The recently completed 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris was a magical event, with so much razzle-dazzle, French flair and world-class athletes on display. More than this, many eye-catching moments were feasted on globally, as the Olympics came back into the public eye in a big way. Check out some of the best moments from the 2024 Olympics:
The 100 m photo finish
The 100 metres men’s finals on 4 August, which is the showcase track-and-field race of the Olympic Games, was one of the closest races in the history of the games, with the US’s Noah Lyles just edging out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, despite both crossing the line in 9.79 seconds. The race was so close that even Lyles thought that Thompson may have won, telling Thompson immediately after the race “I think you got that one big dog,”. However, officials determined that Lyles won, by a mere .005 seconds, thanks to his torso. South Africa’s Akani Simbine agonisingly missed out on a bronze medal by 0,1 seconds finishing 4th in 9.82 seconds.
Simone Biles Cements Her GOAT status
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw Simone Billes justify her status as the most decorated gymnast of all time. After her 2 US teammates had both endured uncharacteristic falls or wobbles on the beam, Biles stepped up to the beam last. Under huge pressure, the pint-sized gymnast nailed her routine, including the double-double dismount that’s named after her. It propelled the nervous U.S. squad to qualify first for the team competition, where they won gold. After pulling out of the 20220 Olympics for mental health reasons, Bile’s comeback was complete and she confirmed her status as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
Sifan Hassan’s Marathon Win by 3 seconds Caps rRmarkable Olympics
Ethiopian-born Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan's confirmed her status as one of the Olympic greats at Paris 2024 when she matched her efforts at Tokyo 2020 (two golds (5,000, 10,000m) and a bronze (1500m) and won 3 medals. After winning 2 bronze medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m races, Hassan’s Her crowning achievement was the Olympic marathon, as she held off Ethiopian Tigst Assefa for victory in an Olympic record of 2hr 22min 55sec.
Vaulting into history
When Swedish-American pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis tried for the 3rd time to break his own pole vault record of 6.24 m, many of the 70,000 fans at the Stade de France didn’t have high expectations. Duplantis had missed his two previous attempts and seemed a bit exhausted from trying. But Duplantis demonstrated his world-class talent by clearing the bar for a new world record of 6.25 m. In the process, he cemented his place as the greatest pole vaulter of all time.
The Viral Olympic Heroes:
The Relaxed Sharpshooter
Not every Olympic hero made their mark at the 2024 Olympics by winning gold- some garnered even more attention for other reasons, even if they earned silver and bronze, or didn’t even win a medal at all. One of these viral stars is the nonchalant Turkish sharpshooter Yusuf Dikec, who won silver for shooting and whose casual, hand-in-pocket approach showed that even if you don’t win gold or fit expectations, the world can still embrace you just for being you.
The Bulge Blocker
French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati also made headlines, when his “package” prevented him from clearing the 5.70-height pole vault after his body nearly cleared the pole. Even though Ammirati only finished in 12th place, without enough points to advance to the final, his failed attempt quickly went viral.”
Breaking Bad Australia
But the biggest viral star of the 2024 Olympics was also one of the poorest performers- Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as “Raygun”. Raygun was the Australian representative for the new sport of “breaking”, which is based on the popular cultural dance of breakdancing. As soon as Raygun started her routine, it became apparent that she wasn’t exactly a “pro” when it came to the art of breaking. Some of her comical moves included a kangaroo hop and a wriggly floor technique where it looked as if she had snakes in her clothing. Her performance quickly went viral, with people satirising her skill, ability, and even her audacity to attend the Olympics in the first place. However, Raygun defended her inclusion and performance, stating that she brings “creativity” to the Olympics.
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