PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES HIGHLIGHTS
The 2024 Paris Olympics were a spectacular display of athletic prowess, innovation, and global unity, marking the third time that the French capital has hosted the Games. The event not only celebrated sports but also showcased Paris as a city that blends its rich history with modernity. Here are some standout moments and highlights from these Olympic Games.
OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES
The Paris Olympics kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony featuring performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. Athletes from around the world were paraded on boats along the Seine River, offering a unique view of the Olympic athletes.
The closing ceremony was equally thrilling, with a performance by Billie Eilish and a surprise appearance by Tom Cruise. Both ceremonies were full of energy and star power, setting a high bar for the start and conclusion of the Games.
SIMONE BILES: THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Simone Biles, the embodiment of grace and power, solidified her name in Olympic history once more. With a total score of 59.131, Biles secured her second Olympic all-around gold medal. She also claimed gold in the team all-around and vault competitions, along with a silver medal on the floor.
BILES AND CHILES BOW TO ANDRADE
In a historic moment during the women's floor final, the Olympics saw its first all-black gymnastics podium. Brazil's Rebeca Andrade claimed gold, while the United States' Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles earned silver and bronze. In a show of respect and sportsmanship, Biles and Chiles bowed to Andrade on the podium, with Biles saying it was "just the right thing to do" after missing out on her fourth gold in Paris.
BASKETBALL: USA VS. FRANCE SHOWDOWN
The stage was set for an epic clash. USA versus host nation France in both the men’s and women’s basketball finals, with both games coming down to the wire.
In the men’s final, the star-studded USA team secured the gold with a hard-fought victory, led by Steph Curry and LeBron James, continuing the USA’s dominance in men’s basketball and earning their fifth consecutive gold medal.
The women’s final was even more intense and dramatic. A’ja Wilson was a standout for the USA, dominating both ends of the court. The game reached its thrilling conclusion in the final seconds when France’s Gabby Williams sank a shot at the buzzer, but the shot was just inside the three-point line. The USA narrowly escaped with a one-point win, securing their eighth consecutive Olympic gold.
NETHERLANDS’ GOLDEN RUN
Dutch athletes blazed a trail, capturing hearts and medals. The Netherlands secured an impressive 15 gold medals, placing them sixth overall. Their prowess extended across disciplines: swimming, cycling, rowing, and field events.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS LONG AWAITED OLYMPIC GOLD
Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, had one elusive goal left: Olympic gold. In a fiercely contested final against the rising star Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic showed he still belongs at the top. When he finally secured the title, the crowd erupted in celebration. Djokovic’s tears revealed the deep emotion of a long-awaited dream come true.
SIFAN HASSAN CLAIMS GOLD WEARING A HIJAB
In the final track and field event of the Games, Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands clinched gold in the women’s marathon with a stunning finish. She also earned bronze medals in the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters. A standout moment came when Hassan, wearing a hijab, stood on the podium at the closing ceremony. This was particularly meaningful given the host country’s previous restrictions on female athletes wearing Muslim head coverings.
TURKISH SHOOTER’S CASUAL POSE BECOMES A VIRAL SENSATION
Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who secured a silver medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, became one of the most talked-about figures in Paris. At 51 years old, Dikec chose to forgo the high-tech gear favored by his competitors, striking a relaxed pose with his non-shooting hand casually tucked into his pocket. This laid-back image quickly went viral on social media, inspiring Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis and Turkish midfielder Irfan Can Kahveci to mimic the pose in their own celebrations.
USA MASCOT: SNOOP DOGG TAKES OVER PARIS
American rapper Snoop Dogg was hard to miss at the Paris Games, appearing at nearly every event. As a commentator for NBC, he made his mark with his unique style, from wearing extra headgear at the dressage to his memorable reaction to Simone Biles’ vault. Snoop Dogg’s omnipresence sparked speculation about whether he could be Team USA's flag bearer at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
As the Olympic Games come to a close, the world has once again been reminded of the power of sport to unite people across the globe, showcase extraordinary athletic talent, and inspire future generations. From breathtaking performances and world records to all the heartwarming stories, the 2024 Games have set a high standard for future Olympiads.
Looking ahead, the anticipation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is already building. With the excitement of the closing ceremony still fresh, we eagerly await the next chapter in Olympic history, confident that the 2028 Games will continue to inspire and unite the world.
Words by SAMO ŠAJN