This year’s Olympics has been nothing short of unforgettable; and with the world event soon coming to a close, here are some of the moments that captured the world’s attention.
Raygun’s breaking
Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, during the B-Girls Round Robin breaking competition. Source: AAP / Dan Himbrechts
Breakdancing made its debut this Olympics and quickly became an internet meme.
Mongolian team outfits
Michel&Amazonka designed four sets of uniforms for each Olympian, each one a modern version of the Mongolian deel, which is similar to a caftan.
The Mongolian national colours of blue, red and white — as well as the Soyombo symbol that appears in the country’s flag — feature in the uniforms.
The sharpshooters and their ‘swag’
Silver sharpshooter medalists Kim Ye-ji of South Korea and Yusuf Dikec of Türkiye went viral for being their own versions of ‘cool’.
And while many in the competition donned fancy mechanical irises and big ear protectors, silver-haired Dikec needed nothing but his nonchalance, focus and a hand in the pocket.
A celebratory swim
As Fox crossed the line ahead of Angele Hug of France and reigning world champion Kimberley Woods of Great Britain, her mother, Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi (a bronze medalist in the 1996 Olympics) and her sister Jessica (triple Olympic champion), jumped into the water to celebrate with her.
Olympian Jessica Fox swims to her sister Noemie to celebrate her gold medal win. Source: AP / Kirsty Wigglesworth
Women celebrating women
In a touching show of sportsmanship, American gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles — who won silver and bronze, respectively — bowed down to Rebeca Andrade of Brazil after she won the gold medal in the women’s floor competition.
US gymnasts Simone Biles (left) and Jordan Chiles bow down to gold medal winner Rebeca Andrade of Brazil. Source: AP / Abbie Parr
The three made up the first all-Black gymnastics podium in Olympic history.
The pole vaulter’s privates
After clearing 5.40 and 5.60 metres in the men’s pole vault qualification, Ammirati failed his third attempt when his penis clipped the bar as he went over it.
Anthony Ammirati’s privates took him out of contention in the pole vault final. Source: SIPA USA / FEP / Icon Sport
He might not have taken home a medal, but he’s certainly gained a new level of online fame.
Say cheese!
Villa went viral for her partnership with Parmigiano Reggiano as well as the ‘cheesy’ photos of her endorsement.
46 seconds in the ring
After taking a hard blow to the face in round one, Carini called it quits and Khelif was announced the winner. Carini then fell to her knees and sobbed.
It only took 46 seconds for Angela Carini to quit her match with Imane Khelif. Source: AP / Ariana Cubillos
Carini said she decided to forfeit the fight because she had never been hit that hard in the past and she needed to “safeguard her life”.
The ‘bridal’ carry
Chen picked up Chang ‘like a bride’ as many fans commented on social media, sparking rumours of a romantic relationship.
Chen Yiwen carried Chang Yani ‘like a bride’ while posing for photos after their gold medal win. Source: AP / Lee Jin-man
The two made their Olympic debut this year, winning China’s first diving gold medal when they beat the United States and Great Britain in the women’s synchronised 3-metre springboard final.
Snoop Dogg in dressage gear
Decked-out in dressage gear, the highlight of Snoop’s visit was his interaction with the horses.
Rapper Snoop Dogg (left) and celebrity chef Martha Stewart in their equestrian gear. Source: Getty, DPA / Picture Alliance/Rolf Vennenbernd
Four gold medals in five hours
Australian Matt Wearn won a gold medal in sailing on Thursday. Source: SIPA USA / Norbert Scanella – Panoramic / DPPI / IPA Sport 2 / ipa-agency.net
Australia has enjoyed its most successful Games ever in Paris.
Australia is in third place in the total medal tally in Paris.