The gold medalist then passed the flag on to Tom Cruise, who drove it away on a motorcycle
Simone Biles is leaving the 2024 Paris Olympics on a high note. The 27-year-old star gymnast, who bagged three gold medals and one silver, had the honor of carrying the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11.
Biles stepped into the spotlight at the Stade de France alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, while musician H.E.R. delivered a moving rendition of the American national anthem. This set the stage for an exciting moment as Tom Cruise, in his signature style, soared into the crowd.
Despite a little soreness in her calf, which she revealed to NBC on August 5, Biles took the stage wearing a precautionary boot. But that didn’t dim her shine at all.
Biles also played a vital role in the transition from the Paris Olympics to the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Games. After handing the flag to Cruise, the movie star strapped it to the back of a motorcycle and rode through the sea of athletes and into the night. This led to a thrilling pre-recorded video.
In the video, Cruise raced through the illuminated streets of Paris, zipping past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. He eventually found his way to a waiting airplane, declaring, “I’m on my way,” as he donned skydiving gear to the energetic tunes of “By the Way” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The flag then traveled to the capable hands of Olympic cyclist Kate Courtney, former track star Michael Johnson, and skateboarder Jagger Eaton. To culminate the event, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish delivered stellar performances on Venice Beach, officially marking the transition to Los Angeles.
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