The 2024 Olympics in Paris have brought not only thrilling competitions but also significant security measures. The French government has implemented strict protocols to ensure the safety of the event. Authorities have used broad discretionary powers under an anti-terror law to restrict the movements of hundreds deemed potential security threats. These measures are unprecedented in scope and particularly affect individuals with backgrounds in former French colonies. Many of these individuals are required to report daily to police and cannot leave their neighborhoods. For example, a man with past mental health issues now receiving treatment, a Muslim bank apprentice whose father was born in Morocco, and a halal food delivery driver at risk of losing his job are all impacted.
The security measures have had a profound impact on minorities. Many affected individuals feel targeted and restricted in their daily lives. For instance, Amine, a bank apprentice, is restricted despite having no criminal record. He believes he was mistaken for someone else who posted extremist content online. Police have visited him twice in four months, seizing his phone and computer and later notifying him of movement restrictions. These measures aim to prevent “very dangerous” people from attacking the Games, according to French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin. Over 500 people have been subjected to these measures this year as part of Olympic security preparations.
The Women's Balance Beam Final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games took place on August 5, 2024, at Bercy Arena in Paris, France. This event is considered one of the most difficult and mentally challenging in women's gymnastics. The competition saw only half of the eight competitors successfully complete their routines without falling off the beam. Notable gymnasts Simone Biles and Suni Lee both experienced falls during their routines. The final results were as follows:
– Gold Medal: Alice D'Amato (Italy)
– Silver Medal: Yaqin Zhou (China)
– Bronze Medal: Manila Esposito (Italy)
Yaqin Zhou's routine included a switch leap, front handspring front tuck series, switch ring, and side somi into jump tuck full. However, she received a deduction for putting her hands down on the beam, resulting in a final score of 14.1. Suni Lee started strong with a triple wolf turn followed by a front aerial split jump back handspring and switch leap to switch half to ring jump. Unfortunately, she fell off during her side aerial to layout layout, finishing with a score of 13. Julia Soares of Brazil performed a double wolf turn, back handspring layout, front aerial split jump into back tuck, and switch leap but fell off on her tour jeté half, scoring 12.333.
Manila Esposito mounted with a triple series of back handspring layout to back handspring followed by a front aerial side aerial with a big wobble. She stuck her double pike dismount, earning a final score of 14.0. Sabrina Voinea of Romania fell twice during her routine, resulting in a score of 11.733. Alice D'Amato's strong routine included a switch leap into front aerial to straddle jump to sissone jump and a solid dismount, scoring 14.366. Simone Biles had an initial solid start but fell off during her second layout step out, finishing with a score of 13. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil performed well but came up short for bronze with a score of 13.933.
The Paris 2024 Olympics have been filled with emotional moments. Simone Biles closed out the Games with a silver medal in gymnastics floor exercise, marking her fourth medal in Paris. The 100m race history was revisited, highlighting the men who have won gold. Noah Lyles commented on Team USA sprinters' mission to reach for gold, while Kevin Durant expressed his love for the ‘family atmosphere' of playing in the Olympics. Basketball, a quintessential American sport, is gaining popularity in France. Valarie Allman claimed her second consecutive Olympic title, and France survived a scare from Egypt with a 3-1 win in extra time in men's soccer.
For the first time in Olympic history, the gymnastics podium was composed entirely of Black women. Brazil's Rebeca Andrade won gold in the women's Floor Exercise Finals, with Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles from the USA taking silver and bronze, respectively. Andrade's win marks her as the first person to beat Biles in a floor competition at a major international event. This historic podium is a significant milestone in a sport that remains majority white, with only 8% of NCAA female gymnasts being Black during the 2022–2023 school year. Social media celebrated this achievement, calling it the #BlackGirlMagic podium.
Ethan Katzberg, a Canadian hammer thrower, won gold at the 2024 Olympics, marking Canada's first gold in the event since 1956. Katzberg is the first Canadian to reach the Olympic podium in hammer throw since Duncan Gillis won silver in 1912. His opening throw of 84.12 meters was unmatched by any competitor, and he also posted the second-best throw of the competition at 82.28 meters. No other competitor reached the 80-meter mark. Bence Halasz of Hungary won silver with a throw of 79.97 meters, and Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan took bronze with a toss of 79.39 meters.
Reigning world champion Stevan Micic announced his withdrawal from the Paris Olympics due to a knee injury that will require reconstructive surgery. Micic, who became Serbia’s first freestyle world champion last year, was the #1 seed for the Paris Olympics at the 57-kilogram weight class. Despite his confidence and preparation, the injury prevents him from competing in the men's freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics. United World Wrestling is working through its list of alternates to fill Micic’s spot and adjust seeds accordingly.
In the men's football semifinal, hosts France made a comeback to defeat Egypt 3-1 after extra time. The match, held on August 5, 2024, at the Paris Olympics, saw France secure their victory in extra time, setting up an Olympic final with Spain. The game was a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.
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