Tom Cruise steals the show at Paris Olympics closing ceremony

PARIS: In a grand finale worthy of Hollywood, Tom Cruise rappelled from the roof of France’s national stadium and received the Olympic flag, adding a spectacular touch to the closing ceremony of the Paris Games. The French capital handed over the baton to the next host, Los Angeles, with a show that combined tradition, innovation, and a sprinkle of Tinseltown glamour.

Grammy-winning R&B artist H.E.R. set the scene by teasing the Mission Impossible soundtrack as Cruise made his dramatic entrance. The actor drew gasps from the crowd as he descended 50 meters to the floor of the Stade de France, marking a memorable end to the Paris Olympics.

While Paris captivated the world with its iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, Los Angeles quickly turned to its biggest strength—celebrity power. This transition closed out an Olympic Games that revitalized the brand after the challenges of Rio 2016 and the subdued atmosphere of Tokyo’s COVID-hit event.