With Ups And Lows, 2024 Paris Olympics An Emotional Roller Coaster (Image: x.com/Olympics)
Moments that took breath to tears of joy — the 2024 Olympics were such an emotional treat.
Since it only occurs once every four years, people anticipate it eagerly. There are moments that unite nations, cultures, and languages, and elements of unfiltered patriotism are what the game allows us to embrace. It might also be the endless array of inspiring, emotional, and breathtaking moments that fill the time between the medal ceremonies. Whatever may be the case, the 2024 Paris Olympics have delivered plenty of unforgettable moments to tide us over until the next time.
Let’s revisit some of the most remarkable, surprising, and even baffling moments from the Paris Olympics.
Gymnastics Podium Conquered: The First All-Black Winners
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning gold in the women’s gymnastics floor exercise final, edging out the legendary Simone Biles. The event saw the first all-Black podium in Olympic gymnastics, with Andrade, Biles, and Jordan Chiles taking gold, silver, and bronze, respectively. Biles and Chiles bowed in respect to Andrade, highlighting a moment of sportsmanship that became one of the most talked-about images of the Games. However, Chiles’ bronze medal is under dispute. After her coaches successfully challenged her score, the Romanian team objected, leading the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to rule that the inquiry was filed after the deadline. The US Olympic Committee is appealing the decision.
Manu Bhaker: First Indian Woman To Win Olympic Shooting Medal
image: instagram.com/bhakermanu/
Manu Bhaker secured India’s first medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, earning a bronze and becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. She then made history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympics, clinching another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
Pole Vaulter’s Package Sends Him Home Without Medal
French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati went viral at the 2024 Paris Olympics after failing to clear the 5.70-meter height when his private part clipped the bar, despite his body clearing it. The incident left commentators at a loss for words and quickly spread online. Though Ammirati finished 12th and did not advance to the final, he gained significant attention, including new followers, memes, and even a mention on The Daily Show. He gained many viewers on TikTok which showed the situation humorously, received more attention than his performance.
Just 14-Year-Old, Australia’s Young Star Arisa Trew Won Gold Medal
Arisa Trew (Image: instagram.com/surfing_queensland)
Despite her young age , Australia’s Arisa Trew won gold in the Women’s Skateboarding Park Final. Fourteen-year-old Arisa Trew, recognisable by her signature pink knee pads and helmet, made history as the youngest medalist of the entire Games, becoming a standout representative of gen alpha. Japanese contender Liz Akama took silver with Brazilian Rayssa Leal collecting bronze at Place de La Concorde.
USA Sprinter Stuck in a Porta Potty During Trials Gets Cheeky Charmin Sponsorship
A 400-meter sprinter turned a moment of embarrassment into triumph when she found herself stuck in a porta potty just before the semi-final of the US qualifiers. Despite the mishap, she went on to deliver a brilliant performance that secured her spot in the Paris Olympics. Her success led to a sponsorship deal with toilet paper manufacturer Charmin, perfectly capitalising on the unexpected situation.
Worst moments
No Silver For Vinesh Phogat Since She Weighs Over 100 Gram
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in on the morning of the women’s 50kg freestyle final. The ad hoc division of the court of abbreviation for sports on Wednesday, August 14, dismissed Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification for being overweight and withdrawal of her silver medal. This decision came just a day after CAS had extended the deadline for its verdict, initially deferring the ruling until August 16, Friday.
Algerian Boxer Defeated Italian player; Imane Khelif’s Gender Questioned
Imane Khelif
It seems no women’s sports competition is complete without the persistent fearmongering over trans athletes. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif made headlines in the women’s welterweight division, swiftly securing a second-round victory by landing a decisive punch to her opponent, Angela Carini, just seconds into the match. What should have been a moment of celebration for Khelif quickly turned toxic when anti-trans commentators, including JK Rowling, Donald Trump, and Elon Musk, began accusing the boxer of being transgender.
In between all this drama, after advancing to the welterweight final, Khelif won her match and accepted the gold medal in tears. “I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, and I competed as a woman,” she said after her victory. “There’s no doubt about that.”
Canada Soccer Staff Suspended For Drone Scandal
During an initial practice session at the Olympics, the New Zealand Women’s soccer team reported to officials that they noticed a drone flying overhead. Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander were sent home from the games, with Canadian head coach Beverly Priestman also leaving in apology, despite claiming no knowledge of the incident. FIFA later found all three in violation of “the principles of fair play,” banning them from soccer for one year. Team Canada was also docked six points at the Olympics, ending their medaling hopes after a shootout loss to Germany in the quarterfinals.
Jordan Chiles Stripped Off Bronze Medal, Endures Racist Attacks
Jordan Chiles statement
Jordan Chiles has been stripped off her Olympic bronze medal after an appeal was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Team USA’s Jordan Chiles initially placed fifth in the women’s gymnastics floor final, but after her coaches appealed her score, judges upgraded her difficulty level, awarding her the bronze medal. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sports ruled the appeal was submitted too late, and the International Olympic Committee declared Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu the rightful bronze medalist. While the US Olympic Committee plans to appeal, Chiles still holds the physical medal, with Flavor Flav offering to make her a unique bronze clock necklace if she must return it. She expressed that the unprovoked racially driven attacks on social media were not only wrong but also deeply hurtful, adding to the heartbreak.
Sha’Carri Richardson Finally Wins Gold
Sha’Carri Richardson (Image: instagram.com/itsshacarri)
Sha’Carri Richardson was so fast as the anchor in the women’s 4x100m relay in Paris that the announcers called it wrong before Team USA won gold. Despite trailing after two difficult baton passes, Richardson’s explosive sprint secured the victory. After her suspension before the Tokyo Games, Richardson is now proving her resilience by claiming her first Olympic gold.
Raygun: The Breaker Unite Moves
Breaking made its Olympic debut in 2024, Australian breaker Raygun, known as Rachel Gunn, made a lasting impression with her unique moves, including a kangaroo hop. Despite social media criticism, Raygun remained proud, emphasising her creativity over power moves.
Paris Olympics 2024: Other Winners
Noah Lyles secures Olympic gold medal in 100-meter sprint, Ethan Katzberg becomes Canada’s first Olympic gold medalist in the men’s hammer throw, and Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine wins the women’s high jump are other winners needs mention.
The 2024 Paris Olympics were filled with unforgettable moments that brought a spectrum of emotions to the forefront—from historic victories and unexpected controversies to heartwarming displays of sportsmanship. Several other moments added even more colour to this year’s Games. As we celebrate these highlights, we eagerly anticipate the next wrap-up of Olympic memories.
(Sana Zubair has produced this article as part of a Timeline Internship Programme)
