The closing ceremony for the XXXIII Olympic Games in Paris featured a memorable flag handover performance by American actor Tom Cruise. Cruise descended from the roof of Stade de France stadium in front of thousands of athletes and spectators attending the event. He then received the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and gymnast Simone Biles, signaling its transfer to the next host city.
Cruise is known for performing his own stunts in movies like “Mission: Impossible.” At the ceremony, he seamlessly handed off the flag while riding off on a motorcycle. A pre-recorded video highlighted Cruise doing additional daring stunts, such as parachuting with the flag over Los Angeles. It culminated with him atop the Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings.
Thank you, Paris! Now off to LA. pic.twitter.com/MxlAb0hZbT
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) August 11, 2024
The ceremony, titled “Records,” paid tribute to Olympic history from ancient Greece to modern times. It envisioned the discovery of the Olympic rings and their purpose. Singers H.E.R. and Red Hot Chili Peppers performed to represent the next Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Their performances emphasized the connection to the beaches and iconic music scene of Los Angeles.
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The closing event wrapped up 16 days of competition in Paris attended by over 320,000 spectators. France became the first nation to host the Olympics for a third time. Los Angeles will seek to match the successful handovers when it hosts in 2028. Cruise’s stunt underscored Hollywood’s role in promoting the next Summer Games on the road to California.
