The Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony as the Olympic flame was passed to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games. The United States and China both finished with 40 gold medals, but the U.S. claimed the top spot on the medal table due to having more silver medals.

Hollywood star Tom Cruise wowed the audience at the Stade de France by abseiling from the stadium's roof, grabbing the Olympic flag, and riding off on a motorbike. The 62-year-old actor, known for his "Mission Impossible" roles, was then featured in a video where he skydives into Los Angeles and places the Olympic rings on the Hollywood sign. The video was a preview of what's to come in 2028.

Los Angeles celebrated the handover with performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, who performed on an LA beach with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. The ceremony also featured American gymnastics legend Simone Biles and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as they formally received the Olympic flag.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach, praised the Paris Games, calling them "sensational" and emphasizing the importance of fostering a "culture of peace" in today's world.

During the closing ceremony, around 9,000 athletes enjoyed a celebration that highlighted the power of sports to unite people. French swimmer Leon Marchand, who won four gold medals, had the honor of extinguishing the Olympic flame in the Tuileries Gardens.

The 17-day event featured incredible sporting achievements set against famous Parisian landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Chateau de Versailles. The U.S. secured its final gold medal in women’s basketball, narrowly defeating France, which helped them top the medal table. China and Japan also had strong performances, with China earning 91 medals, making this their best showing at an overseas Olympics, and Japan coming in third with 20 gold medals.

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