Seunfunmi Joshua
The 2024 Paris Olympics, which started on July 26th, have finally come to a close, leaving a legacy of outstanding events, record-breaking accomplishments, and inspiring stories that demonstrate human excellence. For two weeks, the world’s best athletes converged in the beautiful city of Paris to compete, challenge limits, and make history. From Simone Biles’ dominance in gymnastics to Léon Marchand’s incredible performances in the pool, this year’s Olympics were loaded with unforgettable moments. Here are10 memorable highlights from the 2024 Olympics held in Paris.
- Simone Biles Makes Her Triple Gold Comeback
Simone Biles’ victory in Paris 2024 marked the end of one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. By becoming the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history, the 27-year-old American, who withdrew from Tokyo 2020, returned to win three additional gold medals and one silver in Paris. She led the American women to a team victory at the start of the artistic gymnastics competition, then went on to win golds in the all-around and vault, as well as a silver in the floor exercise. This capped a career that included seven Olympic gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals over three Olympic Games, dating back to Rio 2016. Biles’ celebrated comeback was a top attraction for celebrity fans, and she delivered an amazing performance with a powerful message of redemption.
- Athletics: ‘Mondo’ Duplantis’ Pole Vaulting World Record
The chant of “Mondo, Mondo, Mondo!” echoed around the Stade de France, setting the stage for greatness. Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, a Swede, did what he does best—breaking the Olympic record with a 6.10m jump to defend his gold medal and then raising the bar to 6.25m. The stadium was silent as Mondo began his run-up, then erupted in applause as he flew over the bar, creating a new world record height. Fans celebrated his accomplishment after witnessing the highest jump—and jumper—in history. Duplantis also caused a global sensation on social media by running to see his wife after setting the world record.
- U.S. Women’s Basketball Wins Eighth Consecutive Olympic Gold
The United States women’s basketball team won their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal with a thrilling victory over France at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their tight 67-66 win extended the longest streak of victories in Olympic women’s basketball history. Remarkably, this accomplishment broke the previous record held by the United States men’s basketball team, which won seven consecutive gold medals from 1936 to 1968.
- Athletics: Julien Alfred Makes History for Saint Lucia in Women’s 100 Meters
Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred exploded from the blocks ahead of the field in the women’s 100m final. The three-time NCAA champion maintained her lead, and the 20-year-old sprinter from Saint Lucia engraved her name into Olympic history at the Paris 2024 Games. She amazed the world by winning gold in 10.72 seconds, a historic moment for her country as it marked Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medal. Alfred’s blistering run left pre-race favorite Sha’Carri Richardson far behind, creating an unforgettable moment for her nation.
- Women’s Swimming: Katie Ledecky Wins Four Medals in Paris
Katie Ledecky won four medals in Paris (two gold, one silver, and one bronze), bringing her career total to 14 from four Olympic Games. Notably, Ledecky’s outstanding performance in Paris earned her a place as the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history and the most decorated female Olympian of all time from the United States. Her record in the pool is simply spectacular.
- Track and Field: The U.S. Mixed 4×400 Relay Team
On the first day of track and field competitions, the U.S. mixed 4×400 relay team (Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, Kaylyn Brown) set a world record in the first round of competition. They raced 3:07.41, over three full seconds faster than the next competitor in their race. However, in the August 3rd final, despite being in a position to win gold, Femke Bol of the Netherlands overtook Brown in the final few strides, relegating the Americans to silver.
- Athletics: Keely Hodgkinson Charges to Victory in the 800m for Britain
Keely Hodgkinson of Team GB refused to settle for silver this time. The 22-year-old Hodgkinson, who won silver in Tokyo 2020, sprinted out to an early lead.
The pre-race favorite overcame any anxiety to fend off an outside attack from Kenya’s Mary Moraa before finding top gear in the final straight to break away and win in 1:56.72.
- Celine Dion’s Performance
Global superstar Celine Dion made an inspirational and emotional comeback during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, following a lengthy battle with stiff person syndrome. She delivered an outstanding performance against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, singing “Hymne à l’Amour” (Hymn to Love). The song’s moving lyrics perfectly reflected the Olympic Games’ spirit of unity, love, and celebration.
- Swimming: Léon Marchand, Four-Time Gold Medalist and Host-National Star of Paris 2024
The 22-year-old swimming star Léon Marchand was under immense pressure as he prepared to compete in Paris 2024. Would he rise to the occasion for his home country or crumble under the tension? He certainly rose to the challenge, winning four individual gold medals, smashing Michael Phelps’ 400m and 200m IM records, and taking bronze in the men’s 4 × 100m medley relay.
- The Closing Ceremony
IOC President Thomas Bach delivered a speech acknowledging the athletes’ accomplishments for “sparking excitement” around the world, while also recognizing a turning point in the Olympic movement—a new era. “The Olympic Games Paris 2024 was a celebration of the athletes and sport at its best,” Bach stated. “The inaugural Olympic Games was entirely executed in accordance with our Olympic Agenda reforms: younger, more urban, more inclusive, and sustainable. The first Olympic Games with complete gender equality.” He continued, speaking directly to the athletes, “You have shown the magnificence that humanity is capable of. Thank you for making us dream.”
Simone Biles, who won three gold medals and one silver, had the honor of waving the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11th. Biles took to the platform at the Stade de France to join Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass while musician H.E.R. performed the American national anthem. The performance set the stage for the evening’s most anticipated event when Tom Cruise made a surprise appearance. The gold medalist then passed the flag to Cruise, who rode away on a motorcycle as the Olympics transitioned to Los Angeles.
Conclusion,
As the curtain falls on the 2024 Paris Olympics, the City of Light has left an unforgettable impression on the world stage. For two weeks, the world’s best athletes came together to celebrate the global language of sports, and the results were nothing short of magnificent.
