The 2024 Paris Olympics are in full swing. While we’re loving all the sporting action, it’s the unique and, at times, unbelievable moments that have got everyone talking on social media. From controversial comments to unusual celebrity appearances, here are our top five memorable moments from the games so far.
Bob the Cap Catcher
Move over Tom Daley, there’s a new Olympic diver making waves, and his name is Bob the Cap Catcher.
Just before the final of the women’s 100m breaststroke prelims, spectators noticed a cap left floating in the pool. But there was no need to worry. In walked a man – who let’s just say, was not your typical Olympian – sporting tiny, colourful speedos. Without missing a beat, he dived into the pool and retrieved the cap. This unexpected and hilarious moment has quickly become one of the highlights of the 2024 Olympics, with many calling it ‘the best moment’ of the games so far.
Swimming in Controversy
Our next moment is perhaps memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Day one of the swimming races saw Australia’s women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team create history and secure gold. The moment was, however, sadly overshadowed when Eurosport commentator, Bob Ballard, made a sexist comment that has since seen him removed from his position.
As the team stayed behind at the Paris Aquatic Centre to celebrate, Ballard remarked, “Well, the women just finishing off. You know what women are like, hanging around, doing their makeup,” sparking immediate outrage on social media. Nothing like a bit of casual sexism being thrown around, hey? We hope this is a lesson learned for Ballard.
Sha’Carri Richardson Being Fast, Fierce and Fabulous
Bold hair colours, six-inch acrylic nails and record-breaking speed – three things that make track star Sha’Carri Richardson a true Olympic icon.
Following a one-month suspension that kept her out of the Tokyo Olympics back in 2020, Sha’Carri is the talk of the internet as fans eagerly await her (and her iconic nails’) Olympic debut in the 100 meters. In her own words, she’s not just “back”, she’s “better”.
But Sha’Carri’s success isn’t limited to the track. She recently partnered with beauty brand Olay to help promote their dissolvable Cleansing Melts pads. It’s all part of her personal brand, promoting self-confidence as she shows the world she’s fast, fierce and fabulous. She currently holds the title of the fastest woman in the world, and we can’t wait to see what she’s got in store at the games this summer.
In what will no doubt go down in history as one of the best ‘girl power’ moments at any Olympics, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez revealed she was seven months pregnant while competing at Paris 2024.
After winning her first bout in the women’s individual saber, she was sadly knocked out during the final 16. Following her defeat, she took to Instagram to share some incredible news. In an emotional post, she wrote, ‘What appears to you as two players on the podium, there were actually three!’
This was Hafez’s third time competing at the Olympics, but this time was extra special as she had her ‘little Olympian’ with her the whole time. We’re not crying, you are.
Snoop Dogg’s Olympics Antics
Is this the most unexpected Olympics correspondent ever?
Joining NBC Sports as their special correspondent, Snoop Dogg has been stealing the show with his unexpected appearances at the 2024 games. From busting a move with the US gymnastics team to taking a dip with Michael Phelps, the rapper has truly been living his best life in Paris. He even got to carry the Olympic torch before the opening ceremony.
This isn’t the first time Snoop Dogg has appeared somewhere unexpected in the name of PR. Last year he went viral after posting on Instagram saying he was ‘going smokeless’. The internet went wild, with some fans even pledging to quit smoking in solidarity. However, Snoop soon revealed it was a savvy marketing scheme in partnership with a fire pit company. You have to admire his creativity.
