As my family gathers to watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics on Sunday, we reflect on the memorable moments of the Summer Games that captivated audiences worldwide. Over the past two weeks, our screens have been filled with extraordinary athletic feats and memorable interactions, making it impossible to miss the finale.
Among the highlights of this Olympic cycle, participants will remember Simone Biles adding four more medals to her record, becoming the most decorated gymnast in history at just 27 years old. Similarly, swimmer Katie Ledecky also made headlines by becoming the most decorated American female Olympian of all time with her 14 medals.
One stunning moment that went viral was captured by Jerome Brouillet, showcasing Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina’s board seemingly levitating above the ocean as he scored a near-perfect 10. French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati, just 21, gained notoriety on social media after a humorous mishap involving the crossbar, which he playfully addressed on TikTok.
In a heartwarming story, 58-year-old Zeng Zhiying represented Chile in table tennis at the Paris Games, achieving her Olympic dream after not being selected to compete for China in 1984.
One of the more amusing highlights took place during the opening ceremony when NBA star Steph Curry exchanged Olympic pins with young athletes, including members of the U.S. women’s table tennis team. This led to some light-hearted banter with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who jokingly asserted, “I don’t believe it. I’m scoring at least once,” to which Olympic veteran Lily Zhang invited him to prove it.
As buzz builds around their potential match, many questions arise. Fans are eager to see an exhibition match where Edwards could challenge Zhang, as her impressive performance helped her advance in the tournament. Additionally, there has been widespread curiosity about the whereabouts of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, who remains controversial after a doping scandal during the Beijing Winter Games.
This year’s Games also marked a significant step toward gender equality, with the event achieving gender parity for the first time. As debates continue about gender-blind sports, the question arises: Why are certain sports, like shooting, still separated by gender when many others allow for head-to-head competitions?
Looking ahead to the next Summer Games in Los Angeles, expectations soar. As the closing ceremony approaches, it’s intriguing to ponder how L.A. will outshine the mesmerizing opening ceremony in Paris. Speculation is rife about potential star appearances, including Tom Cruise, who has been spotted at various Olympic venues.
Overall, as the 2024 Summer Games conclude, my family and I look forward to reliving the unforgettable moments while eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the Olympics.