The Paris Olympic Games have concluded with a futuristic closing ceremony featuring a “Gold traveler” from outer space and Tom Cruise rappelling into the stadium.
“Saying farewell is the hardest part when you have love,” expressed the head of this year’s Olympics organizing committee before passing the torch to a delegation from Los Angeles, the host city of the 2028 Olympics.
Gymnast Simone Biles teamed up with Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass to receive the Olympic flag, followed by a rendition of the US national anthem by singer H.E.R..
Actor Tom Cruise holds the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony as the Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass and Simone Biles of the United States look on. Pic: Reuters
Biles remained onstage to witness Tom Cruise’s entrance as he descended into the stadium, giving a glimpse of what awaits at the LA Olympics.
After receiving the Olympic flag, Cruise swiftly hopped on his motorcycle and zoomed out of the venue.
A cinematic montage in the style of Mission Impossible then showcased Cruise transporting the flag to the US, featuring skydiving and a thrilling race to the Hollywood sign.
Team GB celebrate during the closing ceremony. Pic: Reuters
The Red Hot Chili Peppers then delivered a live performance from Venice Beach in LA, followed by Billie Eilish showcasing her new hit, Birds of a Feather.
Rapper Snoop Dogg then took the stage to perform Drop It Like It’s Hot, following his success at the Paris Olympics and was later joined by Dr. Dre.
Gold medalist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands celebrates on the podium with silver medalist Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia and bronze medalist Hellen Obiri of Kenya. Pic: Reuters
Victorious female marathon champion takes a bold stance
This marked the inaugural Olympic Games showcasing gender equality, as women constituted 50% of the competitors for the initial time.
In commemoration of this milestone, the Women’s Marathon wrapped up the Olympic Games for the very first time, and Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands was bestowed with her gold prize during the closing ceremony.
Controversy has persisted regarding a French prohibition on Olympic competitors wearing headscarves, yet Hassan chose not to run with her headscarf.
Instead, she chose to make an appearance on the podium with it.
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The Golden Voyager’s breathtaking performance during the closure of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Pic: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters
A futuristic homage to Classical Greece
Shortly after, a futuristic acrobatic exhibition seized the arena, with the “Golden Voyager” descending from the heavens.
The adorned figure, enacted by French artist Arthur Cadre, navigated through a desolate setting before uncovering human elements and the Olympic festivities.
The International Olympic Committee expressed that the “Golden Voyager descends into a deserted and enigmatic world, poised for exploration”.
He was subsequently joined by other intergalactic travelers who commemorated the origins of the Olympics, which originated in Ancient Greece approximately 2,800 years ago.
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Enthralling performers at the finale. Pic: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters
The creative mastermind Thomas Jolly inundated the venue with gymnasts and acrobats who rekindled the spirit of the Olympics in a realm devoid of the games.
A floating grand piano, expertly played by Alain Roche, spearheaded a rendition of the Hymn to Apollo, a classical Greek melody.
Alain Roche mesmerizes on a vertically suspended piano during the farewell ceremony. Pic: Reuters
Subsequent to the extraterrestrial beings “unearthed” the Olympic rings, these five emblematic symbols were elevated into the air.
The formation of the Olympic rings during the closure. Pic: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters
Simultaneously as a montage showcasing the finest and most poignant moments of the Paris Olympics unfolded, incorporating bike mishaps, fierce blows, and heartfelt tears, the athletes elegantly “gatecrashed the scene”, dancing amidst bands and musicians.
Stunning performance by Phoenix at the closure. Pic: Reuters
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The French musical ensemble Phoenix shared the stage with electronic artist Kavinsky, the singer Ezra Koenig from Vampire Weekend, and the Belgian musician Angèle, among other talents.
The grand finale featured a grand rendition of “My Way”, delivered passionately by the French vocalist Yseult.
