12 Key Moments From the Olympics 2024

For two weeks, the 2024 Paris Olympics enthralled the world with its level of competition, cultural moments, and logistical stuff. It was Games-worthy—making the City of Light a global village of athletic excellence and international camaraderie from the stadiums to the streets. As the flame went out, an NPR team that reported on the monumental event shared some stories about their own experiences. Their comments reflected all the triumphs and controversies on the field, as well as the great atmosphere and other memorable moments of the unexpected ones, which really created those Olympics.

1. The winsome mascot “Phryge”:

First perplexing many with its red cap-shaped mascot “Phryge”, it grew to be a beloved face of the Games. The Phrygian cap stands for freedom in France, so the googly-eyed characters quickly endeared themselves as they frolicked around at sporting events. Tourists were carried away and joined in the fun with Phryge hats, truly giving a one-of-a-kind feel to the Paris Olympics. This crazy decision proved to make the most unconventional ideas sometimes become the most endearing.

2. Gymnastics Medal Ceremony Touches off Outrage:

What should have been a historic moment for gymnastics became contentious. The final for the floor exercise saw Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles of the US take a bow to gold medalist Rebeca Andrade of Brazil’s extraordinary image of three Black athletes on top of the podium. But the celebratory mood quickly soured after questions arose over the timing of a score inquiry that had initially placed Chiles on the bronze medal spot. Unfortunately, the act of asking Chiles to return the medal later killed what perhaps could have been classic moment of the Games.

3. The volunteers’ athleticism behind the scenes

Volunteers also showed some athleticism and coordination feats. At the Stade de France, they turned clearing hurdles in a very synchronized fashion after the events. The mop crews at the basketball court demonstrate very highly choreographed moves that kept the floor dry and safe. Displays of this kind gave the audience a sense of the amount of athleticism required physically, even for supporting roles, which underscored how Olympic excellence truly was all-encompassing.

4. Ubiquitous “eco-cups

The Paris Olympics, in a bid to be more environmentally friendly, introduced reusable “eco-cups” at every single one of its venues. It soon transpired that this innocuous initiative was going to awaken some unexpected behaviors within the visiting public. Stacks of cups were taken by people, and some even tried to collect all the 40-plus variations available.

5. Deafening Stade de France:

The noise level for the track and field events at the Stade de France was unparalleled. Even veteran sports journalists were in a state of shock over the decibel count of the crowd. This was so loud that it was impossible to have a normal conversation; indeed, the stadium announcer repeatedly begged for quiet before races. With an atmosphere such as this, there was added drama to every sprint and jump, making these athletic performances all that more incredible.

6. Olympic Debut by Steph Curry:

At 36, the basketball superstar Steph Curry was making his Olympic debut, seeking to finally put a gold medal among his many accolades. Curry had embraced the Olympic spirit— heading to other events, trading pins, and connecting with other athletes. On-court play equaled that enthusiasm, especially late against Serbia and France. His leadership and clutch shooting proved the difference in helping Team USA win gold, that put a lid on his long-awaited Olympic experience.

7. Accidental internet celebrities:

The Olympics just do unexpected stars, and Paris 2024 was no different. Stephen Nedoroscik, aka “pommel horse guy,” with his Clark Kent-like resemblance, and the nonchalant Turkish sharpshooter emerged as products of the internet. While neither the two won gold, their idiosyncratic characteristics and displays blew up in the face of the world to prove Olympic spirit is all not about gold but individualism and the love for one’s sport.

8. The modern Games in an ancient venue:

This is how a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater, the Lutetia Arena, became an unexpected Olympic viewing arena. Parisians and visitors sat on the ancient stone benches to watch live streams of the events—in that surreal blend of the ancient and the modern. Such an unusual choice of venue did underscore a lot about the city’s rich history and organizers’ ingenuity in using city landmarks to host these events, which added a layer of cultural depth to the sports spectacle.

9. French excitement over Léon Marchand:

The young French swimmer Léon Marchand electrified the country, becoming almost a national sensation. He even gave pool spectators a clue to when to cheer based on his breaststroke breaths, creating an electric atmosphere. That effect spilled over into restaurants where workers and customers stopped work to watch each race he swam. This alone speaks to how a home-grown talent can rally a nation around its athletes during the Olympic Games and instill that pride in fans forever.

10. Sifan Hassan’s incredible endurance:

Dutch runner Sifan Hassan showed superhuman endurance as she won marathon gold just 37 hours after taking bronze in the 10,000 meters. This was in addition to the other bronze earlier on in the week, in the case of the 5,000 meters, leaving onlookers and fellow competitors alike in a daze. Hassan’s triple-event performance at these Olympics is simply the epitome of the Olympic motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together”, which no one represents better than this athlete.

11. Paris as an “Olympic village”:

Indeed, parts of Paris were unusually calm, with many locals having left and tourists staying away from anticipated crowds. This meant visitors could experience a more intimate version of the city, traveling without hassle between events. It was quite interesting to note the contrast between the metropolitan venue buzz and quiet streets elsewhere, creating a feel of just one big village-like atmosphere throughout the city, lending so much character and charm to the whole Olympic experience.

12. Olympic Coverage Challenge:

For the journalists reporting on the Olympics, it was their own kind of endurance test to fight their way through a marathon schedule of events, interviews, and deadlines. From working through complicated logistical puzzles to racing from one venue to another, reporters truly had two weeks of exhausting exhilaration. The challenge behind the scenes adds perspective to how much it took to get the Olympics to the global audience in the first place, adding another layer to the story of the Games.