The 2024 Paris Olympics is in full swing. And, it’s shaping up to be the most historic of all 33 Summer Olympics! From stunning event venues and meticulous preparations to thrilling athlete comebacks and record-breaking performances, Paris is dazzling like never before.
Starting with the eco-friendly “green Olympics” and gender parity, and moving on to the grandeur of the opening ceremony, star-studded audiences, and a few entertaining mishaps, this Olympics is a spectacle unlike any other. Picture Olympians diving into the Seine for the swimming marathon and athletic love stories straight out of romance novels—it’s all happening here! But nothing can top the historic milestones achieved in the athletic careers of these athletes.
So, buckle up and join us as we explore the top 5 historic milestones achieved by great athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics!
1. Djokovic’s Golden Triumph: The Missing Gem
At 37, Novak Djokovic finally snagged his long-awaited Olympic gold medal by triumphing over Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With a thrilling 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) victory, Djokovic added this gold to his impressive haul of 24 Grand Slam titles and the record for most weeks at No.1. Previously, he had only earned a bronze in 2008.
Even with a trophy case bursting with Grand Slam titles and No. 1 rankings, Novak Djokovic had his eyes on one elusive prize: an Olympic gold medal for Serbia. It was the final gem missing from his dazzling resume! And now, he’s got it.
“I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family – my everything – on the line to win Olympic gold,” Djokovic said. “Incredible battle. Incredible fight.”
2. Duplantis Did it Again!
Armand Duplantis has done it again! The Swedish pole vaulter soared to a new world record height of 6.25m. Earlier on Monday, 5 August, he grabbed the 2024 Paris Olympics gold with a 6.00m vault.
This achievement marks Duplantis’s ninth world record, surpassing his own 6.24m mark from the Xiamen Diamond League in April. His fans went wild, cheering and screaming with excitement. Plus, he ran straight to his girlfriend, creating a scene straight out of a romance novel!
3. Zhou’s Adorable Debut: Silver Medal Magic
Chinese gymnast Yaqin Zhou snagged her first-ever medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her silver in the Women’s Balance Beam outshined legends, Simone Biles and Rebecca Andrade. A historic milestone indeed!
Despite a slip on the beam, Zhou secured second place, while Italy’s Alice D’Amato grabbed gold. Manila Esposito clinched the bronze with a close margin of 0.100. Zhou is also going viral for an adorable reason. In a video shared on X, the winners posed with their medals. As the Italian gymnasts playfully pretended to bite their medals, Zhou, initially puzzled, followed along. They ended with a fun selfie, and fans can’t stop gushing about Zhou’s “innocent expressions” and “adorable” personality!
4. Manu Bhaker Makes History: India’s Medal Marvel
Manu Bhaker has made history as the first athlete from Independent India to win two medals in a single Olympics! At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Manu grabbed bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and another bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol with Sarabjot Singh. Her path to Paris was tough, especially after a rough Tokyo debut. But guess what? She’s done it! Our girl has made it big! This is a historical moment for both Bhakar and India.
5. Vinesh Phogat’s Farewell: A Rollercoaster Career Ends
If there is one Indian Olympian who has endured a wild journey in her athletic career, it is Vinesh Phogat. Vinesh Phogat is a two-time Olympian with three Commonwealth Games golds, two World Championships bronzes, and one Asian Games gold. And, Phogat made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics! She became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Vinesh was on track to secure at least a silver in the women’s 50kg category. However, she missed weight on the morning of the final and faced disqualification.
Over the past eighteen months, Vinesh faced significant challenges and led protests against the Wrestling Federation of India over serious abuse allegations. Consequently, her activism led to the Federation’s suspension and subsequent reforms. Then, with the UWW lifting the suspension in February 2024, Vinesh made a triumphant return. She won gold in the 55kg category at the nationals and secured her Paris Olympics quota in the women’s 50kg category by reaching the Asian Olympic qualifier final. However, following this tough experience at the Paris Olympics, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling. Early Thursday morning, she posted on X, “Goodbye wrestling. I’ll always be indebted to you. Sorry.”
And that’s a wrap on our list! But wait—there’s more to the 2024 Paris Olympics than just these highlights. The Summer Games are bursting with drama, hilarious incidents, and heartwarming moments. Besides, the games are just starting. There are many more historical milestones and fun to come. So, amidst all the wins and losses, let’s keep the excitement and spirit of the games alive!
