The handover from Paris to Los Angeles at the closing ceremony of the Olympics has been celebrated as one of the best ever, featuring a surprise appearance from Tom Cruise. The “Mission Impossible” star made a dramatic entrance by abseiling down from the Stade de France, high-fiving Olympic athletes before receiving the Olympic flag from LA Mayor Karen Bass and US gymnastics star Simone Biles.
In a grand spectacle, Cruise then rode off on a motorbike and was flown across the globe by jet to skydive near the iconic Hollywood sign, which was adorned with Olympic rings. Upon landing, he passed the flag to American cyclist Kate Courtney, who subsequently handed it off to four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson at the Coliseum.
Next, skateboarder Jagger Eaton took the flag to a special performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who played their hit “Can’t Stop” on Venice Beach in California. Billie Eilish then dazzled the crowd with her new single “Birds of a Feather,” followed by Snoop Dogg’s performance of “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” featuring Dr. Dre for “The Next Episode.”
Snoop Dogg appeared throughout the ceremony, dancing with the US women’s gymnastics team, donning equestrian gear to support American riders, and even inaugurating the breakdancing tournament. Reportedly earning $500,000 (£392,165) plus expenses for the event, Snoop proudly waved the Olympic flag and showcased what audiences can look forward to in Los Angeles. The Olympic flame was then lit, marking the official handover.
Fans responded enthusiastically to the closing segment of the ceremony, eagerly anticipating the next Games.
One fan tweeted, “The Los Angeles handover is getting me in the mood for 2028!”
Another added, “Nothing like a cheesy Hollywood Tom Cruise handover to Los Angeles 2028, with a bit of Chili Peppers thrown in.”
A third commented, “Nice handover, Tom Cruise, and well played LA. Excited for Los Angeles already!”
And a fourth wrote, “You’ve got to give it to the USA, fantastic handover of the Olympic flag. The Los Angeles Games will be fire!”
Los Angeles previously hosted the Olympics in 1984, and the upcoming event will see the return of five sports, including cricket, lacrosse, flag football, and baseball/softball.
Credit: Sport Bible
