Tom Cruise Dazzles in Epic Stunt During 2024 Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony
The 2024 Summer Olympics drew to a spectacular close on Sunday, August 11, with an unforgettable closing ceremony that blended history, high-octane stunts, and star-studded performances. Held at the Stade de France in Paris, the grand finale marked the end of an extraordinary Games that saw historic achievements and captivating moments.
In a dramatic and unprecedented highlight of the evening, Hollywood action star Tom Cruise stole the show with a jaw-dropping stunt that seamlessly bridged the Paris Olympics with the upcoming Los Angeles Games. Known for his penchant for performing his own stunts, Cruise did not disappoint as he rappelled from the roof of the Stade de France, landing safely on the stadium floor amidst thunderous applause.
Cruise’s stunt was the centerpiece of the Olympic closing ceremony, which served as a ceremonial handover of the Games from Paris to Los Angeles. Following a stirring rendition of the U.S. national anthem by H.E.R., Cruise took to the stage where he was greeted by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. In a symbolic transfer, Cruise accepted the Olympic flag from Bass and Hidalgo, before embarking on an epic journey to represent the transition to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Once in possession of the Olympic flag, Cruise mounted a motorcycle and rode out of the Stade de France. In a pre-recorded segment, the actor was seen speeding through the streets of Paris before boarding a plane. The video captured Cruise skydiving onto the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, where the double “O”s of the sign were transformed into the Olympic rings.
The handoff was followed by a lively celebration in Los Angeles. The flag was delivered to Olympic cyclist Kate Courtney, who then passed it to sprinter Michael Johnson. The ceremony culminated with a beachside concert at Venice Beach featuring performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, and rapper Snoop Dogg, showcasing the vibrant energy and cultural flair of Southern California.
The closing ceremony was not just about dramatic stunts and celebrity appearances. It was a fitting end to a Games that featured remarkable achievements and memorable moments. American swimmer Katie Ledecky, who added four medals to her record total, and St. Lucia’s first-ever medalist in track and field, were among the standout athletes. The ceremony also celebrated historic victories such as Sifan Hassan’s gold medal in the women’s marathon, which concluded the Games for the first time.
The Paris Olympics, known for its innovative use of iconic venues like the Eiffel Tower and The Palace of Versailles, provided a spectacular backdrop for the events. Despite some controversies, including concerns about the safety of the Seine and the targeting of female athletes, the Games were marked by inspiring performances and a renewed sense of unity and celebration following the pandemic.