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[IN PICTURES] The 15 most unusual moments from the 2024 Olympic Games

undefined undefined 12 août 2024 undefined 13h00

The Editor

Montage : Le Bonbon © Freer / A.RICARDO / Vernerie Yann / Gulf MG / Jacob giampa / Shutterstock / France 2 / Amelie Poulain

As Jean-Louis Aubert sang so well, "There it is, it's over". After more than 2 weeks of madness, incredible challenges, top French athletes, and an extraordinary atmosphere in the streets of Paris, it's time to say goodbye to these Games that will forever remain in our memories. But since we're not quite ready to turn the page just yet, we offer you a little look back at the most improbable moments of this Paris 2024 edition through some pictures.

We all know, the Olympics are a condensed mix of emotions. Tears (of joy or despair), tension, love (with dozens of marriage proposals), respect, and above all, a good dose of humor. Indeed, there have been many moments that surprised us, and that only reinforced the smile on our faces since July 26. Here's a little selection that will brighten your day - or make you cry, if you're already feeling very, very nostalgic.


1. A mascot like no other

If there is one person who has managed to brighten up these Games even more, it's the unofficial representative of the American delegation Snoop Dogg. Forget about the Phrygians, in just a few days, the rapper has become the true mascot of the Games.Paris 2024 Olympics, thanks to its incredible demonstrations of various Olympic sports. We love it.


2. A Special Guest

The surfing competitions at Teahupoo are definitely among those that have offered us the most spectacular pictures. And it didn't disappoint until the end, as it was during one of the women's semi-finals on August 5th, that a huge whale appeared, with its enormous nose just inches away from the athletes. An incredible image that will forever remain in our minds.


3. A muffin passion

During these games, not content with being high-level athletes, the athletes were also exceptional tourists, who did not hesitate to become influencers, for our greatest pleasure. Among them, we will remember in particular the Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christensen, who became the "muffin man" because of a strange passion for the chocolate muffins at the Olympic restaurant.

@henrikchristians1 Muffin reigns supreme #fyp #olympics #paris2024 #olympictiktok #olympicvillage #muffins ♬ Brother Eww Mark Kross Edit - Jayden Collison


4. A blue, white, and red podium

Unusual, unexpected, miraculous, call it what you want, but one thing is for sure, this moment will remain in the annals of French Olympism for a very long time. On Friday, August 2nd, French athletes gave us a 100% French podium in BMX Racing. A situation that France had not seen in 100 years!


5. A little technical issue

To stay on the French side, another more than unusual moment is certainly the very particular defeat of French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati. Here, there is no problem with the run-up or bad posture. No, it's more about the "pole" of the athlete, which got stuck during his attempt, causing the bar to fall.


6. A Blast from the Past

A unique and historic moment at these Games, where not only the participating athletes were rewarded. Indeed, 10 Olympians who had participated in 3 previous editions (Sydney, Beijing, and London) were awarded retroactively-acquired medals as a result of doping investigations. A great reward, after over 20 years of waiting for some.


7. A Good Dose of Cuteness

It is undoubtedly the cutest image of the whole competition. While they are three on the podium of artistic gymnastics, the silver medalist Zhou Yaqin (China) sees her two Italian counterparts bite their medals, as tradition dictates. Confused, she also held her reward in front of her mouth, without really understanding why. Adorable.


8. A Golden Volunteer

You probably thought the new global swimming star was named Léon Marchand, but no. It's actually a volunteer for the Olympic Games who, when a cap fell to the bottom of the pool, revealed an amazing swimsuit of all colors before gracefully diving in to retrieve it. A hero.


9. A Flash for Excess of Style

Being an Olympic cyclist is classy. Participating in the road race through the most beautiful streets of the capital is even better. But then getting caught speeding along the way, now that's the ultimate in style. Just for this moment, we want to congratulate Swiss rider Stefan Küng, and we hope the fine won't be too hefty.


10. An Infiltrated Hitman

He is undoubtedly one of the athletes who has left the biggest mark on the history of these Games. Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç showed an exceptional composure by winning the silver medal without protection and with his hands in his pockets. A remarkable position, which quickly became a symbol of victory for the other athletes. But to be honest, we do find it a bit suspicious after all.


11. A stolen medal

It was one of the most beautiful podiums of these Olympics. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowing to Rebeca Andrade in what was the first podium to celebrate 3 black women in history. However, the American Chiles had to return her bronze medal, all because of a matter of... seconds. A claim was made 4 seconds after the regulatory deadline, costing her the third place.


12. A Navigo Pass that can withstand anything

We have long (and rightly) criticized the Olympic Pass due to its exorbitant price. However, it seems that some have found an infallible way to make it profitable. This is the case with the German Annika Zillekens, who, during the shooting event of the modern pentathlon, did not hesitate to use it as a... eye patch!


13. A size... difference

The Olympics, it's a unique gathering of extraordinary athletes, not only for their performances, but also for their physical characteristics, for some of them. And it leads to some quite unusual encounters, like when Teddy Riner faces an opponent 40 kg lighter, or when the giant Victor Wembanyama comes face to face with Japanese player Yuki Togashi.


14. A Double Victory

For 15 days, the City of Light transformed into the sport capital. But Paris and its visitors have not forgotten that it is above all the city of love. French runner Alice Finot understood this well. After achieving a beautiful fourth place in the steeplechase, breaking the European record in the process, she quickly proposed to her partner, who said yes (phew).


15. A Mythical Place of Relaxation

And finally, a most Parisian image. During a bike race, which passed through the streets of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur neighborhood, German cyclist Nils Politt suddenly needed to go. And, much to his dismay, he turned this "bathroom break" into a magical moment, by choosing the toilets of the Café des 2 Moulins, the famous bar from Amélie Poulain.