The Paris Olympics 2024 has concluded, leaving behind a trail of extraordinary athletic achievements, unexpected dramas, and a few controversies that will be discussed for years to come. From incredible comebacks to world records, the last two weeks in the French capital were packed with memorable moments.
1. Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting Triumph Amid Gender Controversy
Boxers Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting from Chinese Taipei made headlines not just for their gold medals but also for the controversies surrounding their gender. The drama began on August 1, when Italy’s Angela Carini abruptly exited her bout against Khelif, claiming she’d never been hit so hard. This brought intense scrutiny on Khelif and Lin, both of whom had been banned by the International Boxing Association (IBA) during the 2023 World Championships for failing gender tests.
Despite the online backlash questioning their gender identities, the athletes were allowed to compete in Paris, as the boxing events were conducted under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after the IBA lost its Olympic status. Defying all odds, both Khelif and Lin emerged victorious in their respective categories, proving their detractors wrong.
“I am fully qualified to take part. I am a woman like any other,” Khelif asserted after her gold in the women’s 66 kg category. Lin, focused solely on her performance, shared, “As an elite athlete, it’s important to shut myself off from social media and focus on the competition.”
2. Armand Duplantis Breaks Yet Another World Record
Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis continued his record-breaking streak at the Paris Olympics, setting a new world record for the ninth time with an astonishing 6.25m jump. This achievement secured his place as the first man to retain the Olympic pole vault title since USA’s Bob Richards in 1952 and 1956.
“The biggest dream since I was a kid was to break the world record at the Olympics, and I’ve done that in front of the most incredible crowd I’ve ever competed in front of,” Duplantis said, reflecting on his historic moment.
3. Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Dream Cut Short by 100 Grams
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the Paris Olympics was marked by immense challenges, including leading protests against a top wrestling official, recovering from knee surgery, and changing her weight category. Despite these hurdles, she advanced to the women’s 50 kg freestyle gold-medal match, even defeating Japan’s top-seeded Yui Susaki in the process.
However, tragedy struck when Vinesh missed the required weight by a mere 100 grams during the weigh-in, leading to her disqualification. She has since filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint-silver medal, with the final verdict expected on August 13.
4. India and Pakistan Share the Podium in Javelin Throw
The men’s javelin throw event witnessed a historic moment as Neeraj Chopra of India and Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan stood together on the Olympic podium. Nadeem made history with a monstrous 92.97m throw, becoming Pakistan’s first individual gold medalist and breaking the Olympic record.
Chopra, though unable to match his friend’s throw, secured a silver with a season-best 89.45m. For the first time, the javelin throw podium at the Olympics did not feature a European athlete, with Grenada’s Anderson Peters taking bronze.
5. China's Dominance in Diving
China made Olympic history by sweeping all eight diving events, a first for any nation. Alongside their eight gold medals, Chinese divers also brought home two silver and one bronze, underscoring their dominance in the sport.
The list of Chinese gold medalists in Paris included Chen Yiwen, Quan Hongchan, Xie Siyi, and Cao Yuan, among others. Great Britain trailed far behind as the second-best nation in diving, with one silver and four bronze medals.
6. Leon Marchand’s Golden Haul in the Pool
French swimmer Leon Marchand dazzled at the Paris Games, winning four gold medals and breaking Olympic records in each event he competed in—men’s 200m breaststroke, 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, and 400m individual medley. Marchand’s achievements made him the most decorated male athlete of the Games and the first man since Michael Phelps to win four golds in swimming at a single Olympics.
Marchand also contributed to France’s bronze in the men’s 4x100m medley relay, cementing his legacy as a swimming sensation.
7. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's Record-Breaking Sprint
American sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again proved her dominance by breaking her world record in the women’s 400m hurdles, clocking an astonishing 50.37 seconds. The 25-year-old also played a key role in the U.S. women’s 4x400m relay team’s gold medal win, with an incredible split time of 47.71 seconds during the second leg.
8. Ma Long Bids Farewell to the Olympics
Chinese table tennis legend Ma Long retired from the Olympics after helping his country win the men’s team gold in Paris. This victory brought his total Olympic gold medal count to six, making him China’s most decorated Olympian.
Long’s Olympic journey, which began at the 2012 London Games, has seen him win gold in every edition since, both in singles and team events. His farewell in Paris marked the end of an era in table tennis.
9. Mijain Lopez Retires After Historic Fifth Gold
Cuban wrestler Mijain Lopez made history by winning his fifth consecutive Olympic gold in the Greco-Roman 130kg category, defeating Chile’s Yasmani Acosta in the final. After his victory, Lopez symbolically placed his shoes on the mat, announcing his retirement.
Lopez’s achievement sets him apart in Olympic history, surpassing legends like Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps in consecutive Olympic golds.
10. Simone Biles' Triumphant Return
Simone Biles made a stunning comeback at the Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals in the team, all-around, and vault events, and silver in the floor exercise. Her performance was a powerful response to the challenges she faced at the Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events due to mental health concerns.
With 11 Olympic medals to her name, Biles is now the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, trailing only Larisa Latynina and Vera Caslavska as the all-time Olympic medallist.