Paris Olympics 2024: Tom Cruise skydives, takes motorcycle ride as he transfers flag to LA 2028 at closing ceremony

The 2024 Paris Olympics came to a dazzling close on Sunday night, marked by a ceremony infused with French flair and a showstopping Hollywood ending, courtesy of action star Tom Cruise. Cruise, a known attendee of the summer games, took centre stage for the handover segment of the ceremony, adding a touch of movie magic to the symbolic passing of the torch from Paris to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games.

Paris Olympics 2024: Tom Cruise skydives, takes motorcycle ride as he transfers flag to LA 2028 at closing ceremony

According to Variety, the electrifying moment arrived after Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy winner H.E.R. delivered a stirring rendition of the U.S. national anthem. With the cheers of the 71,500-strong crowd at the Stade de France, France's national stadium, still ringing in the air, Cruise took a daring leap – literally. He descended from the roof of the stadium, much to the audience's astonishment. Cruise delivered a real-life action sequence, landing right on the stage to a thunderous roar of applause.

There to greet him was Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who had just received the Olympic flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Cruise then seamlessly transitioned into his next act – a motorcycle ride symbolizing the journey of the Olympics to L.A.

With the flag flying behind him and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song ‘By the Way’ setting the mood, Cruise sped off on his bike, leaving the Parisian crowd behind. The cameras followed him as he weaved through the streets of the city, culminating in a dramatic scene where he seemingly rode the motorcycle straight into a waiting aeroplane.

In a pre-recorded segment, Cruise then emerged from the plane, skydiving down towards the Hollywood sign – a fitting symbol for the city that will host the next Olympic Games. As his feet touched down, he secured the five Olympic rings onto the sign, leaving a lasting visual reminder of the upcoming event.

Earlier in the evening, French bands Phoenix and Air, along with Belgian pop star Angele, took the stage, captivating the audience with their distinct styles. The entire event was orchestrated by the artistic director of the Paris Olympics, Thomas Jolly, and executive director Thierry Reboul.