Tom Cruise Hands Paris Olympics Off to Los Angeles in Cross-Country, Skydiving Stunt at Closing Ceremony

Mar. 15, 2025

Tom Cruise.Photo:PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Tom Cruiseengaged in a little risky business to close out the2024 Paris Olympics.

He received the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and gymnastSimone Biles, then strapped it safely to the back of a motorcycle and rode off into the sunset — or at least, into a pre-recorded video that tracked his journey to Hollywood.

In the video, Cruise sped down the streets of Paris on the motorcycle, passing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and cruised onto a waiting airplane.

Tom Cruise.Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Cruise then leapt from the plane and headed to the iconic Hollywood sign, where he turned the “O"s into Olympic rings before passing the flag off to Olympic cyclist Kate Courtney.

He was present in Paris for various events, including some swimming events on July 27, the women’s gymnastics qualifications round on July 28, and the women’s soccer gold medal match on Aug. 10, where the U.S.took home the winagainst Brazil.

Tom Cruise.Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Team USAflagbearersfor the closing ceremony are swimmerKatie Ledeckyand rower Nick Mead, who are both heading home with gold medals.

Tom Cruise watches gymnastics on July 28.Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty

Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty

“I am so proud of this team’s accomplishments in Paris,” Ledecky said. “And [I’m] excited to celebrate with my teammates on Sunday.”

source: people.com