 "Paris Olympics 2024 Recap: Controversies to historic milestones")
The 2024 Paris Olympics witnessed several memorable and iconic moments, controversies and heartbreaks. This Olympics had a bit of everything but most importantly, it was a Games where young talents shone, new stars emerged and a few dreams were realised.
Paris Olympics: News, schedule, medals tally and more
Let’s now take a look at some controversies and historic milestones from the Paris Olympics:
Opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics was promised to be one of a kind. For the first time, the opening ceremony of a Games was not held inside a stadium, instead, the event took place across the Seine river. And even though the opening ceremony was marred by rain, it did not dampen the spirits of athletes and fans alike, with the athletes parading on boats through the river.
However, there was one major controversy that headlined the opening ceremony. It was a parody of “The Last Supper”, the famous mural painting of Leonardo Da Vinci. What was meant to be an adaptation turned out to be a parody. Drag queens were hired to performed every character of the religious Last Supper, with the scene featuring DJ and producer Barbara Butch, who is also an LGBTQ+ icon. The drag queens were joined by several other models in an act which the International Olympic Council (IOC) termed as a “human error”.
Catholics and other Christian communities spoke against this kind of portrayal, in the aftermath of which the organisers issued an apology, saying that this was never intended to happen.
North Korea-South Korea confusion
Another controversy that made the news during the Olympics opening ceremony was a confusion between North Korea and South Korea. The Olympic organisers were forced to issue an apology after South Korea’s athletes were mistaken to be North Koreans. As the South Korean contingent made their way through river Seine, waving their flags with full of enthusiasm, French and English announcers announced the country’s name as “Democratic Republic of Korea”, which is the name for North Korea.
Athletes leave the Games Village
Several athletes were unhappy with the facilities that were being provided, so much so that some of them preferred to stay at luxury hotels over staying at the Games Village. American tennis star Coco Gauff was one of the athletes who complained about lack of facilities. From anti-sex “cardboard beds” to food shortage and hot rooms due to the absence of air-conditioners, athletes faced problems aplenty.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsGender controversy
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif recently won gold in the women’s 66 kg final amid a gender controversy. Khelif, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were barred from participating in the World Championships last year after failing gender edibility tests. In spite of this, the IOC allowed both the boxers to compete in Paris.
Khelif “won” her opening bout against Italy’s Angela Carrini, who withdrew from the bout after 46 seconds. Carrini alleged that Khelif hurt her nose following the opening punches. Carrini did not shake Khelif’s hand.
That bout received divided opinions from the public, with Italian Prime Minister even saying that it was not an “even contest”. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, however, defended Khelif, saying that it was not a “transgender case”.
Swimming controversy in Seine
Swimming in the Seine has not been an enjoyable experience for several athletes this Olympic. Amid reports of the E.Coli bacteria present in the river, which has affected some athletes, some events including the mixed triathlon practice sessions were cancelled.
Belgium withdrew from mixed team relay after Claire Michel fell ill. However, Claire later confirmed that it was not due to the bacteria she fell, but a virus that made her sick.
Other athletes who fell sick after swimming in the Seine include Adrien Brifford and Tyler Mislawchuck.
USA win gold in women’s artistic gymnastics
Simone Biles inspired the United States of America to a gold medal in the women’s team artistic gymnastics event at the Paris Olympics. USA finished ahead of Italy, who won silver and Brazil, who took bronze.
Biles, who had suffered an injury scare during floor exercise training, took part in floor exercise, uneven bars, vault and balance beam events, whereas Sunisa Lee participated in every event except vault.
Biles went on to win three gold medals and a silver at the Paris Olympics.
Noah Lyles’ photo finish
Noah Lyles of the United States of America delivered an epic photo finish in the men’s 100m race. Nyles finished the race in first place with a timing of 9.79 seconds, the same as Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, with only five thousandths of a second separating the two.
In third place was Fred Kerley of the United States, who finished with a timing of 9.81 seconds.
Neeraj vs Nadeem rivalry
The Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem rivalry entered a new phase at the Paris Olympics. Nadeem broke the Olympic record (92.97m) and created history with his gold medal in men’s javelin throw final.
For Neeraj, on the other hand, it wasn’t his best of outings, managing just one legal throw (89.45m) out of six attempts.
That was his new season best and just enough to win silver. Grenada’s Andersen Peters (88.54m) won bronze.
Vinesh Phogat controversy
There is an ongoing controversy surrounding wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s participation at the Paris Olympics. Phogat had qualified for the final of the women’s 50 kg event, but on the day of the final (7 August), it was declared that the 29 year-old was overweight by 100 grams. Phogat was eventually disqualified from the final, with her place going to Yusneylys Guzman of Cuba.
Phogat then submitted an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding a joint-silver medal, and on Saturday (10 August), it was confirmed that the deadline for the verdict will be at 6 pm Paris time (9.30 pm IST) on 13 August.
Manu Bhaker wins big
Shooter Manu Bhaker became a household name at the Paris Olympics. She won bronze in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event as well as the Mixed 10m Air Pistol event after teaming up with Sarabjot Singh. Manu had an opportunity to win a third medal, but missed out on that as she finished fourth in women’s 25m Pistol.
India men’s hockey team bags bronze
The India men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, clinched bronze medal in what was goalkeeper PR Sreejesh’s final outing in India colours. Inda beat Australia in hockey at the Olympics for the first time in 52 years, and their only two losses came against Belgium (group stage) and Germany (Semi-finals).
Sure, there were setbacks like Amit Rohidas’ suspension, but Harmanpreet led from the front to guide his team to a second consecutive Olympics medal.
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