Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise has made a dramatic appearance at Sunday night’s Paris 2024 closing ceremony, appearing at the Roof Off the Stade de France Stadium.
Spectators shrieked in delight as the ‘Mission Impossible’ movie star, dressed in leather jacket and gloves, lowered himself into the stadium while his compatriot H.E.R. performed on guitar.
To mark the handover to Los Angeles, which will host the Olympics in 2028, Cruise was seen in a pre-recorded film travelling through Paris, France to the USA.
There he journeyed to the legendary Hollywood sign and unfolded the Olympic colours. The ceremony in Paris marked a formal “au revoir” to this year’s host city.
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, said the Paris Games had been “sensational”.
In his closing speech, he praised athletes for their “simply amazing” performances, saying they showed “what greatness we humans are capable of”.
He continued: “During all this time, you lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. You embraced each other. You respected each other, even if your countries are divided by war and conflict. You created a culture of peace.
“This inspired all of us and billions of people around the globe. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for making us believe in a better world for everyone.”
He proceeded to take the Olympic flag from one of the stars of Paris – American gymnast Simone Biles – before the thrilled audience watched him zip away on a motorbike.
The pre-recorded clip showing his journey to LA was soundtracked by California natives band, Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The funk-rock hitmakers then delivered a live performance of their ‘classic track-Can’t Stop on a palm-fringed beach in Los Angeles’. Other acts included Billie Eilish and Snoop Doggie Dog, who performed with Dr Dre.
Snoop – who is from LA himself – was a regular fixture at the Games, which culminated with the US topping the medals table after a dramatic win in Sunday’s final event, the women’s basketball final.
