The 1996 Atlanta Olympics was the only time I felt completely engrossed in the event. That summer, I was drawn in by “The Magnificent Seven” and developed a deep admiration for Dominique Moceanu. This year, my husband reignited my interest in watching the games. It feels like the perfect time to recommit to following the Olympics. Let’s get started!
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics:
Simone Biles was undoubtedly the biggest topic of conversation worldwide. Her performance in every event was exceptional – her incredible ability of jumping 12 feet still astonishes me. I also admired her sportsmanship in encouraging not only her team members, but athletes from other nations as well. It was only fitting that she received all those gold medals.
Suni Lee
I was thrilled to witness Lee’s return this year. Her journey at the Tokyo Olympics left a lasting impression, and I am grateful that she could still participate despite facing health challenges. I was captivated by her performance on the floor. It wasn’t just her graceful movements and infectious smile that caught my attention, but also her original selection of Lindsey Stirling’s music.
Rebeca Andrade
Finally, we have Rebeca Andrade representing Brazil. Despite experiencing three previous ACL injuries, she showcased exceptional speed and strength in all her routines. Her confidence shone through particularly in the uneven bars and vault events. Personally, I found her floor routine most impressive. Her performance was flawless, and the Brazilian music added to her overall charm. It was truly satisfying to see her win a gold medal.
Men’s Synchronized Diving:
I was impressed by the performance of Juan Manuel Celaya Hernandez and Osmar Olvera Ibarra from Mexico. Although I have limited knowledge of diving, I was initially worried when Juan Manuel Celaya Hernandez started slightly behind Osmar Olvera Ibarra. However, they managed to synchronize and execute a fantastic dive. If they had beaten China to win the gold medal, it would have been Mexico’s second Olympic diving gold ever, the first one being in 1956. It was truly remarkable!
Women’s 100m Dash:
Julien Alfred, hailing from the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia, showcased her superiority in the 100-meter sprint during the Saturday evening race, earning herself the esteemed distinction of being the fastest female in the world. Alfred’s remarkable performance secured the first-ever Olympic medal for her homeland, a momentous achievement for the small island. Her eyes radiated with pride as she crossed the finish line, leaving spectators in awe of her incredible display of speed and skill. Truly a sight to behold.
Women’s Rugby:
Erin Lake
Erin Lake from Ireland captivated me the most during the Olympics with her remarkable display of power and camaraderie. She skillfully held onto her teammate Emily Lane and lifted her to catch a re-start, showing impressive strength and teamwork. Despite Lane flipping in the air, Lake’s quick reflexes prevented a potential serious injury by keeping her from falling head-first. Some accounts have hailed her as “a beast”, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. Women are indeed fierce and courageous creatures!
Ilona Maher
I need to highlight the impressive journey of Ilona Maher in gaining popularity through advocating body positivity for women. Despite facing criticism from numerous online detractors for her size. Maher had many humorous response videos, but I love this quote, “I’ve said it before: I’m 5’10, 200 pounds. I have about, and this is an estimate, but about 170 pounds of lean mass on me,” she nodded before continuing, “Do that math in your head. You probably can’t.”
Historic Moment- Gender Equality:
It is noteworthy that this year marks the first time the Olympics have seen a parity of men and women. I find it inspiring to see women being recognized and celebrated for their abilities and resilience. It is truly uplifting to witness numerous young girls looking up to these women and dreaming of participating in the Olympics themselves. Although gender equality should be a given by 2024, it remains vital for all underprivileged, people of color, different body sized, and every other girl to recognize their worth and potential in the world.
These were my favorite moments (so far) from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Drop a comment to let me know your favorites.
