The 2024 Paris Olympics was a spectacular event that will be remembered for years to come. From record-breaking performances to inspiring stories of resilience, the athletes gave us countless moments to cherish. With athletes representing their countries from all corners of the world, there were plenty of thrilling competitions, emotional victories, and viral moments that captured the world’s attention. Among these unforgettable experiences, we’ve selected the top 10 moments that stood out above the rest.
1. Simone Biles Earns GOAT Status
All eyes were on Simone Biles as she returned to the Olympics after her challenging experience with the “twisties” during the 2020 Tokyo Games. Many wondered if she could make a successful comeback after her struggles, but Biles did not disappoint. She not only led Team USA to victory in the women’s gymnastics team final but also claimed the individual all-around gold medal. Biles’ extraordinary performance included a gold in the vault and a silver in the floor exercise final.
With these victories, Biles cemented her status as the greatest gymnast of all time (GOAT). She now holds an incredible 11 Olympic medals, along with 30 World Championship medals. This feat has made her the most decorated gymnast in history. Throughout the games, she showcased her signature skills, wowing both the crowds in the arena and the millions watching at home. Her comeback was not just a testament to her talent but also to her mental toughness and perseverance.
2. Yusef Dike’s Viral Shooting Technique
Turkey’s Yusef Dike, a 51-year-old shooter, became a viral sensation at the 2024 Paris Olympics for his unique shooting style. Competing in his fourth Olympic Games, Dike drew attention for his laid-back demeanor and unconventional shooting technique. While most of his opponents wore specialized gear and eyewear, Dike coolly placed his left hand in his pocket while shooting with his right hand.
Despite his relaxed approach, Dike demonstrated remarkable accuracy and focus, winning a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event. His calm attitude won him fans worldwide, and his viral shooting technique became one of the most talked-about moments of the games. Dike’s success was a reminder that sometimes, an unorthodox approach can lead to victory.
3. France’s Leon Marchand Dominates in the Pool
French swimmer Leon Marchand became a hometown hero during the 2024 Olympics. Competing in front of a raucous crowd in Paris, the 22-year-old swimmer made history by winning four gold medals and one bronze. Marchand secured gold in the 200-meter breaststroke, 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley, and 400-meter individual medley. His standout performance came in the 4×100-meter medley relay, where he helped Team France claim another gold.
Marchand’s achievements were particularly significant because it was his first Olympic Games. His dominance in the pool electrified the crowd and established him as one of the world’s top swimmers. Given his young age, many expect that Marchand will continue to dominate in future competitions, possibly even surpassing his already impressive record.
4. Rachel Reagan’s Viral Kangaroo Dance
The 2024 Paris Olympics introduced a new sport to the world: breaking, also known as breakdancing. While many athletes delivered incredible performances, Australian B-girl Rachel Reagan went viral for all the wrong reasons. Reagan’s routine included a quirky kangaroo dance that fell flat with the judges and the audience, earning her a final score of zero. Her performance quickly became the subject of late-night talk shows and social media jokes.
Despite the scrutiny, Reagan handled the backlash with grace. Her performance may not have earned her a medal, but it certainly left a lasting impression. As the Olympics continue to evolve and introduce new sports, viral moments like Reagan’s remind us that even in defeat, athletes can find ways to make their mark on history.
5. Alisha Newman’s Twerking Celebration
Canadian pole vaulter Alisha Newman sparked both laughter and controversy with her unique celebration after setting a Canadian record in the women’s pole vault. Following her bronze-medal-winning jump, Newman surprised the crowd by breaking out into a twerking dance. Many viewers found the celebration humorous, but others criticized Newman for what they perceived as an inappropriate display during a prestigious competition.
Newman defended her actions, stating that her celebration was simply a reflection of her joy at breaking the Canadian record with a 4.85-meter jump. She explained that she had always celebrated her victories in a similar manner and did not intend to cause any controversy. Despite the criticism, Newman’s achievement remains an impressive milestone for Canadian athletics, and her celebration added a playful moment to the games.
6. Team USA’s Best Performance Since 1984
The United States had a stellar showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, tying China with 40 gold medals each. However, Team USA secured the top spot in the overall medal count, winning a total of 126 medals across various sports. This marked the country’s best Olympic performance since the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The strong showing was a testament to the depth and diversity of talent among the 595 athletes representing Team USA.
From swimming to track and field, gymnastics to wrestling, American athletes dominated in several events. The team’s success set the stage for the 2028 Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles. Many believe that this performance is a good omen for the future, as the U.S. continues to produce world-class athletes across a range of sports.
7. Novak Djokovic Completes the Golden Slam
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic added another historic achievement to his illustrious career at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Already a winner of all four Grand Slam titles — Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open, and the French Open — Djokovic was aiming to secure the elusive “Golden Slam” by winning the gold medal in the men’s singles event.
In the final, Djokovic faced off against Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz in what became an instant classic. Djokovic won the match in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6, and became only the fifth player in tennis history to complete the Golden Slam. The victory was an emotional one for Djokovic, as he burst into tears after securing match point. His achievement further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
8. Team USA’s First-Ever Rugby Sevens Medal
Rugby sevens has been growing in popularity around the world, and Team USA’s women’s rugby team made history in Paris by winning the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport. The U.S. team reached the bronze-medal game against Australia, and it looked like they might fall short as Australia held a 12-7 lead late in the second half.
However, U.S. player Alex Kendricks turned the game around with a dramatic play. She barreled through the Australian defense, sprinting downfield to score a try that tied the game. When Kendricks successfully kicked the rugby ball through the uprights, Team USA clinched the bronze medal in thrilling fashion. The victory was a huge moment for rugby in the U.S., and it generated excitement for the sport’s future in America.
9. Mijaín López Núñez Becomes a Wrestling Legend
Cuban wrestler Mijaín López Núñez made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning his fifth consecutive gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling. Competing in the men’s 130 kg category, López dominated his opponents once again, extending his two-decade-long reign over the sport.
López announced that he would be retiring after the Paris Games, and his fifth gold medal was the perfect ending to an incredible career. He is now the first Olympian in any sport to win five straight gold medals, making him one of the most accomplished athletes in Olympic history. His unparalleled success has secured his legacy as a true legend in the world of wrestling.
10. Saint Lucia’s First-Ever Gold Medal
One of the most heartwarming moments of the 2024 Olympics came from Saint Lucia, a small Caribbean island with a population of just 175,000 people. The country had never won an Olympic gold medal before, but sprinter Julien Alfred changed that in Paris. Competing in the women’s 100-meter dash, Alfred faced tough competition, including the USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson, who had won gold at the World Championships earlier in the year.
In a stunning upset, Alfred got off to a strong start and maintained her lead throughout the race, finishing first and securing Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. The victory was celebrated with great emotion back home, where videos emerged of Saint Lucian citizens crying and cheering for Alfred. Her achievement was a source of pride for the entire nation and one of the most memorable moments of the Paris Games.
Conclusion
The 2024 Paris Olympics were filled with unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come. From Simone Biles reclaiming her title as the GOAT to Novak Djokovic completing the Golden Slam, these games were a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and the spirit of competition. The inspiring performances of athletes like Leon Marchand, Yusef Dike, and Julien Alfred highlighted the diversity and global reach of the Olympics, while viral moments like Rachel Reagan’s kangaroo dance and Alisha Newman’s twerking celebration added a playful element to the games.
As we look forward to future Olympics, these top 10 moments will remain as lasting memories of the magic and excitement of the 2024 Paris Games. Whether it was historic victories, emotional triumphs, or viral sensations, the Paris Olympics reminded us of the power of sports to unite and inspire the world.