The 2024 Paris Olympics were a whirlwind of athletic excellence and cultural celebration, drawing the attention of millions around the globe. But amidst the breathtaking feats of human strength and skill, one unexpected star seemed to capture nearly as much attention as the athletes themselves: Tom Cruise.
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The Hollywood legend was spotted at several Olympic events, from women's soccer to gymnastics, leaving fans and spectators alike wondering why he was so deeply involved in the festivities. As the Games came to a close, Cruise’s role became clear—and it was nothing short of cinematic.
Cruise’s Grand Olympic Moment
As the Olympics drew to a close after two weeks of intense competition, the world turned its eyes to the iconic closing ceremony. The event marked not just the end of the Paris Games but also the symbolic handoff to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympics. And who better to help make this transition than one of Hollywood's biggest stars?
Tom Cruise, known for performing his own death-defying stunts in films like Mission: Impossible, took center stage in a moment that was pure movie magic. In a dramatic display, Cruise leaped from the top of the stadium, parachuting down to the ground before making his way through the crowd, shaking hands with delighted fans and athletes alike.
The spectacle didn’t stop there. Once on stage, Cruise joined LA Mayor Karen Bass and Olympic legend Simone Biles—who made an appearance despite wearing a boot due to injury. The trio accepted the Olympic flag, symbolizing the transition of the Games to Los Angeles. Cruise then attached the flag to a motorcycle, which he rode through the streets of Paris, a scene straight out of an action film.
The camera followed his journey, eventually cutting to a panoramic view of Los Angeles, where Cruise was seen standing in front of a Hollywood sign modified to include the iconic Olympic rings. The moment was a perfect blend of Hollywood flair and Olympic tradition, setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular 2028 Games.
Source: Getty Images
Why Was Tom Cruise at the Olympics?
Beyond his show-stopping role in the closing ceremony, many were curious about Cruise’s frequent presence at the Olympics. The answer lies partly in his current work schedule. Cruise has been filming Mission: Impossible 8 in Europe, making Paris a convenient stopover. With the Olympics happening right in the heart of Europe, it made sense for the star to take a few days off to enjoy the world-class competition.
But there was more to it than just convenience. Cruise’s involvement in the closing ceremony was a nod to his connection to Los Angeles, the next host of the Summer Games. Hollywood stars like Cruise have long been ambassadors of the city’s global influence, and his participation in the handoff ceremony was a fitting tribute to LA’s upcoming turn in the Olympic spotlight.
A Star-Studded Conclusion
Cruise wasn’t the only LA icon to make an appearance at the 2024 Olympics. The closing ceremony also featured a performance by Snoop Dogg, a rapper synonymous with Los Angeles. Snoop, who had been working with NBC throughout the Games, joined forces with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish for a mini-concert that brought a taste of LA to Paris.
As the Paris Games concluded with this star-studded celebration, the world was reminded that while the athletes are the true stars of the Olympics, the contributions of celebrities like Tom Cruise add a unique and memorable flair to the event. With Los Angeles set to host the 2028 Games, fans can only imagine what Hollywood has in store for the next Olympic chapter.
For now, though, we’ll always have Paris—and the unforgettable moments that made the 2024 Olympics one for the history books.
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