A Recap Of The Most Memorable Moments From The Paris Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics are over, but spectators were treated to a host of unforgettable feats and impressive displays that will remain in our collective memory for years to come.

Narrowing it down

Everyone will have their own favorite moments, including some (like the whale sighting during the surfing competition) that had little to do with the actual games.

A few headlines, however, will undoubtedly appear on almost everyone’s list.

• Lyles’ COVID concerns: U.S. track-and-field star Noah Lyles was on his game when he took home the gold medal in the 100-meter competition, and despite later experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19, he went on to finish third in the 200-meter.
• Biles bids farewell: Team USA’s female gymnasts medaled repeatedly in Paris during what was expected to be standout competitor Simone Biles’ final Olympic bid. She and teammate Jordan Chiles made news by bowing to gold medalist Rebeca Andrade of Brazil after the floor event.
• Scheffler’s domination continues: After racking up a series of wins in golf tournaments over the past few years, Scottie Scheffler took his skills to the Olympics where he beat the best of the best to win a gold medal.
• Rodman’s buzzer beater: The U.S. women’s soccer team eked out a hard-fought win against Japan thanks to an iconic goal kicked by Trinity Rodman during extra time. She said she “blacked out” at the moment of the decisive kick.
• USA vs. Serbia: Team USA didn’t dominate the field in basketball as easily as in Olympics past, but the players came through in the end, defeating Serbia in a nail-biter of a semifinal game and beating France to take home the gold.

In comparison to the sparsely attended, pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, perhaps the most memorable sight was a crowd of cheering fans gathered for each event.

Chris Agee August 12th, 2024

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