What an extraordinary two weeks it has been in France! The Paris Summer Olympics of 2024 delivered countless unforgettable moments, and although it’s challenging to encapsulate such an eventful period, here are the 12 highlights that will forever remain etched in our memories:
Simone Biles Reaffirms Her Status as the Greatest of All Time
Simone Biles arrived in Paris already hailed as the most decorated gymnast in history, and she departed with three more Olympic gold medals and a silver, solidifying her place as one of the greatest athletes in any sport. Her journey to these Games, marked by overcoming the mental challenges she faced in Tokyo, has only added to her legendary status.
At the Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from several events due to the “twisties,” a disorienting condition that impacts a gymnast’s spatial awareness, and she took time off to prioritize her mental health. In Paris, however, she led the U.S. to a resounding team gold and secured individual golds in the all-around vault, along with silver on the floor.
Despite the immense pressure and expectations, Biles told CNN Sport’s Coy Wire that her return to the Olympic stage was a personal choice. “It was important to me because nobody forced me to be out there on that stage,” Biles said. “I did it solely for myself, and I’m in a perfect place mentally and physically. So, doing this just for me meant the world.”
Her triumphant return underscores the importance of mental health and resilience, making her story a powerful reminder of the value of self-care and perseverance.
Katie Ledecky Becomes the Most Decorated Female US Olympian of All Time
Katie Ledecky further cemented her legacy at these Games by winning four medals—two golds, a silver, and a bronze. This brought her total to 14 Olympic medals, making her the most decorated female U.S. Olympian in history, surpassing fellow swimmer Jenny Thompson.
At 27, Ledecky still has the potential for more, especially with the Los Angeles Games just four years away. “I just love the pool, love the water, love telling people how great our sport is,” she told CNN Sport. “Getting people in the pool to learn how to swim, that’s important to me.”
In Paris, Ledecky claimed gold in the 800- and 1,500-meter freestyle events, silver in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, and bronze in the 400-meter freestyle, further enhancing her status as an Olympic legend.
Opening Ceremony Controversy and the ‘Semi-Naked Blue Guy’
The Paris 2024 opening ceremony was unlike any before, but it wasn’t without its share of controversy. One of the most talked-about moments involved a performance that some critics likened to a parody of “The Last Supper,” featuring drag artists and dancers. At the center of this performance was French entertainer Philippe Katerine, who portrayed Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, and quickly earned the nickname “the semi-naked blue guy.”
Covered in glittery blue paint and appearing to wear nothing, Katerine’s performance, during which he sang the song “Nu” (Naked) while lying on a table, went viral. The entertainer later explained that his song was a message for peace, inspired by the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. “Would there have been wars if we’d stayed naked? Perhaps not, because you can’t hide a gun or a dagger when you’re naked,” he remarked in an interview with CNN.
The performance sparked backlash, particularly from the Catholic Church and Christian groups, who saw it as disrespectful. The French Catholic Church criticized the ceremony for including “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity.” Both Katerine and Olympic organizers later issued apologies, with Katerine expressing regret if his appearance had offended anyone, attributing the reaction to a misunderstanding.
