This summer, starting on July 26th with the opening ceremony, the Paris Olympics kicked off with an incredible show displaying the rich French history. Showcasing the beauty and stories of France, they hosted events in 35 venues overlooking iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. Traditional sports, like gymnastics, track and field, and basketball were there. In addition, new, non-traditional sports were introduced, like breaking or break dancing.
The US brought home a total of 126 medals, including 40 gold medals. Some notable wins were that of the US Women’s Basketball and Soccer teams, as well as Simone Biles’ 4 medals in gymnastics. These athletes faced tough competition, but still persevered through their struggles to bring back the most Olympic medals of any other country this year.
Of course, it would be no Olympics without some drama. Paris faced issues with athletes swimming in the Seine river early on in the competition, despite their claims that the river was safe to swim in. Left and right, athletes who swam in the river became sick as bacteria levels changed rapidly. And they couldn’t escape the troubles in the Olympic Village, either. Would you like to sleep on a bed frame of cardboard for a month? Understandably, many of athletes didn’t find the sleeping accomodations comfortable.
It is only fitting that the 2024 Paris Olympics also had some sweet romances. After all, it is nicknamed the City of Love for a reason. The Italian long jumper Gianmarco Tamberi lost his wedding ring in the opening ceremony on the Seine, but his apologetic poem to his wife went viral on Instagram, sparking the first of many swoon-worthy Olympic love stories. Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis barely touched the ground before running to his girlfriend in the stands after breaking the Olympic record. Team USA long jumper Tara Davis Woodhall ran to her husband, who was naturally wearing a “Team Tara” shirt, after winning gold. Several proposals happened in memorable locations like the Eiffel Tower and even right in the stands after the events. And yes, even, the Czech exes who won tennis doubles shared a kiss. The City of Love had a reputation to uphold, and it definitely proved that it was deserving of its nickname.
Between intense competition, epic love stories, Snoop Dogg appearances, and viral chocolate muffins from the Olympic Village, the 2024 Paris Olympics did not disappoint. Whether you were looking for the sports or the drama, there was plenty to take in.
