Introduction

This year’s Olympic Games were a whirlwind of emotions, filled with triumphs, joy, controversy, and of course, a ton of muffins that left a lasting impression on spectators. Here are some viral moments from the Summer Olympics 2024!

1. Simone Biles and her Golden Artistic Gymnastics team

Leaving Paris on a high, Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history with 11 gold medals and 30 world championship titles! In June of 2023, she marked her return to a sport after taking a mental health break over the 2020 Olympics anguish. She individually collected 2 gold and 1 silver while leading her team to another gold after Team USA placed second in Tokyo!

Another American gymnast on the rise is Sunisa Lee! After winning the all-around gymnastics gold in 2020 at the Tokyo Olympics at age 16, Suni was diagnosed with an untreatable kidney condition that left her swollen and unable to compete in elite gymnastics. However, in a remarkable return, she qualified for the Olympics and won 3 medals!

• Hollywood reporter

2. Here Comes the Muffin Man!

The unexpected star of the 2024 Olympics wasn’t an athlete at all, but a humble chocolate muffin! Popularised by three-time Olympic swimming medalist Henrik Christiansen, the chocolatey treat became a must-have for athletes and spectators alike.

Photo: Henrik Christiansen via Tiktok

3. Doping What?

When the rising star from China, Pan Zhanle, helped his team finally break the American dominance in the men’s 4×100 medley relay, some ringed the victory as illegitimate. These suspicions did not last long after the news that Chinese athletes took significantly more doping tests than their Western counterparts. As a matter of fact, Pan himself recently broke the world record in the 100-metre freestyle with 46.4 seconds, a feat he toppled in the relay.

Photo: Reuters

4. Armand Duplantis’ Alchemy

Champion again! Nine-time world record holder pole vaulting powerhouse Armand Mondo Duplantis has clinched his second Olympic gold in a row after performing an electrifying 6.25 meters, an Olympic record at that. It was beautifully crowned in celebration as, promptly after the victory, he dashed into the stands to embrace his partner.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

5. Algerian Boxer Wins Gold after facing gender row and Discrimination

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won the gold medal in the women’s welterweight at the Paris Olympics after beating China’s Yang Liu in a unanimous decision. Battling all Gender controversy, Khelif dominated the bout to seal victory as the Algerian crowd erupted into cheers and chants for their athlete. The gold medal for the Algerians was of great significance, and she dedicated her triumph to the entire Arab world.

The issue was sparked by accusations that the IBA had raised against her based on chromosome tests, which cast aspersions on her gender. However, the IOC and USA Boxing ruled her fit to compete since her gender is consistent with what was indicated on her passport.

Courtesy: Reuters

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Eldar

MISY, Mandalay, Myanmar