Last Updated on: 14th August 2024, 04:04 am
The 2024 Olympics in Paris were filled with a myriad of unforgettable moments, ranging from a vibrant and occasionally contentious opening ceremony to heartfelt gestures of respect on the gymnastics podium. Here are the top 10 moments that defined these Games:
1. Rain-Soaked Opening Ceremony Steals the Show
The Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off with a grand opening ceremony on the River Seine, but it was the unexpected rain that stole the spotlight. What was meant to be a dazzling spectacle became infamous for a controversial scene involving drag queens and DJ Barbara Butch, which some viewers felt was a parody of the Last Supper. Despite the backlash, Artistic Director Thomas Jolly denied any intent to offend, though he and others involved faced online harassment that led to police intervention.
2. Djokovic’s Roar of Triumph
Novak Djokovic claimed tennis gold after an electrifying match against Carlos Alcaraz, becoming one of the few to achieve the prestigious Golden Slam—winning all four majors and Olympic gold. His victory roar resonated throughout Roland Garros, and he was visibly emotional as he embraced his family. Djokovic expressed the deep pride he felt in representing his country, while Alcaraz, tearful in defeat, lamented that he had let Spain down.
3. Biles Shows Grace on the Podium
Although Simone Biles was a star of the gymnastics competition, her most memorable moment came when she graciously bowed to her rival, Rebeca Andrade, who took gold in the floor final. Biles, who finished with silver, praised Andrade as “queen,” demonstrating sportsmanship at its finest. A later ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport saw Romania’s Ana Barbosu awarded the bronze medal after it was determined that Biles’ teammate, Jordan Chiles, should not have been upgraded from fifth place.
4. Lyles Takes Home Olympic Gold in Dramatic Fashion
Noah Lyles claimed gold in the men’s 100m final with a time of 9.79 seconds, in what was the closest finish in recent Olympic history—just five thousandths of a second separated him from Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. Lyles, whose victory was confirmed only after a photo-finish, declared, “I’m the man amongst all of them. I’m the wolf amongst wolves.”
5. Pakistan’s Historic Victory in Javelin
Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan made history by winning his country’s first-ever individual Olympic gold in the men’s javelin, setting a new Games record with a throw of 92.97m. India’s defending champion Neeraj Chopra finished in second place. Nadeem emphasized the positive impact of their rivalry on young people in both countries, particularly in non-cricket sports.
6. Viral Podium Selfie of North and South Korea Athletes
In a rare moment of cross-border unity, table tennis players from North and South Korea shared a selfie on the medal podium after the mixed doubles event. The image quickly went viral in South Korea, symbolizing a brief moment of peace. South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon snapped the photo, which included athletes from both Koreas, as well as the victorious Chinese team, using a Samsung phone—a symbol of South Korea’s technological prowess.
7. Australian Skateboarder Arisa Trew Becomes Youngest Olympic Champion
Arisa Trew, a 14-year-old skateboarding sensation from Australia, made history by winning gold in the women’s park event, becoming her country’s youngest-ever Olympic champion. Trew’s fearless final run, performed in her signature pink helmet, captivated the crowd at Place de la Concorde. The event also featured China’s youngest-ever Olympian, 11-year-old Zheng Haohao.
8. Algerian Boxer Triumphs Over Adversity
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer embroiled in a gender eligibility controversy, silenced her critics by winning gold at Roland Garros. After being disqualified from the previous year’s world championships, Khelif was cleared to compete in Paris and used her victory to address the “attacks” and “bullying” she had faced. She proudly declared, “I am a woman like any other.”
9. Cuban Wrestler Makes History with Fifth Consecutive Gold
Cuban wrestler Mijain Lopez became the first athlete to win five consecutive Olympic golds in the same event, surpassing legends like Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps. The 41-year-old signaled his retirement by placing his shoes in the center of the mat, a poignant gesture marking the end of a historic career.
10. Turkish Marksman’s Casual Style Goes Viral
Yusuf Dikec, a Turkish Olympic shooter, became an overnight sensation for his laid-back style during competition. Wearing only standard glasses and a team T-shirt, with one hand casually tucked into his pocket, Dikec drew comparisons to James Bond on social media. His unconventional approach, devoid of the specialized gear typically seen in the sport, earned him silver and widespread admiration.