The 2024 Paris Olympics became a thrilling spectacle of grit, glory, and groundbreaking achievements. This grand event dazzled the world, featuring competitions at iconic venues like the Eiffel Tower. The opening ceremony alone drew over 400,000 media mentions and eight million social media posts, setting the stage for a series of unforgettable moments that would define the year. From emotional setbacks and historic triumphs to the powerful use of the Olympic platform for social causes, the Paris Olympics captivated global audiences and sparked widespread discussions.

A shot of the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Credit-Reuters

Highlights and Memorable Moments

Vinesh Phogat made history as the first Indian female wrestler to reach the Olympic finals but faced heartbreak when she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle gold medal, Credit-Hindu Times

Vinesh Phogat’s Emotional Setback in Wrestling: Vinesh Phogat made history as the first Indian female wrestler to reach the Olympic finals. However, heartbreak struck when she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle gold medal bout for exceeding the weight limit by just 100 grams. Despite her valiant efforts to cut weight, the decision stood, denying her a shot at gold. The Indian contingent’s protests were in vain, leaving Phogat and her supporters devastated.

Shooter Manu Bhaker scripted history at the Paris Olympic games as she became the first athlete of Independent India to win multiple medals at a single edition of the Olympic games. Credit-NDTV

Manu Bhaker’s Historic Double Medal Triumph: Indian shooter Manu Bhaker made headlines by winning two medals in shooting. Her historic achievement brought pride to her nation and showcased her exceptional talent and determination.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif became a standout figure at the 2024 Olympics after winning gold in the women’s 66kg welterweight category amidst controversy and online abuse. Credit-MNSC

Algeria’s Imane Khelif Rises Above Controversy: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif became a standout figure after winning gold in the women’s 66kg welterweight category amidst controversy and online abuse. Despite facing transphobic harassment, Khelif persevered, securing victory and receiving overwhelming crowd support. Her triumph was not just in the ring but also in her fight for justice and dignity, as she filed a legal complaint against the online abuse.

Simone Biles celebrates with her ‘greatest of all time’ (GOAT) necklace after winning the gold medal during the women’s artistic gymnastics all-around finals at the Bercy Arena. Credit-Al-Jazeera

Simone Biles’ Triumphant Return: American gymnast Simone Biles, with 11 Olympic medals to her name, made a highly anticipated return after her abrupt withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics three years prior. Her nearly flawless routines in the women’s team all-around final helped Team USA reclaim the gold medal. Biles, adorned in a starry leotard and a necklace with a goat pendant, symbolizing her self-proclaimed GOAT status, went on to win gold in the individual all-around and vault finals, and silver in floor exercises. Her stellar performances and resilience reignited “Bilesmania” at the Games.

Sifan Hassan became the last athlete at the Paris Olympics to receive a gold medal, standing on top of the women’s marathon podium during the closing ceremony at Stade de France. Credit-Reuters

Sifan Hassan’s Marathon Victory: Dutch runner Sifan Hassan delivered a stunning sprint finish in the women’s marathon, capping an incredible journey by winning three distance running medals, including bronze in the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters. Her remarkable achievement was further highlighted by her wearing a hijab on the podium, symbolizing resistance to the host country’s ban on Muslim head coverings.

Cultural and Social Impact

The Paris Olympics highlighted the power of cultural and sporting events to generate global discussions. Social media played a pivotal role, with mentions reaching 101.6 million, allowing fans to interact with athletes and engage in meaningful conversations. Beyond sports coverage, the Olympics became a platform for political discussions and social causes, with athletes championing issues such as climate change, racial justice, and gender equality.

Sustainable Initiatives and Environmental Efforts

The plastic eco-cups were found at every Paris Games event venue. Credit-Reuters

The Paris Olympics aimed to be the most sustainable Games of the modern era. A notable initiative was the introduction of red plastic “eco-cups” used for serving beverages at concession stands. Attendees paid a deposit for these reusable cups, promoting environmental consciousness. The eco-cups became a memorable aspect of the event, symbolizing a step towards sustainability.

Moments of Unity and Controversy

North and South Korean Athletes share a selfie together at the medal presentation of the Table Tennis event at the games. Credit-Reuters

In the mixed doubles table tennis event, South Korea won bronze while North Korea took silver, trailing behind China. A heartwarming moment occurred when South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon took a group photo with North Korean athletes Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, as well as the Chinese champions. This gesture of unity amidst political tension was initially celebrated but later led to reports of sanctions on the North Korean team.

Team USA’s Dominance in Track and Field

US’ Cole Hocker crosses the finish line to win the men’s 1500m final of the athletics event ahead of US’ Yared Nuguse at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Credit-Getty Images

Team USA dominated track and field events, winning 34 medals at the Stade de France, including 14 golds, 11 silvers, and nine bronzes. Highlights included Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s performance in the 400m hurdles, Noah Lyles’ victory in the 100-meter dash, Tara Davis-Woodhall’s win in the women’s long jump, and Ryan Crouser’s third consecutive Olympic shot put gold. The team’s success marked a significant improvement from the Tokyo Olympics.

Over 19 days of competition and 329 events, the Paris Olympics attracted billions of viewers worldwide and produced 350,000 hours of television broadcasting. The Games were a testament to the enduring spirit of athletic excellence and global unity. As we reflect on the 2024 Paris Olympics, we celebrate not just the sporting achievements but also the cultural and social impact that defined this iconic event.