The closing ceremony of the Olympic Games has always been a beautiful farewell to one of the world’s biggest sporting events, but this year’s formalities featured something extra special: Tom Cruise.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the legendary actor and stuntman would perform an “epic stunt” as part of the closing ceremony.
Reports suggested that Cruise would rappel into Paris’ Stade de France during the closing ceremony. This was followed by a pre-recorded video of Cruise skydiving onto the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. This report is, in hindsight, accurate.
Cruise, 62, is known for taking stunts to the next level, and since Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympics, it was assumed that a representative from the city would be on hand to carry the Olympic flag, as is tradition, so the stunt was performed live.
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Cruise’s Stunt
The 62-year-old abseiled from the roof of the Stade de France and greeted the Olympic participants after he landed safely.
We then witnessed a surprise appearance by Simone Biles at the closing ceremony, when she helped hand over the Olympic flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
The two handed the Olympic flag to Cruise, who rode a motorcycle in a pre-filmed scene that ended with the actor floating over Los Angeles in a skydiving stunt.
Internet reacts to Cruise’s stunt
One thing about America is that they know how to put on a show. I’m looking forward to the 2028 Olympics in LA. And no matter what you think of Tom Cruise, his star potential and talent are undeniable. #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/zx9t6DQNOE
— Emi Eleode (@EmiEleode) 11 August 2024
Has Cruise ever done something like this before?
Yes, actually.
In 2004, Cruise attended the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, helping to carry the Olympic torch through Los Angeles on its journey around the world before coming to rest in Athens, Greece, where the Games were held that year.
Collaboration: Thomas Schad
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Tom Cruise bring the Olympics from Paris to Los Angeles