The world watched as the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics come to a close, with plenty of drama draped across iconic venues. Paris has passed its torch to Los Angeles, but will the 2028 Olympics in L.A. provide a similar appeal?
The organizers that will bring the Olympics to Southern California in 2028 offered a sneak peek during Sunday night’s closing ceremony at Stade de France. Instead of tradition, they leaned into production values and pop culture.
Like something out of “Mission: Impossible,” Tom Cruise rappelled from the rim of the stadium to the field below, then roared off on a motorcycle. Snoop Dogg dropped a few bars. Billie Eilish performed, albeit remotely, from Southern California beaches.
Check out some images below.
A performer repels down from the stadium during the closing ceremony.
(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Artists perform during the closing ceremony.
(David Goldman / Associated Press)
Athletes watch from the side of the stage during the closing ceremony.
(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
A performer plays a floating piano.
(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Phoenix performs during the closing ceremony.
(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
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1. Actor Tom Cruise stands on the roof of Stade de France. (Fabrizio Bensch / Associated Press) 2. Tom Cruise repels from the top of Stade de France. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 3. Tom Cruise rides a motorbike with the Olympic flag attached. (Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
Team USA celebrates in the pit at Stade de France.
(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Team USA gold medalist wrestler Amit Elor on the floor of Stade de France. Elor, 20, became the youngest Olympic wrestling champion in U.S. history.
(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)