In a breathtaking closing ceremony, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise added a touch of Hollywood magic to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, signaling the end of the event and the transition to the upcoming edition in Los Angeles. As the Olympic flag passed from Paris to Los Angeles, the French capital bid farewell with a stunning display of fireworks that has become synonymous with the closing of the games.

While the closing ceremony stole the spotlight on the final day, it was the action-packed two weeks of the games that provided fans with unforgettable moments. Al Jazeera has picked the top five viral moments and talking points that captured the world's attention during Paris 2024.

Simone Biles, the American gymnastics superstar, dominated the headlines leading up to Paris 2024. Known as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, Biles' return to the Olympic stage after her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics three years ago was eagerly anticipated. Her nearly flawless performances in the women's team all-around final brought Bilesmania to Bercy Arena in Paris and helped Team USA secure the gold medal they missed in Tokyo. Biles continued to shine, winning gold in the individual all-around and vault finals, as well as silver in floor exercises.

Turkey's pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec became an overnight sensation, not only for his impressive silver medal in the mixed team 10-metre air pistol final but also for his unique shooting style. Dikec's nonchalant approach, shooting with one hand in his pocket and wearing standard glasses, caught the attention of social media. He even reached out to Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, inviting him to Istanbul to discuss the future of robots as shooters. Dikec's shooting style inspired other athletes to imitate it in celebratory poses after winning medals.

The women's boxing competition became embroiled in controversy over the eligibility of two athletes, Algeria's Imane Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting. Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned her match against Khelif, leading to a debate about the two athletes' participation. Khelif went on to win the gold medal in the welterweight category, becoming the first Algerian, Arab, and African woman to achieve such a feat. Khelif filed a legal complaint against a social media platform for online harassment, aiming to fight for justice, dignity, and honor.

China's Zhou Yaqin, who won a silver medal in the women's balance beam artistic gymnastics final, captured hearts with her innocent and emotive reaction during the medal ceremony. As her Italian counterparts bit their medals, Zhou's expression shifted from amusement to bewilderment, prompting her to imitate them, creating a heartwarming and endearing moment for fans worldwide.

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands secured her place in history by winning three distance running medals, including gold in the women's marathon, bronze in the 10,000 meters, and bronze in the 5,000 meters. Hassan's remarkable achievements were further highlighted by her decision to wear a hijab around her neck as she stood on the podium during the closing ceremony. This symbolic gesture resonated with fans, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the world of sports.

Paris 2024 will be remembered for these incredible moments that captivated audiences and showcased the indomitable spirit of athletes from around the globe. As the games bid adieu to Paris and look forward to the next edition in Los Angeles, the world eagerly awaits the future spectacles and triumphs that await on the Olympic stage.