PARIS, France: As the Paris Olympics draws to a close on Sunday, the final day promises a blend of Hollywood glamour and thrilling sports action. With 14 gold medals still up for grabs, the closing ceremony will mark the handover of the Games to Los Angeles, which will host the Olympics in 2028.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise, currently in Europe filming the latest “Mission Impossible” installment, is expected to be a key highlight of the closing ceremony. Cruise is rumored to perform a dramatic stunt sequence, symbolizing the transition of the Olympic flame from Paris to Los Angeles. His involvement underscores the significant cultural crossover that the Olympics represent, blending international sports with Hollywood spectacle.
Joining Cruise, California’s A-list acts Billie Eilish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are set to perform from Los Angeles, adding a touch of star power to the event. The closing ceremony at the Stade de France will be directed by Thomas Jolly, who orchestrated the memorable opening ceremony on the River Seine. Jolly has emphasized the poignant nature of the closing, stating that “the Olympic flame will be extinguished” on August 11, highlighting the transient but impactful nature of the Games.
Before the closing festivities, the athletics program will conclude with the women’s marathon. Ethiopian-born Dutch runner Sifan Hassan, already a medalist in the 5,000m and 10,000m, will tackle the marathon’s challenging course. Hassan has expressed the demanding nature of the marathon, describing it as a “kind of hell” but a necessary culmination of her Paris campaign.
In basketball, the US women’s team seeks to secure an unprecedented eighth consecutive gold medal, facing French opponents who are buoyed by local support. Achieving this would set a new record for the most consecutive Olympic golds in any team sport, surpassing the previous record held by the US men’s basketball team.
Additionally, the US is poised to potentially add to its gold count in women’s volleyball against Italy. The weightlifting competition will also see the crowning of the strongest woman in the over 81kg category, with China’s Li Wenwen, a world record holder, as a notable competitor.
The day will feature other key finals, including Serbia versus Croatia in men’s water polo and the men’s handball final between Germany and Denmark. Wrestling will conclude with three titles on the line, rounding out a day full of intense and varied athletic competition.
The closing of the Paris Olympics will not only celebrate the achievements of athletes but also transition the spotlight to Los Angeles, setting the stage for the next chapter of the Olympic saga.
