The Olympic medals for the Paris 2024 Games are unique in that they feature a hexagon-shaped center forged using metal scrapped from the Eiffel Tower. The back of the medals feature Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, alongside the Acropolis in Athens, paying homage to the Games’ Greek origins. In men’s gymnastics qualifiers, Team USA’s Stephen Nedoroscik impressed with his pommel horse routine, putting him in contention for a medal. American swimmer Katie Ledecky won her first race in the women’s 400m freestyle heats, setting the pace for the final where she will compete against reigning Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus.
Snoop Dogg shared his experience carrying the Olympic torch through the streets of Paris during the opening ceremony, emphasizing the values of peace, love, unity, and sportsmanship. In tennis, the singles events have begun on the clay courts of Roland-Garros, with top players like Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic in action. The United States won its first medal of the Games in the women’s 3-meter synchronized springboard diving event, with China taking the gold and Great Britain securing the bronze. China claimed the first gold medal of the Games in the 10-meter air rifle mixed team event, with South Korea and Kazakhstan taking silver and bronze respectively.
In men’s gymnastics, Frederick Richard and Brody Malone are among the athletes to watch as they aim to medal in Paris. The men’s street skateboarding event was postponed due to bad weather, with Japan’s Ginwoo Onodera being a favorite for a medal. Shooting awarded the first set of medals of the Games, with China and South Korea competing for the gold. The Paris Olympics officially began, with various sports events already underway including badminton, equestrian dressage, rowing, volleyball, and handball. Twin sisters Kerry and Annie Xu made a comeback to compete in badminton at the Olympics after a four-year break.
Olympic surfers will be competing in Tahiti on a cruise ship instead of at the Olympic Village, due to logistical constraints in the area. American athletes at the Paris Olympics were welcomed at the Team USA Welcome Center, where they were fitted for their official Ralph Lauren attire. Overall, the Paris Olympics have kicked off with exciting moments in various sports, showcasing the talent and determination of athletes from around the world to compete for the prestigious medals.
