The Olympic flame was officially extinguished during an elaborate closing ceremony Sunday, officially ending the 2024 Paris Games as Los Angeles takes over for 2028.
In a display of Hollywood showmanship, Tom Cruise descended from the top of the French stadium to the “Mission Impossible” theme song before taking the Olympic flag from star gymnast Simone Biles, putting it on the back of a motorcycle and driving out of the stadium.
The focus now shifts to Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 Games. Beyond that, Brisbane, Australia will take the stage in 2032, bringing the Olympics back Down Under. As for 2036, the host city remains undecided, with contenders like Ahmedabad in India, Berlin — potentially marking 100 years since the 1936 Games — and even Santiago in Chile.
About half an hour after the closing ceremony ended, the Olympic rings were lowered, marking the final moments of the Games. Confetti still covered the floor, while the once-crowded stands were now completely empty.
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The stadium stood silent, disturbed only by the clings and clangs of stage workers in helmets dismantling the set.
The Paris Olympics are over and fans are disappointed the Games have come to an end.
They will have a nearly two-year wait for more action — from the Winter Olympics in 2026 in Italy that will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina was unable to go ahead with the scheduled 1944 Winter Olympics because of World Wat II, but did host the Winter Games in 1956. The next Games will mark the 20th anniversary of the Winter Olympics in Turin.
Cortina is home to professional ice hockey team SG Cortina and the start and end point of the annual Dolomites Gold Cup Race. It will be the first Olympics in Milan. Events will also take place in seven other north-northeastern Italian cities. The next Summer Games are in 2028 in Los Angeles.
