Simone Biles takes on special role at 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, launching LA 2028

Simone Biles’ appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony comes amid ongoing controversy.

Simone Biles was not part of the Team USA lineup in the Closing Ceremony procession.

The gymnastics star had a special role at the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 11, as she helped Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass launch the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. During the ceremony, which honored Olympic history and awarded medals to the top women’s marathon runners, Simone and Karen joined Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Paris Organising Committee President Tony Estanguet on stage to receive the Olympic flag.

Courtesy: Getty Images

Simone’s role marked the start of the LA28 kickoff, which continued with H.E.R.’s National Anthem performance. Tom Cruise then made a dramatic entrance by leaping into the Stade de France, where the ceremony was held, and took the Olympic flag to Los Angeles. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre added to the celebration, welcoming the Olympics to LA before the touching finale in Paris.

Simone’s notable appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony comes amid ongoing controversy in the world of Olympic gymnastics.

On August 10, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the decision related to Simone’s teammate Jordan Chiles' bronze medal in the floor routine. They ruled that Jordan’s coach, Cecile Landi, submitted her appeal four seconds late, which led the International Gymnastics Federation to reinstate the original results from August 5.