Paris Olympics closing cermony's best moments, highlights from a star-filled event (2024)

For two weeks, Olympic athletes captivated the sports world with extraordinary performances, moments of vulnerability and honesty in defeat. Away from the field of play, whether it was Olympians showcasing their personality, jostling with fans on social media or a famous ambassador dancing with a horse, the Olympic Games had something for everyone.

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As with every Olympics, when the final event concludes, a celebration to honor the athletes’ achievements occurs — the closing ceremony. One final chance for the athletes to parade into the stadium and represent their respective countries. It’s also a chance to say goodbye to the current Games and look ahead to the next one, which will be four years from now in Los Angeles.

In the end, the flame is extinguished, marking the conclusion of the Summer Olympics.

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

In true Top Gun and Mission: Impossible fashion, Tom Cruise escorts the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles.

Rappelling and motorcycle not included. pic.twitter.com/vz35PqBhtO

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 11, 2024

An ode to Los Angeles

It started with H.E.R.’s rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Then the camera shot up to the roof of Stade de France, where actor Tom Cruise stood, before he descended to the ground in a memorable stunt.

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

How did Snoop Dogg get back to LA so fast?? #ParisOlympics | #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/w5GZCTrvg7

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024

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

It was a “Lights, Camera, Action!” sequence that shined the stars of Los Angeles. In four years (1,433 days), the LA 2028 Games will be a movie to remember.

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Leon Marchand carries Olympic lantern

Leon Marchand created some of the most noteworthy moments from the Paris Olympics. He delivered exceptional performances in the pool, winning five medals (four gold, one bronze).

The 22-year-old Frenchman traded his swimsuit for a suit and tie Sunday. At the Jardins des Tuileries, Marchand walked up to the hot air balloon where the Olympic cauldron was located for the past two weeks. He grabbed the lantern, proceeding to Stade de France for the closing ceremony. Once at Stade de France, Marchand helped extinguish the flame in the lantern, the symbolic conclusion to the Paris Olympics.

Paris Olympics closing cermony's best moments, highlights from a star-filled event (1)

(Franck Fife / AFP via Getty Images)

It’s fitting that Marchand, who generated the loudest cheers at the Olympics, would start and finish the closing ceremony.

Parade of Athletes

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

The closing ceremony returned to a stadium location, at Stade de France. The flag bearers came out as one, waving their flags with pride, before the athletes of the various delegations joined them.

While the parade of nations in the opening ceremony is staggered, with officials announcing each country, the closing ceremony has all the countries enter together.

Team USA flagbearers Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead take us inside the Closing Ceremony with Mike Tirico and Jimmy Fallon.

📺 #ParisOlympics on NBC and Peaco*ck pic.twitter.com/g2hxqlLJ0q

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024

Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead were the U.S. closing ceremony flag bearers. Ledecky won four medals in Paris, including two golds. Mead won gold in the men’s coxless four rowing competition.

It turned into a party atmosphere, with athletes showing off their medals, taking photos and singing Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”

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Hassan receives her gold

On Sunday morning, Sifan Hassan captured gold in the women’s marathon, with an Olympic record time of 2:22.55. It was Hassan’s third medal of these Olympics, after winning bronze in the 5,000- and 10,000-meter races.

On Sunday night at the Stade de France, Hassan, silver medalist Tigst Assefa and bronze medalist Hellen Obiri received their medals at the closing ceremony. It was the first time the women’s marathon had its medal ceremony during the closing ceremony.

Hassan accepted her medal from International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach while wearing a hijab. France has earned criticism during these Games for prohibiting its athletes from wearing hijabs while competing at the Olympics.

Paris Olympics closing cermony's best moments, highlights from a star-filled event (2)

(David Davies/ PA Images via Getty Images)

Golden Voyager forms Olympic rings

The opening ceremony had several “tableaus” highlighting various elements of French history and culture.

During the closing ceremony, the lights went dark as a figure floated into the stadium, known as the “Golden Voyager.” The performance depicted a dystopian future with no Olympics. The “Golden Voyager,” a tribute to French heritage, saw the Greece flag, discovering the history of the Olympics. The “Golden Voyager” encountered Nike, the goddess of victory, which is linked to the ancient Olympic Games.

As the performance progressed, it symbolized the awakening and rediscovery of the Olympic spirit. The various dancers rotated big circles, which were then elevated to form the Olympic rings. The Olympic rings hung over the stage at Stade de France for the duration of the closing ceremony. The dancers elevated the “Golden Voyager,” before fireworks went off on the Stade de France roof.

International artists take center stage

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

The trend of musical artists continued during the closing ceremony. It started with the French band Phoenix, which kicked off the party with “Lisztomania,” as athletes made a circle around them. Kavinsky continued the festivities with “Nightcall.”

French artist Yseult ends the Closing Ceremony the only way Paris knows how to. 🎆#ParisOlympics | #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/4Yc7o4ulV3

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024

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

It ended with Yseult’s heartfelt rendition of “My Way” putting a bow on the Paris Olympics.

