The 2024 Paris Olympics have come to a close, leaving behind a trail of awe-inspiring performances and memorable moments. As a spectator who had access to every event, I was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the Games—a whirlwind of 329 events across 48 disciplines, unfolding over 17 exhilarating days. It’s impossible to catch every highlight, but some truly remarkable achievements stood out, showcasing the extraordinary talent and dedication of athletes from around the world.
Unsung Heroes and Unexpected Results
One such feat that may have slipped under the radar was the 100m world record set by Chinese swimmer Pan Zanhle. This accomplishment catapulted him to the title of the fastest man in the world in the pool, a distinction that, sadly, often goes unnoticed in a sport overshadowed by others. Pan’s groundbreaking performance, the first time a man has broken the 46-second barrier in the 100m, deserved far greater recognition. It was a watershed moment in swimming history, yet it seems to have been eclipsed by other sporting events.
Another surprising aspect of these Olympics was the relative lack of attention given to China, a nation that finished with an impressive 40 gold medals—equaling the U.S. in this key performance indicator. Despite this remarkable achievement, the U.S. was declared the overall medal leader due to its superior silver medal count (44 compared to China’s 27). While the U.S. claimed a total of 126 medals to China’s 91, China’s 40 golds were a phenomenal achievement for a country not traditionally considered a sporting powerhouse.
China’s success seemed particularly pronounced in lesser-known sports like weightlifting, shooting, diving, canoeing, and artistic swimming. They also secured gold in more popular sports like swimming, gymnastics, table tennis, tennis, and badminton. However, their dominance in athletics was more limited, with only one gold medal—in the women’s 20 km walk—compared to the U.S.’s impressive haul of 34 golds in this discipline.
Unforgettable Moments and Unexpected Trends
The Olympics also offered a glimpse of unexpected trends and truly remarkable performances. For instance, the lackluster performance of India, a country with a larger population than China, was a stark contrast to China’s success. India only managed to secure seven medals in Tokyo and six in Paris, placing a disappointing 71st out of 206 nations. This disparity raised questions about India’s sporting potential and its ability to compete on the global stage.
But perhaps the most breathtaking moment of the Games belonged to Dutch runner Femke Bol, who delivered an unforgettable performance in the mixed 4 x 400m final. From seemingly 40 meters behind, she relentlessly chased down four athletes, including the American favorites, and surged ahead to claim victory. This remarkable comeback not only secured a gold medal for the Dutch team but also shattered the world record, setting a new benchmark at 3:07.43.
The Games also unveiled some intriguing rule interpretations, as exemplified by the controversial men’s 100m final. While Jamaican Kishane Thompson’s foot crossed the finish line first, the victory went to Noah Lyles, as his torso—defined as the chest, abdomen, pelvis, or shoulders—was the first to break the plane. This application of the “torso rule” sparked debate, highlighting the intricacies of sporting regulations and their impact on outcomes.
African Dominance on the Track
The Paris Olympics also witnessed a significant rise in African dominance, particularly in sprinting. Letsile Tebogo’s victory in the 200m was a testament to the growing strength of African athletes. Despite complaints about Noah Lyles’s physical condition due to COVID-19, Tebogo’s controlled finish, showcasing his considerable reserves of energy, proved his mettle and hinted at a new era of African dominance in sprinting.
Beyond sprinting, Africa’s sporting prowess was evident in other disciplines. Allan Hatherly, a South African mountain biker, lived up to his pre-Games promise, clinching two international victories. The South African men’s rugby sevens team also delivered a thrilling performance, snatching a bronze medal in a nail-biting finish against Australia, a feat even more remarkable considering they secured their place in the competition only a day before the Games began. Akani Simbine’s silver medal in the 4 x 100m finals, potentially his last Olympic appearance, marked a successful end to his Olympic journey.
South Africa’s overall medal haul of six—an increase from the three medals won in Tokyo—placed them second among African nations. Kenya, with a total of 11 medals, including two golds, emerged as the top performer on the African continent. This strong showing reinforces Africa’s growing stature in the world of sport.
Paris 2024: A Memorable and Inspiring Games
The 2024 Paris Olympics offered a spectacular showcase of athleticism, determination, and sportsmanship. From groundbreaking performances like Pan Zanhle’s world record to Femke Bol’s astonishing comeback, the Games were filled with inspiring moments. The rise of African dominance in sprinting, embodied by Letsile Tebogo, signaled a new era of athletic excellence. The success of countries like China, despite their perceived “underdog” status, highlighted the transformative power of dedication and perseverance. These Games will undoubtedly be remembered for their unforgettable performances, their unexpected trends, and their inspiring demonstration of the true spirit of sportsmanship.
