As we say “au revoir” to the Olympic Games, here is a look back at some of the most memorable and viral moments of Paris 2024.
Right from the start, the Games in the French capital made history, with a floating opening ceremony that took place along the River Seine.
Despite the drizzly weather, megastars including Celine Dion and Lady Gaga added to the glamour of the four-hour-long show.
But it was British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was pictured wearing a Team GB branded cagoule among unprepared dignitaries who had to settle for plastic waterproof ponchos, who became one of the first viral moments.
Another unconventional star of the Games was rapper Snoop Dogg, whose involvement took social media by storm, including him looking dapper at the equestrian, having a swimming lesson from Michael Phelps, and giving his unique commentary on the badminton.
“Never even liked tennis anyway,” the five words Andy Murray wrote on X after his professional career ended with defeat in the quarter-finals of the Olympic men’s doubles.
The Scot retired from tennis having won three Grand Slam singles titles, two Olympic gold medals and one Davis Cup during arguably the most competitive era in men’s tennis. He also achieved a world number one ranking.
For the first time, Britain won medals for the women’s 800m, men’s boulder & lead, and artistic swimming, with runner Keely Hodgkinson, climber Toby Roberts bagging gold and swimmers Izzy Thorpe and Kate Shortman winning silver.
One of the most iconic photos from the Games was when highly-decorated US gymnast Simone Biles and fellow Team USA athlete Jordan Chiles bowed down while on the podium as Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade received a gold medal for her floor routine.
Meanwhile, Team USA male gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik was named “Clark Kent of the pommel horse” after he spent nearly three hours sitting on the sidelines before stepping up for his event – which he whipped off his glasses for – helping the men’s team secure their first medal in 16 years.
Pollution levels in the River Seine threatened open-water swimming events, with the men’s triathlon postponed as French authorities battled to get levels of E.coli in the water under control.
Events in the Seine eventually took place after water tests were reviewed, but Belgium pulled out of the Olympic mixed relay triathlon after an athlete who swam in the river fell ill – the country did not elaborate on the cause of the illness.
An unsung hero dubbed “Bob the Cap Catcher” thrilled fans as he dived into the water at the La Defense Arena to retrieve US swimmer Emma Weber’s cap that had come loose during a heat for the women’s 100m breaststroke.
The speedo-wearing man – who is believed to be a lifeguard – walked out to cheers from the crowds and was given the nickname by US swimming commentators Jason Knapp and Amy Van Dyken.
Turkey’s very own action man, silver medallist Yusuf Dikec, went viral after he was pictured competing in the air pistol mixed team event with his non-shooting hand casually tucked into his pocket.
The pose was later adopted by other athletes including Team GB’s women’s 4x400m relay team who all made gun symbols with their hands as they came out before the race.
Being an athlete is tiring work, as Ukrainian high jump gold medallist Yaroslava Mahuchikh demonstrated after she was filmed wrapped in a sleeping bag with her eyes closed while her competitors took their turns.
Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon also caught the attention of social media after he was pictured by Saudi Arabian rower, Husein Alireza, having a nap on the grass next to a bench in the Olympic village.
The swimmer later claimed during an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai that a lack of air conditioning and poor quality food within the Village meant a lot of athletes were leaving.
A controversy that continued to make headlines throughout the Games was a gender boxing row that saw Algerian gold medallist Imane Khelif under scrutiny after some argued she might have elevated testosterone that can lead to extra strength and muscle – potentially endangering opponents.
The row began after Italian boxer Angela Carini quit their fight after 46 seconds, saying it was to protect her health as the Algerian’s punches were so strong.
Breakdancing made its Olympic debut in Paris, and as the competition unfolded it was 36-year-old Australian professor Raygun, real name Rachael Gunn, who arguably stole the show.
Her routine which involved unconventional moves was largely mocked on social media and even fell flat with the judges as she left the competition without earning a single point.
Another new discipline for the 2024 Games was surfing. Taking place in Tahiti, photographer Jerome Brouillet captured a remarkable photo of Brazil’s Gabriel Medina seemingly levitating above the ocean with his arm raised.
Another eye-catching moment was caught on camera when a whale breached during the event’s semi-final.
Chinese badminton player He Bingjiao proved the Games is about more than winning or losing as she carried a Spanish flag pin on the podium when she collected her silver medal.
The gesture was a nod to Spain’s Carolina Marin who was forced to abandon the badminton women’s singles competition after sustaining an injury in the pair’s semi-final match.
