From the podiums to the backstage, the athletes of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games gave us unforgettable moments. Their words still resonate, between pride, emotion and…
It was a summer like no other. For two weeks, Paris vibrated to the rhythm of the exploits, records and emotions of athletes coming from the four corners of the world for the 2024 Olympic Games. Phrases marked this exceptional event, immortalizing the joy of victories, the pride of medals and the intensity of the moments shared. A look back at these little sentences which alone sum up the magic of the Olympics.
When the champions speak
Pour Novak Djokovicwinner in the final at Roland-Garros, this coveted Olympic gold was “ the biggest success of his entire career “. The Serbian, despite holding all Grand Slam records, was overcome by emotion when receiving his medal. An ultimate consecration.
Conversely, the disappointment was immense for the French pole vaulter Thibaut Colleteliminated in qualifying. “ I am extremely ashamed of my performance. I don't understand… “, he blurted out, disappointed, he who dreamed of shining in front of his audience.
The sprinter Julien Alfredshe will go down in history for having given Saint Lucia its very first Olympic gold medal in the 100m. “ Now, as I am an Olympic champion, people will find out about Saint Lucia », she rejoiced, proud ambassador of her native island.
Moments of grace
Besides the medals, certain moments will remain engraved. Like this completely crazy 400m freestyle won by Leon Marchand in an indescribable atmosphere. “ It's a crazy moment », exclaimed his trainer Denis Auguin, still in shock from his protégé's XXL performance in front of a tranced audience.
Another moment of grace, the long-awaited home victory of the Tahitian surfer Kauli Vaast in the mythical waves of Teahupo'o. “ I hope that it will motivate all these young people, these hopes of French surfing who are arriving and who are very strong », he said, aware of having perhaps inspired the new generation.
Behind the scenes
But the Olympics are not all glitter. The Belgian Jolien Vermeylen learned it the hard way after drinking the cup during the triathlon in the Seine. “ I drank a lot of water, so we'll know tomorrow if I'm sick or not. It doesn't taste like Coca-Cola or Sprite, obviously “, she quipped, annoyed.
For his part, the Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccondespite being a gold medalist, criticized the accommodation conditions. “ There is no air conditioning, it is very hot and the food is bad “, he railed, frustration taking precedence over joy.
United and united
Beyond the controversies, these Games were also marked by messages of unity and solidarity. Like that of Thierry Henrycoach of the French Olympic football team, before the final: “ We are still a beautiful country. When we decide to be together, we are unstoppable! “, he proclaimed, playing the rally card after politically agitated months.
A spirit of fair play hailed by Thomas BachPresident of the IOC, during the closing ceremony: “ These were Seine-sational Olympic Games from start to finish », he enthused in a play on words which summed up the state of mind of Paris 2024.
The final word
If anecdotes and little phrases have peppered these Games, one statement will have stood out more than the others. That of Simone Bilesback at the top after his setbacks in Tokyo, savoring his 4 medals:
Two, three years ago, I didn't think I would be back here at the Games, so to compete and come away with four medals… I'm not angry, I'm rather proud of myself.
– Simone Biles
A touching way to end an Olympic summer rich in emotions, performances and words that will stay. Enough to already make you want to relive these unique moments in 3 years in Los Angeles. Until then, as Thomas Bach would say, these “ Seine-sational games » will have had a lasting impression on minds and hearts.
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