Required reading

  • Best moments of 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony: Teddy Riner, Marie-José Pérec light the torch, Celine Dion and more
  • Paris Olympics in pictures: 32 captivating photos from each event of the Summer Games

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

Paris Olympics closing cermony's best moments, highlights from a star-filled event (3)Paris Olympics closing cermony's best moments, highlights from a star-filled event (4)

Lukas Weese is a Staff Editor of News at The Athletic. Before The Athletic, Lukas was a freelance sports journalist, working as an associate editor at Sportsnet, an OHL reporter for the Toronto Star and had bylines in outlets such as ESPN's Andscape, USA Today, Complex, Yahoo Sports, GOLF Magazine, Just Women's Sports and Raptors Republic. Lukas also does freelance play-by-play broadcasting. Follow Lukas on Twitter @Weesesports

Paris Olympics closing cermony's best moments, highlights from a star-filled event (2024)

FAQs

Paris Olympics closing cermony's best moments, highlights from a star-filled event? ›

It was an open-air party that combined elements of science fiction with a bevy of musical performances, climaxing with Tom Cruise proving once again that he does his own stunts by jumping off the rim of the Stade de France to take the Olympic flag from LA Mayor Karen Bass and decorated gymnast Simone Biles.

What happened at the Olympic closing ceremony? ›

It was an open-air party that combined elements of science fiction with a bevy of musical performances, climaxing with Tom Cruise proving once again that he does his own stunts by jumping off the rim of the Stade de France to take the Olympic flag from LA Mayor Karen Bass and decorated gymnast Simone Biles.

Where can I watch the closing ceremony online? ›

The complete Closing Ceremony schedule, including TV listings, is also available on the NBC Olympics schedule page. All live streams are also available to watch on mobile, tablet and connected TV devices via the Peaco*ck, NBC and NBC Sports apps.

What did Tom Cruise do at the Olympics? ›

The "Mission: Impossible" star started his stunt by jumping off the Stade du France, landing inside the stadium and wading through a crowd of Olympians to accept the Olympic flag from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and the GOAT herself, gymnast Simone Biles.

What happens in the closing ceremony of Olympic Games write a short note? ›

The closing ceremony takes place after the final event, which at the Summer Games is usually the equestrian Prix des Nations. The president of the IOC calls the youth of the world to assemble again in four years to celebrate the Games of the next Olympiad.

What happens to the Olympic flame at the end of the Olympics? ›

This ceremony starts the Olympic torch relay, which formally ends with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Through 2022, the flame would continue to burn in the cauldron for the duration of the Games, until it was extinguished during the Olympic closing ceremony.

Does Tom Cruise see Suri? ›

“The simple fact why Tom hasn't seen Suri in all these years is because he has chosen not to. That's it,” a source revealed to Star. Notably, Cruise has maintained a positive relationship with his other children, leaving many to wonder why he has chosen not to reconnect with Suri.

What did Tom Cruise do in the Olympic closing? ›

Casey Wasserman, who serves as president and chairperson of the LA28 committee for the forthcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, recently explained how the Jerry Maguire star became involved in the ceremony, during which he jumped from the top of the Stade de France, greeted fans, and rode a motorcycle out of ...

What real stunts did Tom Cruise do? ›

Tom Cruise does his own stunts and it's remarkable what he's been able to pull off. Hanging on the side of a plane, skydiving, climbing the world's tallest building — he's done it all. He also jumped off the roof of the Stade de France to mark the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

What do they do in the closing ceremony? ›

The ceremonies will also include the traditional parade of flags and athletes, speeches, a final medal ceremony and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame before the Olympic flag is ceremoniously handed over to Los Angeles, which will host the summer games in 2028.

Who is performing at the closing ceremony of Paris 2024? ›

Variety reported that the segment, titled the LA28 Handover Celebration, would feature performances by American artists and Los Angeles County natives Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, and Billie Eilish, and include a live stadium appearance by American actor Tom Cruise.

What is the theme of the Olympic closing ceremony? ›

The Paris 2024 Olympic committee said the closing ceremony will feature “over a hundred performers, acrobats, dancers and circus artists.” Artistic director Thomas Jolly, who also planned the opening ceremony, said the theme is “Records.”

What is the significance of the opening closing ceremonies of the Olympics? ›

The OGO and CCs have become one of the most important elements of the modern Olympic Games. The spectacular ceremonies create a great impact with the international media and with world audiences. The OGO and CCs that commence and conclude the world games are used to generate cultural (albeit polysemantic) meaning.

Who performed at the Olympic closing ceremony? ›

Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg with Dr. Dre and the Red Hot Chili Peppers entertained for the closing celebration of the Olympics, which will next be hosted in Los Angeles.

Who is performing at the Olympics 2024 closing ceremony? ›

Variety reported that the segment, titled the LA28 Handover Celebration, would feature performances by American artists and Los Angeles County natives Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, and Billie Eilish, and include a live stadium appearance by American actor Tom Cruise.

What happened at the Olympics in 2024? ›

New sports

Paris 2024 saw one new sport, with the introduction of breaking (break-dancing). When introduced at the youth Olympics, breaking was incredibly popular, with one million viewers tuning in. A further three sports – skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing – returned after debuting at Tokyo 2020.

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