The 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony delivered one of the most memorable handover moments in Games history when Tom Cruise rappelled from the roof of the Stade de France, collected the Olympic flag, and roared out of the stadium on a motorcycle — all while wearing the American Optical Original Pilot. The sequence, which introduced Los Angeles 2028, was seen by hundreds of millions worldwide.
The Original Pilot carries serious credentials. American Optical has been producing eyewear since 1833 and supplied aviators to the U.S. military throughout the twentieth century. Its gold-toned metal front, double bridge, and green lenses share DNA with the classic aviator silhouette, but the Original Pilot carries a quieter, more utilitarian sensibility. On Cruise, whose relationship with aviator frames stretches back to Top Gun in 1986, the choice felt less like styling and more like continuity — the right frame for a stunt that connected Olympic tradition with Hollywood spectacle.
The American Optical Original Pilot is a classic aviator-style sunglasses model, originally developed for U.S. military pilots. Crafted from high-quality metal, it features a traditional teardrop lens shape and a clean double bridge design. Typically equipped with nylon or glass lenses, including polarized options, it offers balanced visual clarity and reliable sun protection. Adjustable nose pads and the lightweight frame ensure a secure and comfortable fit for extended wear.
