With a jump from the roof of the stadium, film star Tom Cruise hands over the Olympic Games from Paris to LA at the closing ceremony
Rumors had been circulating for some time, and shortly before midnight they became true: At the closing ceremony in Paris on Sunday evening (August 11), Hollywood star Tom Cruise (62) handed over the Olympic Games to the next host, Los Angeles, with a stunt. The actor, who is known for doing his own film stunts, jumped from the Stade de France secured by a rope, grabbed the Olympic flag from the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass (70), and star gymnast Simone Biles (27), and roared out of the stadium on a motorcycle.
Off to Hollywood
Viewers were then treated to a pre-recorded video showing the flag’s journey through the streets of Paris, past landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, to a waiting plane. “I’m on my way,” said Cruise as he put on his skydiving gear over California to the sounds of “By the Way” by the US band Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Then Cruise jumped out of the plane and made his way to the iconic Hollywood sign, where he turned the “O”s into Olympic rings before passing the flag to Olympic cyclist Kate Courtney (28). Courtney, with the help of Olympians Michael Johnson (56) and Jagger Eaton (23), drove through Los Angeles to a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert on Venice Beach; US stars Billie Eilish (22) and Snoop Dogg (52) also performed at the beach party.
Tom Cuise already active at the 2004 Olympics
Cruise has long been a fan and supporter of the Olympics, carrying the Olympic torch at Dodger Stadium during the Los Angeles portion of the Olympic torch relay in 2004. He was also present at several events at the recent Paris Games, including some swimming events on July 27, the women’s gymnastics qualifying round on July 28 and the women’s soccer gold medal game on August 10, where the United States claimed victory over Brazil.
The Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles for the third time from July 14 to 30, 2028, after 1932 and 1984.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
