The first Olympics in the post-COVID era climaxed in a Closing Ceremony held yesterday in Paris, following several exciting, memorable, and controversial experiences we won't forget anytime soon. Here, we discuss the top 5 moments to remember from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Rainy Opening Ceremony Raining Controversies
The Opening Ceremony had visitors drenched in rain that weather forecasts didn't reveal while drenching itself in controversies that seemed to have permanently colored the event. Meanwhile, one scene from the Paris 2024 Olympics headlined the controversies around the event.
Dancers and drag artists surrounded LBTQ+ icon Barbara Butch in what many interpreted as an offensive rendition of Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper”. The painting depicts Jesus’ last meal with his 12 disciples before His crucifixion, and an alleged denigration of such painting has evoked criticisms from different religious bodies globally.
Besides the famed scene the organizers claim to be an expression of "freedom", the Olympic flag has also been at the center of discussions for its poise during the opening and closing ceremonies. While the Olympic flag's “upside-down” appearance during the Opening Ceremony also caused a stir, the flag appeared “tangled” during the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony, further evoking viral comments from viewers globally.
Bowing to “Queen” Rebecca
US artistic gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles paid homage to Brazil's Rebecca Andrade during the women's floor exercise award ceremony on August 5. Silver medalist Biles, and the bronze medalist Jordan Chiles bowed to the Gold Medalist, in an attempt to "give her her flowers."
While speaking to the media about their public display of honor, Biles commented, "I think it's all about sportsmanship, and we don't care whether we win or lose. We're always going to keep a good face and support our competitors because they've worked just as hard as we have for that moment.”
"And that's exactly what I and Jordan were doing," she added, speaking about honoring Rebecca's legendary heroics in artistic gymnastics. “She deserved it. She had the best floor routine of the day and in the Olympics. So it's like, yeah, she deserved it.”
With a total of six Olympic and nine World medals, Rebecca is the most decorated Brazilian and Latin American gymnast of all time, alongside being Brazil's most decorated at the Games.
Novak Djokovic Fulfils Golden Slam; Gets Emotional
Novak Djokovic adds an evasive feat to his near-perfect tennis resumé after clinching Olympic Gold on his fifth attempt. Djokovic defeated Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in an outstanding but tiring men's singles final, by 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in two hours and 50 minutes.
His Olympics single title, alongside winning all four tennis majors, earns him what professionals have dubbed the "golden slam" in the sport. The Serbian became emotional after the victory, as he roared in triumph and dropped to his knees before tearfully embracing his family and coaching crew. While this is Djokovic's first title all year, it's one he'd have wanted the most.
“I’ve Never Been Hit So Hard in My Life.”
August 1 saw one of the shortest fighting matches in the history of Olympic boxing. Algeria’s Imane Khelif claimed victory in her first Olympic boxing as opponent Angela Carini withdrew after only 46 seconds!
Carini withdrew from the match after receiving two fierce punches from Khelif, dampening the excitement of spectators in the North Paris Arena. The brief showdown saw the Italian boxer fling her to the floor before stepping out of the ring, calling the encounter "unjust".
Speaking to interviewers after the match, Carini explains that she had "never been hit so hard in my life," a statement which has spiraled controversies around Khelif's gender. Meanwhile, Khelif is no stranger to controversies. After winning a silver medal at the International Boxing Association's (IBA) 2022 World Championships, the IBA disqualified her before her gold-medal match over alleged "elevated testosterone levels."
Khelif remains at the center of gender debates and conversations while the Algerian has also filed “harassment” complaints against public outrage concerning his gender status.
Inspiring Turkish Shooter Becomes Celebrity
Few people have heard of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç before the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, his seemingly carefree approach to his field has gotten him celebrity status. While other sportsmen donned futuristic glasses alongside modern decking, Dikeç "casually" claimed Turkey's first Olympic medal alongside teammate Şevval Ilayda Tarhan.
A viral picture of Yusuf Dikeç depicting the Turkish shooter pocketing his "non-shooting" hand during the Games has since gone viral after his feats. Meanwhile, other athletes, including pole vault Gold medalist and world record holder Mondo Duplantis tried to replicate the 51-year-old's cold demeanor in a make-shift ambience. Dikeç has said his demeanor was actually about “bringing the body to equilibrium and focusing and concentrating.”
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Olympics closes with new records, stories, and memories. As the final Paris 2024 medal table emerges and nations add to their history of feats or woes at the Games, we must mention that the tournament had a few stand-out moments we won't stop talking about anytime soon. Perhaps not till the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles.