also featured performances from the Los Angeles band Red Hot Chili Peppers, along with singer Billie Eilish and rappers Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, who entertained the audience with a mini-concert on a beach alongside the stunning Pacific Ocean.
This closing event also marked the start of the four-year countdown to the LA Games, with gymnastics legend Simone Biles joining Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the formal handover of the Olympic flag.
Earlier in the evening, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praised the Paris Games, calling them “sport at its best.” He expressed his admiration, saying, “These were sensational Olympic Games from start to finish,” making a playful reference to the Seine River, which was part of the opening ceremony.
Bach further conveyed the warmth shared between France and the Olympic community, stating, “Dear French friends, you have fallen in love with the Olympic Games. And we have fallen in love with all of you.”
Nearly 9,000 athletes filled the stadium to enjoy the performances of 270 artists in a ceremony that celebrated humanity and the unifying spirit of sports. Paris 2024 organizing chief Tony Estanguet addressed the athletes, saying, “We knew you would be brilliant, but you were magic. You made us happy, you made us feel alive — the world needed this moment so much.”