One of the standout moments from these Olympics was delivered by Trinity Rodman during the women’s soccer quarterfinals. Sam Borden reflects on the remarkable goal Rodman scored for the USWNT against Japan. The match was tense, deep into extra time with a penalty shootout looming. Rodman, with a flash of brilliance, scored an incredible goal that left everyone in awe. The combination of skill, precision, and the pressure of the moment made it unforgettable. The packed Parc des Princes stadium erupted in celebration, and while Rodman herself admitted to blacking out and not remembering the moment, everyone else who witnessed it will surely never forget.
Noah Lyles, another American athlete, provided a rollercoaster of emotions throughout his Olympic journey. Coley Harvey recounts Lyles’ dramatic experience, from winning gold in the 100 meters to facing a sudden health scare that tested his resilience. Despite being diagnosed with COVID-19, Lyles pushed through to win a bronze medal later in the week, showing immense determination. However, the defining moment for Lyles came during the men’s 100-meter final, where his perfectly timed lean at the finish line secured his victory over Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. The energy in Stade de France that night was palpable, and Lyles’ triumph set the tone for a series of American successes in track and field.
Emily Kaplan shares her experience covering the men’s golf tournament, a sport that recently returned to the Olympics after more than a century. The competition at Le Golf National featured some of the biggest names in golf, including Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from around the world creating a vibrant environment. The significance of the event was underscored when Scheffler, the gold medalist, was moved to tears during the medal ceremony. Rory McIlroy’s poignant remark about the purity of Olympic competition amidst the commercial chaos of professional golf highlighted just how much this tournament meant to the players.
D’Arcy Maine reflects on the stark contrast between the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Paris Games. The Tokyo Games were marked by the absence of fans and a subdued atmosphere due to the pandemic. In Paris, however, the return of fans brought a renewed sense of joy and energy. Maine particularly remembers the redemption of Simone Biles and the U.S. gymnastics team, who won a gold medal after Biles’ emotional withdrawal in Tokyo. The image of Biles and her teammates celebrating their victory, surrounded by their loved ones, is a testament to the resilience and joy that defined these Games.
The chant “Allez Les Bleus!” became a defining sound of the Paris Olympics, as Connor O’Halloran describes. French fans used this chant to support their athletes across various sports, regardless of the outcome. Whether it was in the boxing ring, at the table tennis arena, or during track events, the chant resonated throughout the venues. This unwavering support, even in the face of defeat, demonstrated the passion and pride of the French fans, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere at these Games.
Alyssa Roenigk highlights the redemption arc of the “Golden Girls” of U.S. gymnastics—Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles. After a challenging and strange experience in Tokyo, the odds of all four women making the team for Paris seemed slim. Yet, they not only made the team but also delivered remarkable performances, culminating in a gold medal in the team event. Despite the controversy surrounding Chiles’ bronze medal, the image of Biles and Chiles bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade on the podium will be remembered as a moment of sportsmanship and respect.
Jeremy Schaap turns the focus to the host city itself. Paris, with its iconic landmarks and rich history, was not just the backdrop but a central character in the 2024 Olympics. The city’s charm and grandeur were on full display, from the opening ceremony despite a deluge of rain to the events set against the stunning Parisian skyline. Schaap eloquently captures the essence of Paris, likening it to a “moveable feast” that will linger in the memories of all who participated or watched the Games.
Marc Spears shares his experience of watching one of the most thrilling basketball games he has ever seen: the USA versus Serbia semifinals. The game was a nail-biter, with the Serbians, led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, taking an early lead. For LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and the rest of the American team, not making it to the gold medal game would have been a significant embarrassment. However, they dug deep and fought back, securing a hard-fought victory that will be remembered as one of the greatest games in Olympic basketball history.
Brian Windhorst describes the unforgettable moment during basketball pool play in Lille, where a massive crowd witnessed a miracle comeback by the French team. Twenty-one-year-old guard Matthew Strazel pulled off a four-point play with just 10 seconds left, forcing the game into overtime against Japan. The crowd’s reaction, from despair to elation in a matter of seconds, was a testament to the drama and excitement that sports can bring. The French team’s victory in overtime allowed them to advance to the medal round, making it a pivotal moment in their Olympic journey.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics come to an end, these moments, among many others, will continue to resonate with those who witnessed them. Whether it was a stunning goal, a triumphant lean at the finish line, the joy of fans returning to the stands, or the beauty of Paris itself, these memories are what make the Olympics a unique and enduring celebration of human achievement.
