Hollywood's top star Tom Cruise made a spectacular entrance at the Paris Games closing ceremony on Sunday by rappelling from the Stade de France's roof. He then whisked away with the Olympic flag in a dramatic handover that marked the start of the countdown to the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Cruise, with a beaming smile, exchanged high-fives with athletes after his approximately 160-foot descent and received the flag from LA Mayor Karen Bass, in the company of US gymnast Simone Biles. He then vanished under the stage only to reappear on a motorcycle, with the flag attached to the back, leaving the 80,000-seat stadium audience in cheers. The ceremony segued into a prerecorded segment where the 62-year-old Cruise skydived towards the Hollywood sign, integrating the Olympic rings into the iconic LA symbol. The flag was subsequently handed over among past and present U.S. Olympians as it journeyed across the city, culminating in a beach party featuring California's own Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, and Snoop Dogg with Dr. Dre.
Living up to the remarkable success of the Paris Games might appear as a daunting task for LA, a city brimming with celebrities. It will rely heavily on its stars, such as leading man Cruise, as the Olympic spotlight shifts to Southern California. Cruise was spotted among numerous celebrities enjoying various events at the Paris Games, including gymnastics, swimming, and football.
