Paris – The biggest sporting event of 2024 was without doubt the Parisian high-wire double-act of the Olympic Games followed by the Paralympics.
From a colourful, sometimes controversial and sodden opening ceremony to boxers caught up in a gender row to refugees on the podium, they served up many memorable moments.
Organisers promised a spectacular opening ceremony and the rain-soaked boat parade on the River Seine ended up making global headlines but not for the expected reasons.
Noah Lyles (lane 7) edges out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson (4) and third-placed Fred Kerley (3) in the 100m final
World champion Noah Lyles roared to victory in 9.79sec to claim gold in a dramatic men’s Olympic 100m final in the closest finish in modern history — just five thousandths of a second separated him from Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson.
“I’m the man amongst all of them. I’m the wolf amongst wolves,” said Lyles whose victory was only confirmed after a photo-finish.