2024 Paris Olympics - A-list stars attend closing ceremony
From Tom Cruise abseiling from the stadium's roof to Los Angeles accepting the 2028 baton in star-studded style - the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony was a night to remember.
The 2024 Paris Olympics has officially ended, but not without an epic farewell.
French actor Thomas Jolly directed Sunday night's closing ceremony at Stade de France, which did not disappoint.
The ceremony kicked off with French swimmer Leon Marchand retrieving the Olympic flame at the Jardin des Tuileries before carrying it on its final journey before being extinguished, marking the end of the games in Paris.
Each country's flag bearer is then seen entering the stadium, including South Africa's Tatjana Smith. The 27-year-old swimmer won gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 200m race.
"Honoured to be the flag bearer for tonight's ceremony," she wrote on her Instagram Story.
ALSO READ: 'What a finish!' - South Africans celebrate Tatjana Smith's gold medal
The closing ceremony theme was 'Records' and some of the highlights included an incredible science-inspired light show featuring the Golden Voyager.
French band Phoenix, DJ Kavinsky, Cambodian rapper VannDa, and Belgian singer Angèle were some of the performers on the night.
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2028 Olympics Los Angeles
The night ended with Paris officials handing the Olympic baton to the next host city. Los Angeles will host the Summer Games in 2028.
The first female mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, handed over the Olympic flag to the first female mayor of LA, Karen Bass.American gymnast Simone Biles, who won four medals at this year's games, was also on stage.
R&B singer H.E.R. performed the USA's national anthem. 'Mission: Impossible' actor Tom Cruise also appeared. He abseiled from the stadium's roof in true Ethan Hunt style before retrieving the Olympic flag from Simone.
What a way to bring the Olympics to Los Angeles for LA28! At the Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony, Tom Cruise dropped from the height of the Stade de France to take the Olympic flag from Simone Biles and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass, motorcycling it through the stadium and on its… pic.twitter.com/UlqJbJU7yM
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 11, 2024
The 62-year-old actor left the stadium on a motorbike and was seen riding through the streets of Paris with the flag in tow. He then rides onto a waiting plane.
Tom skydives off the plane and lands in Los Angeles, California. Several American athletes pass the flag as it makes its way to a California beach.
The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre performed at the beach party.
America won the most medals at the 2024 Olympics, with 126. It tied with China for the most gold medals, with 40 each.
Check out the full medal table here.
Will Team USA be victorious at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics once again?
Watch this space.
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Main image credit: YouTube/Olympics