2024 Olympics: The biggest moments that defined the games
The 2024 Paris Olympics were filled with unforgettable moments that captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing both athletic excellence and personal triumphs. From record-breaking performances by legends like Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky to unexpected stories of perseverance and victory, these Games celebrated the power of resilience, diversity, and the human spirit. Here are the defining moments that made the 2024 Olympics an event for the history books.
Team USA Women’s Basketball Makes It Eight Straight Golds
In a thrilling comeback, the U.S. women’s basketball team overcame a 10-point deficit in the third quarter to clinch a dramatic 67–66 victory over France. This marked their eighth consecutive Olympic gold, driven by star players A'ja Wilson, Kahleah Copper, and Breanna Stewart. Brittney Griner’s emotional celebration after the win added poignancy to the triumph, following her ordeal in Russian custody the previous year.
Katie Ledecky Breaks Records as Most Decorated American Female Olympian
Katie Ledecky cemented her legacy by winning her ninth gold and 14th overall Olympic medal, claiming victory in the 800-meter freestyle. This achievement made Ledecky the most decorated American female athlete in history, tied for the most Olympic golds won by any woman (Larisa Latynina of USSR).
Mondo Duplantis breaks his own 6.25 meter pole vault world record
Mondo Duplantis of Sweden made pole vaulting history by breaking his own 6.24 meter world record after he already secured the gold medal. Mondo raised his arms to get the crowd to cheer louder and emulated the audience’s excitement to power him over the highest pole vault bar to ever have been crossed.
Simone Biles “The Greatest of All Time”
Biles came to Paris as the most decorated gymnast ever and left with another three Olympic gold medals and a silver, solidifying her place as the greatest athlete the sport has ever seen. Her remarkable journey has become one of the defining stories of the 2024 Games.
After pulling out of several events at the Tokyo Olympics due to the "twisties," a mental block that caused her to lose track in the air, Biles took time away from gymnastics to prioritize her mental health. In Paris, she returned stronger than ever, leading Team USA to a brilliant gold in the team event before securing individual golds in the all-around and vault, along with a silver in floor exercise. Her comeback has transcended sports, becoming a powerful testament to the importance of therapy, mental health, and resilience.
Novak Djokovic Completes Career Golden Slam
In a monumental match, Novak Djokovic earned his first Olympic gold, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a nearly three-hour battle. This win secured Djokovic’s place in tennis history, joining an elite group of players who have achieved the coveted "golden slam."
Turkish Shooter Yusuf Dikeç Becomes a Viral Sensation
Yusuf Dikeç’s laidback approach to shooting—complete with one hand in his pocket—made him an unexpected celebrity in Paris. His relaxed stance belied his skill, as he went on to win a silver medal, inspiring imitations from athletes like pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis.
Alice Finot’s Record-Breaking Run Ends in a Romantic Proposal
French runner Alice Finot broke the European record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase final before proposing to her boyfriend in the stands. Although she missed out on a medal, her memorable moment will go down in Olympic history for the personal triumph it represented.
Gabriel Medina’s Perfect 10 Pose Goes Viral
Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina created a viral moment after delivering a near-perfect 9.90-scoring wave, the highest in Olympic history. His celebratory leap from his board, captured in a stunning photograph, was an iconic image of the Games.
Seine River Challenges
The effort to revive swimming in the Seine for the first time in over a century hit some setbacks as water quality issues postponed key events. However, despite initial doubts, the triathlon eventually went ahead with improved conditions, highlighting the challenges of hosting outdoor events in a historic river. Viewers compared the Seine issues with Diplo’s recent viral Tik Tok video from Basel, Switzerland where people regularly swim to work in the Rhine River with a Wickefisch bag.
Refugee Olympic Team Claims First-Ever Medal
Cindy Ngamba made history by winning the first-ever medal for the Refugee Olympic Team. Her victory in the women’s 75-kilogram boxing quarterfinal where she secured a bronze medal, highlighted the perseverance of athletes from displaced backgrounds. There are more than 115M forcibly displaced people around the world and 37 athletes represented the Refugee Olympic Team.
The U.S. Reaches an Unparalleled 3,000 Olympic Medals
Team USA became the first nation to surpass 3,000 Olympic medals. This milestone further solidified the country’s dominance in the Games, with no other nation even halfway to this remarkable total.
Controversy and Innovation at the Opening Ceremony
The Paris Olympics opened with a controversial yet unique ceremony featuring French entertainer Philippe Katerine as Dionysus—aka the "semi-naked blue guy." His glittering performance drew criticism from religious groups but sparked conversations about art and peace.
Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Becomes an Unlikely Face of the Games
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, became an unexpected standout at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After Italian boxer Angela Carini withdrew from their bout within just 46 seconds, Khelif faced an onslaught of online abuse from transphobic commentators who falsely claimed she had an unfair physical advantage. Despite the controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) strongly supported her participation, stating Khelif was “born female, registered female, lived her life as a female, boxed as a female, and has a female passport.”
With the world's eyes on her, Khelif powered through the competition, winning the women’s 66kg welterweight gold medal, and receiving tremendous support from fans. Her victory marked a triumph not just in sport but also in challenging widespread misinformation. Following her gold medal win, Khelif filed a legal complaint with Paris prosecutors citing “aggravated online harassment.”
As the 2024 Paris Olympics came to a close, the Games left an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond. Legendary athletes like Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky solidified their places in history, while inspiring newcomers like Imane Khelif and the Refugee Olympic Team reminded us of the unifying power of the Olympics. These stories of triumph, resilience, and breaking barriers will resonate long after the medals have been awarded, proving once again that the Olympic spirit extends far beyond the competition.