From Yusuf Dijkec's Iconic Pose To Arshad Nadeem's Gold, Relive Top Moments From Paris Olympics

From records to upsets, romantic proposals to controversies, the recently concluded Paris Olympics had it all. The mega sports event was wrapped with a glittery closing ceremony on Monday, August 12. Team USA secured a total of 126 medals, including 40 gold to finish atop the standings.

China was second on the list, having won 91 medals across competitions. Meanwhile, the Indian contingent has bagged six medals including a silver for Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. Following the conclusion of the event, let’s look back at some unforgettable moments from the Paris Games–

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from wrestling final:

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat put up a commendable performance at this year’s Summer Games, featuring in the women’s 50kg freestyle event. She got the better of some top-quality opponents to reach the final. However, ahead of the ultimate showdown, it was found that Phogat was 100 grams overweight, leading to her disqualification.

Following the heartbreak in Paris, Phogat announced his retirement from wrestling. “Wrestling beat me, I lost…please forgive me ..your dream. My courage, everything is broken. I don’t have any more strength left in me. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024,” the 29-year-old wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Yusuf Dikec’s no-gear look:

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec created a stir on social media after winning the silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event. The 51-year-old, who has featured in five Olympic Games in a row, registered his maiden podium finish in Paris, pairing up with Şevval İlayda Tarhan. Dikec’s casual attitude during the final of the pistol event impressed many social media buffs.

One of his photos went viral where Dikec could be seen aiming at the target with one hand in his pocket. Ditching high-quality shooting gear, he appeared in a pair of ordinary prescription glasses and wore basic earplugs.

USA rower proposed to girlfriend in front of Eiffel Tower:

Justin Best, a young investment banker, scripted history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first American to win a rowing gold. Following his monumental achievement, Best went down on one knee in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower to propose to his long-time girlfriend, Lainey Duncan, a diamond engagement on a live broadcast. The athlete brought more than 2,700 yellow roses, which had significance in their nine-year relationship.

French athlete’s unique proposal:

French sprinter Alice Finot proposed to his boyfriend, Spanish triathlete Bruno Martínez Bargiela, with the Olympic pin after finishing fourth in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final. She completed the race in 8:58.67 to set a European record. Once the event was over, Finot asked for her boyfriend’s hand, going down on one knee.

Arshad Nadeem beat Neeraj Chopra to win the javelin throw gold:

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem set a new Olympic record in Paris to win the men’s javelin throw competition. He registered a throw of 92.97 meters in his second attempt, ensuring the gold medal. India’s Neeraj Chopra took the silver medal with his season-best throw of 89.45m. Arshad’s gold ended Pakistan’s 32-year-long wait for an Olympic medal.