The glorious farewell to the 2024 Olympics in Paris was marked by a spectacular closing ceremony featuring performances by Phoenix, H.E.R., and Tom Cruise symbolizing the handover to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The ceremony showcased an array of musical talents and celebrated the spirit of the Olympics. Team USA emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s basketball finals, securing gold medals in hard-fought matches. The women’s victory was the eighth straight Olympic gold for the U.S., tying them with China for the most gold medals won by any country in the first Summer Games draw in Olympic history.
However, amidst the celebrations, there was controversy as U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles was required to return her bronze medal in the floor exercise due to a timing dispute with her coach’s appeal. The International Olympic Committee upheld the findings, and Romanian Ana Bărbosu was named as the new bronze medalist. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the unity and spirit displayed by the French people during the Paris Olympics, despite the deep political tensions in the country. He emphasized the importance of values and sportsmanship showcased by athletes on the world stage.
The U.S. and China each won 40 gold medals in the Olympics, with American women securing the third-most medals if considered as a separate nation. The U.S. women’s soccer team clinched gold, marking their return to the summit of women’s soccer after defeating Brazil. The tournament also saw boxing champion Imane Khelif facing cyber harassment and false claims during the games. In a separate development, it was reported that Former President Donald Trump’s campaign was hacked by an Iranian group, raising concerns about cybersecurity in political campaigns.
The closing of the 2024 Olympics was overshadowed by a deadly Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties and escalating tensions in the region. The incident raised concerns about the impact on young children in Gaza who were reportedly suffering from ailments due to contaminated water sources as a result of the ongoing conflict. In a separate incident, the uncle of the Uvalde school shooter made a plea to police to intervene and prevent the tragic events that unfolded, emphasizing the need for intervention in such situations.
The emergence of new slang terms by Gen Alpha, children born after 2010, has left parents baffled and struggling to keep up with the evolving language of the younger generation. The shift in language and culture highlights the generational gap that exists in communication styles and societal norms. Other news highlights include updates on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, protests in Ferguson, Missouri, and the release of a new short documentary exploring the debate over “Drag Story Hour” events. Overall, the 2024 Olympics came to a close with a mix of triumphs, controversies, and global events shaping the discourse around sports and society.
