Metro Manila, Philippines — Au revoir, Paris.
The Paris 2024 Olympics, with over 10,00 athletes competing across 32 sports, came to a close after two weeks packed with action and drama.
With another edition of the Summer Games in the books, there were moments that will be etched in history.
Here are the some of the highlights we’ll remember – for better or worse – from the Paris Olympics:
Golden boy
Carlos Yulo exceeded expectations and defied gravity on his way to winning an unprecedented two gold medals for the Philippines in the men’s floor exercise and vault.
But Yulo’s gold was not the only thing that glittered as family issues hogged headlines amid his incredible feat on the grandest stage.
Setting aside personal differences better left for family members to settle among themselves, Yulo’s win smashed the stereotypes in a sport widely regarded as dominated by women.
HE'S DONE IT AGAIN! 🇵🇭
Carlos Yulo is a two-time Olympic champion! Two golds in two days! 🥇🥇 pic.twitter.com/iZHuQrDv2o— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 4, 2024
Controversial gender row
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was at the eye of the storm when she was on the receiving end of online abuse and hate after Italy’s Angela Carini quit 46 seconds in their bout.
Some netizens who watched the fight raised questions about Khelif’s participation, citing a decision by the International Boxing Association – an organization not recognized by the International Olympic Committee – to disqualify Khelif from last year’s world championships due to a failed eligibility test for women’s competition.
Khelif went on to capture the women’s 66 kilogram welterweight gold medal.
Swag shooting
Yusuf Dikeç of Turkey showed a masterclass in being a nonchalant during the air pistol mixed team event where he competed with only eyeglasses and ear plugs, and a viral pose that became a symbol of cool celebration in the quadrennial meet. He took home the silver medal.
Meanwhile South Korea’s Kim Yeji won the hearts of fans with her futuristic glasses and calm demeanor at the women’s 10 meter air pistol competition. She won silver in the event.
The Olympic #shootingsport stars we didn’t know we needed.
🇰🇷 Kim Yeji 🤝 Yusuf Dikeç 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/gfkyGjFg4I
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 1, 2024
Blessing in this guy
French athlete Anthony Ammirati became an instant internet sensation after a viral video showed his accidental crotch bump with the crossbar which cost him a chance of landing a podium finish in the men’s pole vault event.
The 21-year-old did not make the final cut as he finished at joint 12th place, clearing 5.60 meters.
Nuit, nuit
Team USA, a crew loaded with NBA players, showed to the world why it is a cut above the rest in basketball after winning gold medal no. 17. All eyes were on three future Hall of Famers in the men’s tournament: LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant.
A Golden Generation
🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/Z18v5j6RYB
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 10, 2024
Curry stepped up when the team needed him the most as he scored a total of 60 points in the semifinal and gold medal game. He reminded everyone why he’s the greatest shooter during the crucial stretches.
James, now at 39 years old, proved to be the heart and soul of the squad as he earned the Most Valuable Player award in the tournament.
Durant made history as he became the first player in USA men’s basketball history to win four Olympic gold medals.
NIGHT, NIGHT pic.twitter.com/bj90UfZL5N
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 10, 2024
