Paris Olympics 2024: The Buzziest Moments And Highlights

The Olympics have provided us with many unforgettable moments over the years, some of which have transcended sport—and Paris 2024 was no exception. From record-breaking performances and remarkable athletic skills to viral athletic kits and a star-studded lineup, the global sporting event that commenced on 26 July and ended on 12 August was one for the books.

Ahead, find all the buzziest moments from the Paris 2024 Olympics.

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Snoop Dogg showing off his Team USA spirit throughout the Olympics

If there’s one thing everyone in the world can come together to, it’s that we all love Snoop Dogg showing his support for Team USA. From bearing the torch in the torch relays to repping a Simone Biles and Noah Lyles t-shirt, Snoop Dogg’s Olympics spirit was never dampened. He even went all out with Martha Stewart as the two were spotted wearing full equestrian kits while watching dressage! If there’s anything we all want to see in the next Olympics, it’s seeing Snoop Dogg participating in all of the Olympics festivities.

Billie Eilish performing “Birds of a Feather” at the LA28 Handover Celebration

The Handover Celebration continued to show off Los Angeles’s entertainment factor as Billie Eilish performed “Birds of a Feather” from her latest album Hit Me Hard and Soft. With a Ralph Lauren Team USA polo tee, Eilish, who was also joined by her brother, Finneas, dazzled everyone as she performed the trending track on a watchtower overlooking the city’s clear ocean. Joined by other California-native artists such as H.E.R., Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, Eilish and her peers gave us a performance of what to expect from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics ceremonies.

Tom Cruise closing out the Paris Olympics in the most Tom Cruise fashion

As the 2024 Paris Olympics drew to a close, the Handover Celebration gave us a sneak peek at what is to come in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, including action star Tom Cruise’s Hollywood flair. As H.E.R performed a heartfelt, rock rendition of the US national anthem, the spotlight shined on Cruise, who was standing at the edge of Stade de France before leaping down the stadium. The Mission: Impossible star didn’t stop there, as Cruise was then handed the Olympic flag, hopped on his motorbike and made his way into an aeroplane where he jumped out of the plane and landed in Hollywood.

Max Maeder bringing home Singapore’s sixth Olympic medal

At just 17 years old, Max Maeder became the first Singaporean to win an Olympic medal in sailing on 9 August, a memorable birthday gift to Singapore. Heading into the third and final race of the kitefoiling finals—an event that made its debut in the 2024 Paris Olympics—the current world champion had placed high throughout the competition. However, when it came down to the last race, Maeder switched his kite to a smaller size as he had hoped for stronger winds, and ultimately clinched the bronze medal.

“Pommel Horse guy” leads the US men’s gymnastics team to bronze

Who you gonna call? Stephen Nedoroscik! On July 29, the US men’s gymnastics team was on the brink of winning their first medal since 2008 in the men’s team final. Nedoroscik was brought on for one job only: to seal the victory in his specialised pommel horse event. Fully rested for over three hours, Nedoroscik removed his glasses, spun around the pommel horse, and stuck the landing with ease. The crowd erupted in cheers and his teammates surrounded Nedoroscik with joy as he had finally broken the 16-year curse. Nedoroscik has since been dubbed “pommel horse guy” for his talent in the event.

South Korean Sharpshooter Kim Ye Ji went viral with her aura alone

Kim Ye Ji, who took home a silver medal in the the 10m air pistol women’s event on 28 July, went viral on X not only for her skill, but also her sleek style and badass demeanour. “The most aura I have ever seen in an image,” one user commented, sharing a picture of Kim wearing a Team South Korea cap, black Fila jacket, and futuristic shooting glasses worn by all marksmen. “This girl is a movie character like how is she real,” commented another, reacting to older footage of Kim competing at the World Cup in Azerbaijan in May this year, where she set a new world record in the women’s 25m. Kim has since been dubbed the ‘coolest person on the planet’.

Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez competed in Paris while seven months pregnant

After being knocked out of the women’s individual sabre competition by South Korea’s Jeon Ha Young on Monday, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez took to Instagram and shared that she had been competing in Paris while seven months pregnant. “What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three! It was me, my competitor, and my yet-to-come to our world, little baby!” Hafez wrote. “The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life & sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it.” Prior to Hafez’s third appearance at the 2024 Olympics, she had competed in Rio and Tokyo.

Simone Biles becomes the first woman to land the Yurchenko double pike at an Olympic Games

Simone Biles nailed her signature Yurchenko double pike with precision, becoming the first woman to land the feat at an Olympic Games. Few men have attempted the complex vault due to its high difficulty level. As of July 30, Biles became the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast of all time, leading the Team USA’s gymnastics team to gold medal glory.

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Céline Dion and Lady Gaga stunned in Dior Couture for the Opening Ceremony

Contrary to previous speculation, singers Céline Dion and Lady Gaga did not perform a duet at the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony; but instead delivered stunning solo performances while dressed in custom Dior couture. Designed by the French fashion house’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s designs were intricately crafted and tailor-made to fit the needs and desires of each performer, making the night truly one to remember.

Michelle Yeoh showed support for the Refugee Olympic Team

International Olympics Committee (IOC) member and actress Michelle Yeoh took to the Olympics’ official Instagram page to show her support for the Refugee Olympic Team, cheering them on with a heartfelt message. The Oscar-winning actress praised the resilience and courage of the Refugee Team athletes, emphasising the importance of maintaining a strong sense of community and rapport.

Celebrity appearances from Ariana Grande, Tom Cruise, Cynthia Erivo, and more

Despite the Olympics only having just begun, celebrities from all around the world have already showed their support for the event and its athletes by joining the ranks of spectators in the stands. Among those present at this weekend’s events such as the gymnastic qualifying trials were Mission Impossible actor and producer Tom Cruise, singer-songwriter Nick Jonas, and Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

The Prelude Cocktail to the Olympic Games was a star-studded affair

Celebrities and renowned athletes descended onto the City of Light to celebrate the start of the 2024 Olympic Games on the eve of the Opening Ceremony. Held at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the event was co-hosted by Charlize Theron, Serena Williams, Rosalía, and Omar Sy—and saw the likes of Zendaya, Naomi Osaka, Tyla, and Jeremy Allen White in attendance. There was table tennis, foosball, archery and more, alongside interactive installations curated by Pharrell.

Céline Dion was rumoured to be making her comeback with an Olympics duet with Lady Gaga

For a few days leading up to the Olympics’ grand opening ceremony, the internet was abuzz with speculations that Céline Dion, who has not performed publicly since 2019 due to her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, is making her comeback performance at the Opening Ceremony. The Grammy-winning superstar and Lady Gaga reportedly rehearsed “La vie en rose” by Édith Piaf together in Paris, hinting at an Olympic duet.

Famous faces have been tapped to participate in the Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic torch, having arrived in Marseille in France on 8 May, has been making its way across the country since then. It will end its journey on 26 July. Famous faces have been tapped to carry the torch, including BTS’ Jin who took to the streets on Bastille Day to participate in the historic ceremonial summer games ritual, Formula 1 driver Charles LeClerc, Halle Berry, Salma Hayek and Snoop Dogg, who will be carrying the flame on its final leg around the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis.

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Team Mongolia’s Olympics 2024 uniforms went viral

Revealed earlier this month, the official kit for Team Mongolia already won gold in the eyes of Instagram and TikTok users. Designed by Mongolian couture house Michel & Amazonka, the pieces—to be worn by the athletes during the opening ceremony—are a perfect blend of culture and style. Inspired by traditional garments and Mongolian symbols, the pieces feature elaborate designs and intricate embroidery. The elegant ensembles were crafted over three months and each uniform took an average of 20 hours to create.

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LVMH announced as premium sponsor of the Games

This year’s Olympics is set to be the most luxurious one in history, with global luxury giant LVMH as a premium sponsor of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will be Louis Vuitton trunks holding the hardware at the medal ceremonies, Chaumet-designed medals for the Olympic winners, Berluti uniforms on Team France, and more.