Review of most memorable moments from the Paris 2024 Olympics

As 2024 comes to a close, looking back at this year's sporting events, the most noteworthy is undoubtedly the Paris Olympics, which returned to the City of Light a century after the 1924 edition, with the French capital not only hosting breathtaking athletic feats, but also setting new benchmarks for inclusivity and diversity. From the outdoor opening ceremony along the River Seine, to groundbreaking performances in multiple events, Paris 2024 showcased the enduring power of sports to unite and inspire on a global stage. 

The 33rd Summer Olympic Games officially opened on July 26th in Paris, marking the first time in modern history that the opening ceremony was held outside a stadium. The French capital became the second city in the world, after London, to host the Summer Olympics at least three times. And the Paris Games also made history as the first edition of the event to achieve full gender equality.

China won 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals. The 40 golds tied with the USA for the most, and the delegation's total of 91 overall medals set a new record for the country's best performance at an overseas Olympics. This edition of the Olympics saw 125 Olympic records and 32 world records broken. The Chinese delegation clinched its first-ever Olympic golds in 14 events across a number of sports, including table tennis, shooting, weightlifting, artistic swimming, and artistic gymnastics. The Games also served as a platform for cultural exchanges, and the fostering of friendships between countries and regions.

The closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was held on August 11th. The passing of the Olympic flag from IOC President Thomas Bach, to the Mayor of Los Angeles, marked the end of the journey for Paris, and the official transition to Los Angeles, for the next Summer Games.